In Seal Beach, California, Donut City is a beloved destination for its loyal customers. These people have recently rallied behind owner John Chhan and his wife Stella, who suffered a brain aneurysm in September.

When news spread about Stella’s affliction, customers wanted to do something to help. John declined the offer for someone to set up a GoFundMe account for the couple, so a new plan was formed: Instead of buying one donut during a visit, customers would purchase them by the dozen.

“Days went by and I just couldn’t get it out of my head,” customer Dawn Caviola says about the news of Stella’s brain aneurysm. “So I thought, if enough people would buy a dozen doughnuts every morning, he could close early and go be with his wife.”

With Donut City’s products selling out sooner each day, John has been able to get out earlier and visit his wife at the rehabilitation center where she is staying. The shop typically opens at 4:30 a.m., and lately it has only had to stay open until 7:30 a.m.

“I so appreciate it,” Chhan says. “I just can’t say enough thank you and thank you.”