In today’s society, acts of kindness and compassion seem to be on the decline. However, every now and then, we come across a story that reminds us of the beauty of going above and beyond for strangers in need. This heartwarming tale is about Nola Carpenter, an 82-year-old Walmart employee, who received an unexpected act of kindness that touched the hearts of many.
A Surprising Encounter
Devan Bonagura, a resident of New Jersey, noticed an elderly woman working at his local Walmart store. He couldn’t understand why she was still working at her age and not enjoying her retirement. Inspired by compassion, Devan decided to take action and lend a helping hand to make a difference in Nola’s life.
A TikTok Video Goes Viral
Devan captured a 15-second video of Nola sitting at the break room table during her shift and uploaded it to TikTok. The video, accompanied by the caption “Life shouldn’t be this hard…”, struck a chord with viewers. People sympathized with Nola and expressed shock that she was still working at the age of 81.
The overwhelming response to the video motivated Devan to do more to help Nola. He discovered that she was working to pay off her mortgage on a wage of only $17-$19 an hour. Determined to make a difference, Devan created a fundraiser with the title “Let’s help Nola retire” to rally support for the 81-year-old.
Overcoming Obstacles
However, things took an unexpected turn when the store manager demanded Devan delete both the video and the fundraiser, claiming it was a threat to the business. Undeterred, Devan stood his ground, determined to help Nola no matter what. He remained committed to raising the funds needed to make her retirement dreams a reality.
A Life-Changing Surprise
On November 5, Devan paid a surprise visit to Nola and delivered the incredible news. Through the kindness and generosity of strangers, he was able to transfer $110,000 to her bank account, raised through the fundraiser. Nola was overwhelmed with gratitude, as she now had the means to retire.
However, Nola revealed that she would still need an additional $60,000 to fully pay off her mortgage. Devan made the decision to leave the GoFundMe page active until it reached a total of $186,000. He was determined to ensure Nola could retire without any financial burden.
A Bright Future Ahead
Finally, Nola expressed her heartfelt appreciation for Devan’s act of kindness, emphasizing that none of this would have been possible without him. With newfound financial security, Nola could now retire and enjoy her well-deserved rest. Although she will miss her loyal customers, Nola plans to continue working during the upcoming holiday season before officially retiring in early 2023.
Nola Carpenter’s story serves as a reminder of the power of compassion and the impact one person can make in the lives of others. Let us be inspired by her story to spread kindness and bring joy to those in need, no matter their age or circumstances. Together, we can make a difference and create a society filled with love and support for one another.
