Albert Lexie, with his purple shoeshine push cart, was a beloved fixture for more than 30 years within the hospital’s corridors, but his generosity became renowned across the nation and the public learned about his kindness through newspapers, magazines, and television shows.

Twice a week — Tuesday and Thursday — Lexie rose long before the sun came up, catching multiple buses for an hour and a half trek from his home in Monessen to Pittsburgh, to get to work and be around what he called “Albert’s kids.” From 1982 to 2013, he polished the shoes of doctors, executives, and staff members in the building, charging anywhere from $2 to $5, all the while making small but constant donations to his favorite cause.

Over the years, Lexie’s contributions added up. By the time he retired in December 2013, the hospital reported he had given $202,000 to the Free Care Fund, which provides financial assistance for underinsured and uninsured children.

Read more at NPR.