Community raises $43K for ailing Gilroy shop owners

Customer launches fund to pay for medical bills, rent

A community campaign to raise money for an ailing Gilroy couple forced to keep their business going while their daughter is dying has raised more than $43,000 — and is growing by the hour.

The GoFundMe effort started after longtime customer Stephanie UptonGonzalez stopped by the Gilroy Donut House and was surprised to see the father, Sreng Hok, working because she knew he’s been ill and going through dialysis the last couple of years. His wife, Sok Tea, who is partially paralyzed after a stroke last year, has been working nights making the doughnuts.

The couple is laboring despite their ailments because their 29-year-old daughter, Kim Hok, who worked at the shop, suffered a brain aneurysm and will be taken off life support soon, according to Upton-Gonzalez.

“Due to these unfortunate circumstances, they are not in a position to close the store to grieve,” she wrote. “Let’s show the Hok family how great our community is. … As you know, they are the nicest family.”

She added: “These funds will go to help with their rent, medical bills, or whatever else they need to be able to grieve and not worry so much during this difficult time.”

Upton-Gonzalez launched the GoFundMe page for the family on Monday and watched as the contributions started mounting.

“I am so overwhelmed as I wake up this morning and see the fundraiser has reached over $35,000. All of you are true angels. I have contacted the family and they are extremely grateful. They sold out of donuts very quickly this morning and are making more. Thank you again from the bottom of my heart and the Hok family’s heart,” Upton-Gonzalez posted Tuesday.

Their son, Bun Long “Jeffery” Hok, who was working in the shop Tuesday afternoon, said they never expected such an outpouring from the people to whom they sell doughnuts. “The support has been overwhelming.”

Customers and non-customers alike posted their reasons for donating to the family.

Donor Mike Park posted: “I don’t eat donuts, and I’ve never been in the shop. But when your neighbors need help, you help.”

A San Francisco customer, Xuan C., went on Yelp to promote the effort.

“This is an amazing donut shop with the most amazing family running it!” she wrote. “If you guys can take a second out of your day, please look over … the fundraiser started by someone in their community.

“I know everyone is going through a tough time, but after their story I was compelled to donate.”