It’s been a week since Wayne State University student Evan Leedy, 19, started a GoFundMe page for James Robertson, a Detroit man who walked 21 miles a day to work. Touched by his story, Leedy hoped to raise enough money to buy Robertson a car that would take him back and forth to work.

Within a few days Leedy had far surpassed his goal of $5,000 and has now raised over $300,000. In addition, Ford Motors heard about Leedy’s efforts and threw a brand new car for him into the mix.

When setting up the fundraiser, Leedy had no idea how entirely life changing his efforts would be. In one update on the GoFundMe page Leedy writes, “I have to be honest, on Sunday morning I stopped in the middle of creating the GoFundMe page thinking, ‘Who’s going to donate to some 19-year-old’s fundraiser to buy a guy a car?'”

It turns out there was over 17,000 people who wanted to help buy the man a car.

This website has created a platform that not only changes people’s lives but gives a whole new meaning to charity. Social networking has drastically changed the way in which people interact with one another, but it has also changed the way people give back.

While Robertson’s and Leedy’s story has been a hot topic in the press recently, there are other success stories on GoFundMe.

Recipients around the world include fire victims, cancer patients, mourning families, beloved family pets, and many more. While the story of Pickles the Corgi with a rare autoimmune disease is bound to tug on the heartstrings of any pet owner, there are campaigns on GoFundMe that have garnered massive media attention and have brought in thousands of donations.

Another story that has been plastered all over Facebook is the story of Leo Forrest and his father Sam, who, after refusing to give up his son born with Down syndrome for adoption, is facing a divorce and single-fatherhood. Forrest’s campaign on GoFundMe has raised well over $450,000.

GoFundMe has made donating as easy as a click of a button. With low processing fees and a 5 percent deduction, GoFundMe gives users the option to create a personal fundraiser, or to create a fundraiser for a specific charity. Goals are set, but unlike other crowdfunding websites like Kickstarter, the recipient keeps all donations made even when the goal isn’t met. GoFundMe is a website that focuses on the needs of ordinary people and the willingness of others to donate to fulfill those needs.