His name was Thomas Cannon.

He was not rich.

He simply read newspapers, found stories about people who were struggling or had done something kind or courageous, and decided to help.

Usually, he did not contact them himself.

He mailed the money to the journalist who had written the story and asked them to pass it along.

That way, the recipient did not have to meet him.

Did not owe him anything.

And did not have to make a big show of saying thank you.

Over the years, Cannon gave away more than $150,000 of his own money.

He became known as the “Poor Man’s Philanthropist.”

Most people wait until they are wealthy to start giving.

Thomas Cannon never was.

He just kept giving anyway.