Students at the University of Kentucky have raised more than $6,000 this Christmas for a woman who works in the Starbucks on campus.
Almost 600 people donated to an online fund for the coffee shop employee known as Mrs Tammy, who has worked at the college for 15 years.
Alison Brown, who studies at the university, organised the surprise to repay Mrs Tammy for the kindness and support she had shown students over the years.
She wrote on the fundraising page: "For those of you who have had the pleasure of meeting Mrs. Tammy you can attest to the fact that she is one of the sweetest, hardest working, kind hearted people you will ever meet.
"Mrs. Tammy has touched so many students on UK's campus and this is a way for us to give back to her and spread some Christmas cheer. Any little bit helps. Please consider giving to the person who constantly gives to those around her."
Speaking to LEX18, one student said: "A lot of us we get caught up in finals, work, school life, over all, and don't have someone to talk to."