Customers of the Gilroy Donut House in Gilroy, California raised over $90,000 to help the family-owned business as they deal with the impact of COVID-19 and other health issues.
The Hok family is reportedly also suffering from non-COVID related health issues, according to family member Bunlong Hok via ABC7 News.
The Gilroy Donut Shop owners are mourning the loss of their own. A brain aneurysm took the life of Kim Hok, yet the family continues to push through & keep their business open. To show their support, Gilroy residents have raised thousands of $ to support. https://t.co/4BmMorGiz1 pic.twitter.com/HegaxsLgHz
— Dustin Dorsey (@DustinABC7) May 11, 2020
Soktea Hok had a stroke while her husband, Sreng Hok, underwent dialysis treatment for his kidney. The family also recently lost their daughter, Kimlang Phoeu, who passed away from a brain aneurysm.
“It was limited on who can see her because they specifically said immediate family only, which I understand,” Bunlong Hok told the station. “It just sucks because a lot of my family wanted to see her.”
Loyal customers quickly flocked to the family-run donut shop to support them during this health crisis. The shop saw a significant increase in customers as lines wrap around the shop and donuts run out quickly each day.
“It’s crazy to see so many people come out and show how much they care about this little tiny business over here,” Bunlong Hok said. “I still feel like I don’t know what we’ve done to deserve all this.”
The wave of support did not end there. Stephanie Gonzales, a customer of more than 20 years, organized a GoFundMe campaign for Gilroy Donut House. The campaign raised over $90,000 with donations coming from across the country.
In less than a week, a GoFundMe set up for the family owners of the Gilroy Donut House has raised more then $90,000! Tune into @abc7newsbayarea at 4 to see how you can give back! https://t.co/4BmMorGiz1 pic.twitter.com/OoBSEnllXp
— Dustin Dorsey (@DustinABC7) May 11, 2020
Meanwhile, Kimlang’s kidney was used to save her father’s life and her other organs were also donated to other people in need.
This is Soktea Hok, Kimlang Phoeu and Sreng Hok. They own and operate the Gilroy Donut House. Kimlang recently passed, but there was a positive. Her kidney was donated to her father to save him and other organs were donated to give life to others as well. https://t.co/4BmMorXTXB pic.twitter.com/0Vkf3D05aQ
— Dustin Dorsey (@DustinABC7) May 11, 2020
“At the end of the day, as long as we stay together, just in general, and keep our eyes on the prize we should be able to make it out of it,” Bunlong Hok told the news network. “Things are hard now, but it will get better.”
Feature Image Screenshot (left) via KPIX CBS SF Bay Area, (right) ABC7 News
