Gratitude: homeless man collects money for Catholic charity that fed him

What a story: 

An elderly homeless man who has relied on the kindness of strangers to survive recently paid it forward.

Ed Denst, 77, donated $250, all in $1 bills, to the Catholic charity the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul Council of Los Angeles.

“I was shocked,” board president Claire Padama told CBS LA. “I think that’s more meaningful than those people who have a lot.”

Padama has known Denst, an ex-Marine, for nearly 20 years, CBS LA reported. He goes to Our Mother of Good Counsel Church every day to receive a meal, something that is made possible by the Saint Vincent de Paul Society’s daily sandwich program.

The money will go toward helping those who need rental or utility assistance, Padama said.

Denst has been homeless since his wife died 23 years ago. He told CBS LA that he has been living on the streets since he sold the house and spent all of his money.

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