Homeless Man's 'Extraordinary Show of Character and Honesty' Pays Off in a HUGE Way

When Glen James found more than $40,000 in cash and traveler's checks, he probably thought: "Man, I could really use this money."

He is homeless after all.

Instead, the homeless Boston man took the money, stuffed inside a black backpack with a passport, directly to police, TheBlaze recently reported. The cash was more than enough to get him out of the shelter he was currently living in -- but he figured it was more important to do the right thing. As you'll learn shortly, doing the right thing can really pay off.

Stunned by the his "extraordinary show of character and honesty," Boston Police Commissioner Ed Davis awarded James with a special citation to honor his incredible act. The owner of the bag was eventually located and his property was returned.

Glen James (right) being recognized for his honesty by the Boston Police Department. (WBZ-TV, Twitter)

Even as he was being honored, James humbly handed out a written statement thanking everyone who has ever put money in his cup since he's been panhandling.

"Even if I were desperate for money, I would not have kept even a … penny of the money I found. I am extremely religious — God has always very well looked after me,” the statement read, according to Boston Magazine.

And that was the end of it, right? Wrong.

James's good deed has since payed off in a monumental -- and potentially life-changing -- way.

Ethan Whittington, of Midlothian, Va.,  reportedly heard about James and decided to start a "GoFundMe.com" fundraiser for the "honorable" homeless man. And it has exceeded everyone's expectations.

As of Tuesday night, the site had raised nearly $50,000 for the "Boston Homeless Man Reward," even more than James would have netted if he stole the money he found.

Moving forward, "the sky is the limit," Whittington writes. He says he has spoken to James over the phone and is currently working on a plan to get the money to him once the goal of $50,000 is reached and also how to find the man a job and possibly housing.

"Donations just keep pouring in. I have had people willing to donate computers, clothes, food, etc. I am also speaking with a few folks about the possibility of a house or apartment,” Whittington wrote on the fundraising website on Tuesday. “The sky is the limit, the more money we make, the more people we can help…again, I cannot thank you enough for the support. If we change one person's life at a time, we can change the world.”

Well done, humanity.

If you would like to donate money to James's reward fund, click here.

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