Helping My Friend After He Was Robbed At Gunpoint

Update 7/23: I would like to take the time to acknowledge some of the amazingly generous donors and thank everyone again for their support! Some have chosen to remain anonymous, but I would be remiss to ignore their donations. Ronald R., and Nicholas K. have donated $200! Kevin V. has given $300! Anon2 an Anon3 have donated an amazing $500! Our top donor, with an astounding $1000, is Anonymous1! I am truly in awe of the amazing support from everyone that has given so much of their time and money to support Niko. Our thanks will never be enough.

Update 7/22: I would just like to take the time to thank everyone who has taken the time to read, donate, or share this story. Your time and generosity is greatly appreciated. We have reached our goal, and then some, in just two days! Again, thank you to everyone!

Hi, my name is Robert. Thank you for taking the time to view this story. I am raising money to help my friend after he was robbed at gunpoint. My friend Niko, is the owner of Niko's Donuts in Redondo Beach, CA. On July 20th, he was robbed by three masked men at gunpoint as they ransacked his business in search of money. Previously his business was burglarized in the night where someone had smashed in his storefront window.

At this point I would like to say it took a lot of convincing to get Niko to accept this, as he does not want to rely on other people's money and he feels like it could go to better causes. This is one of the few reasons why this is important to me. Niko is a good man, he cares for his family and friends, and is trying to make the American dream his life, while refusing to accept charity he feels that he isn't owed. He is even preparing to go to work right after this terrible experience.

After talking it over with him, we decided to try and get enough to make back what he lost monetarily. While he might not fully regain his sense of security, I hope the support of others will show him there is a community he can rely on.

I am asking for $2,700. This would make up for the money that was stolen, what he would have earned for that day, repairs to his business, and replace the cash register and other items that were destroyed/stolen.

Anything that you are willing to donate will be a great help, and if you feel like this story is worth sharing I would greatly appreciate it.

Thank you again for taking the time to read this and for any support you can provide.