Elderly Texas Veteran Delivers Food Late at Night to Make Ends Meet

Community rallies to support 76-year-old Larry Colvin after doorbell video sparks outreach

Mar. 21, 2026 at 1:03am

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A homeowner in Mabank, Texas noticed an elderly man wearing a veteran's cap delivering DoorDash food late at night and posted about it on social media, sparking an outpouring of community support. The man, 76-year-old Larry Colvin, is a Vietnam veteran who had to return to work delivering food to cover the high costs of healthcare for his wife and son. After the video went viral, a donation fund was started that has raised nearly $9,000 to help Colvin and his family.

Why it matters

The story highlights the financial struggles many elderly Americans, including veterans, face in retirement when their fixed incomes are not enough to cover rising healthcare and living costs. It also demonstrates the power of community support and how a simple social media post can lead to meaningful assistance for those in need.

The details

Colvin, who will turn 77 in May, had been retired for 10 years as a repairman but was forced to return to work delivering food for DoorDash to supplement his Social Security income. His wife is facing upcoming surgeries and his son has three autoimmune diseases, putting a financial strain on the family. Colvin said he typically works 6 days a week, avoiding Wednesdays when he attends church, in order to earn the most money from late-night deliveries.

  • Colvin is 76 years old as of the time of the story.
  • Colvin will turn 77 in May 2026.
  • Colvin had been retired for 10 years prior to returning to work.

The players

Larry Phillip Colvin

A 76-year-old Vietnam veteran who has returned to work delivering food for DoorDash to supplement his Social Security income and cover high healthcare costs for his wife and son.

Savannah Saulters

A homeowner in Mabank, Texas who noticed Colvin delivering food late at night on her doorbell camera and posted about it on social media, sparking an outpouring of community support.

Donna Colvin

Larry Colvin's daughter-in-law, who said the work has been hard on him at his age.

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What they’re saying

“There should be no reason that a 76-year-old man is delivering my pizza at 10:30 at nighttime. That should not be happening.”

— Savannah Saulters

“My Social Security just wasn't cutting it anymore. I had to do something, and I can't hold down a regular job.”

— Larry Colvin

“I think it's very hard on him. I think he's almost 77 years old, and it's gotta take its toll somewhere.”

— Donna Colvin, Larry Colvin's daughter-in-law

“I wish I didn't have to do it at night because that's when you make the most money.”

— Larry Colvin

“I love you, I'm so grateful for you. What you've done has helped our family tremendously ... I'm very grateful. It'll help pay off some bills.”

— Larry Colvin

What’s next

The donation fund started by Savannah Saulters to help the Colvin family is expected to continue receiving contributions from the local community.

The takeaway

This story highlights the financial struggles many elderly Americans, including veterans, face in retirement when their fixed incomes are not enough to cover rising healthcare and living costs. It demonstrates the power of community support and how a simple act of kindness can make a meaningful difference in someone's life.