As we grow older, we are often taught the importance of helping those less fortunate than ourselves. It’s about going the extra mile to make a positive impact on someone’s life. Unfortunately, acts of kindness and charity seem to be on the decline in our society. However, once in a while, we come across a story that reminds us of the beauty in extending a helping hand to complete strangers in need.
Enter Devan Bonagura from New Jersey. He noticed an older woman working at his local Walmart store and couldn’t understand why she hadn’t retired yet. Determined to make a difference, he took it upon himself to lend a helping hand, and his actions soon captured the hearts of people worldwide.
The woman he helped is Nola Carpenter, an 81-year-old resident of New Jersey who had dedicated over 20 years of her life to working at Walmart. Devan uploaded a 15-second video to TikTok, accompanied by the text “Life shouldn’t be this hard…”, highlighting Nola’s situation. The video quickly gained attention, amassing an astounding 30.8 million views and over 4.6 million reactions.
Overwhelmed by the response, Devan felt compelled to do more for Nola. He discovered that she was still working to pay off her mortgage, with a wage of only $17-$19 per hour. In a compassionate move, Devan created a fundraiser titled “Let’s Help Nola Retire” to gather support for the 81-year-old.
However, things took an unexpected turn when the store manager contacted Devan, demanding that he remove both the video and the fundraiser. The manager claimed that their business was being threatened and even threatened to involve the police. But Devan stood firm, unwavering in his commitment to help Nola. He defiantly stated, “I’m getting this money to this woman one way or another.”
His determination paid off. Devan’s fundraiser gained tremendous traction, raising a staggering $186,000 to support Nola’s retirement. People from all walks of life rallied behind the cause, demonstrating the power of unity and compassion.
This heartwarming story serves as a reminder that even amidst our busy lives, we have the ability to make a profound impact. Devan Bonagura’s actions not only restored hope for Nola Carpenter but also inspired millions around the world. Let us embrace the spirit of giving and continue to extend a helping hand to those who need it most. Together, we can make a difference in someone’s life.
