A chance meeting in a grocery store parking lot became the catalyst for a life-changing moment that would unfold in front of millions of viewers. What started as a typical day for content creator Jimmy Kellogg turned into an emotional encounter that showcased both the power of social media philanthropy and the unexpected connections that can emerge from genuine human compassion.
Unexpected Help
Kellogg, the 28-year-old philanthropist behind the Jimmy Darts brand, was preparing to film one of his signature kindness challenges when a stranger got there first. As Kellogg approached, the man recognized him instantly. Removing his glasses, his eyes welled with tears as he admitted he knew exactly who the social media influencer was.
Pastor Will explained that he had been repeatedly drawn to watch the creator’s videos and had made himself and God a promise: if they ever crossed paths, he would tell the truth about recognizing him rather than pretending otherwise.
“I know who you are… because He kept leading me to your videos. He kept leading me to your videos, and I said, ‘If you send him… I’m gonna tell him I know y’all.’ Gonna be honest — I’m a Pastor,” Will said through tears, eventually dropping to his knees in gratitude.
When Kellogg asked where the family lived, the answer painted a stark picture: Pastor Will, his wife Makeda, their one-year-old daughter Mikaela, and their dog Genesis had been residing in their car for two years. The pastor’s ministry location and congregation size remain undisclosed, but his circumstances clearly illustrated the financial struggles many small-scale religious leaders face.
Kellogg immediately handed the family $1,000, but that initial gift proved to be just the beginning.
He shared their story with his massive following across platforms where he commands over 20 million followers, including more than 12 million on TikTok alone. The response was overwhelming.
Within 24 hours, his audience contributed more than $220K through a GoFundMe campaign that originally targeted $50K. By the time the fundraiser closed, approximately 400 donors had pushed the total past $432K.
Kellogg documented his return visit, revealing not only the fundraising total but also presenting the family with a new vehicle amid a shower of confetti.
The philanthropist’s approach has become his signature since he launched his YouTube channel in July 2014, which now hosts 619 videos averaging 62,400 likes per post as of October 2025, according to Speakrj.com.
His methodology typically involves testing strangers’ willingness to help before rewarding kindness with substantial cash prizes or launching crowdfunding campaigns.
This model has earned him recognition as GoFundMe’s top organizer of fundraisers on behalf of others and secured appearances on major networks, including CNN, Fox News, and Today. His work through The Jimmy Darts Foundation focuses on combating homelessness, addressing bullying, and empowering youth with resources.
The Walker, Minnesota, native traces his philanthropic career back to childhood Christmas traditions, where his parents gave him $200 annually: half for himself, half to give away to strangers. That family practice evolved into a full-time career, with unverified estimates placing his net worth around $1 million.
However, according to My Journal Courier, his methods have attracted criticism from those who argue that filming vulnerable people for content is exploitative and clout-chasing, regardless of the financial benefits provided. Comedian Brad Podray has become a vocal critic, creating parodies that question whether helping people on camera for views and monetization can truly be altruistic. Kellogg addresses these concerns by seeking consent after filming and emphasizing his Christian faith as the foundation for his mission.