Irish donors return an old favor to Native American tribes hit hard by coronavirus

A fundraiser started to raise money for Navajo and Hopi families affected by the coronavirus pandemic has had an influx of Irish donors, who say they are contributing as a way of saying thanks to the Choctaw Nation for helping during Ireland's Great Famine.

In 1847, the Choctaw Nation gave $170 in relief money to the Irish. The tribes were "said to have been inspired to help others who were suffering after experiencing massive losses during the Trail of Tears," CBS News reports.

Today, many Native American communities have been hit especially hard by the coronavirus, due to inadequate health care and housing. A GoFundMe has been set up to get groceries, water, and health supplies to Navajo and Hopi families in Arizona, Utah, and New Mexico, and organizers said the Choctaw's favor is being "returned through generous donations from the Irish people to the Navajo during our time of crisis."

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Donors have written that this is their chance to honor the Choctaw's generosity, and they are glad to be part of the payback. As of late Tuesday night, the fundraiser has brought in more than $2.3 million.