From a young age, we’re taught the importance of helping those less fortunate than ourselves. Kindness and making a positive impact in others’ lives should be a fundamental part of our everyday actions. However, as time goes on, the act of giving, particularly when we have more than enough, seems to be less common.
Despite this, there are still people who believe in the power of generosity and are willing to go the extra mile to assist those in need. Occasionally, we encounter heartwarming stories that remind us of the joy of doing something truly special for a stranger.
One such story involves Nola Carpenter, an incredible woman nearing her 82nd birthday, who has worked at her local Walmart for over two decades. According to her daughter, Nola has dedicated much of her time to the store, even as she approaches her eighties.
Enter Devan Bonagura, a man from New Jersey who noticed Nola working during his visits to Walmart. Devan was struck by the sight of an 81-year-old still working instead of enjoying retirement. Determined to help, Devan’s compassionate actions quickly gained attention online.
Devan started by sharing a brief video on TikTok, capturing Nola during her break at work. The 15-second clip resonated with viewers, garnering 30.8 million views and over 4.6 million reactions as of November 28. People were deeply moved by Nola’s situation and couldn’t believe she was still working at her age.
Motivated by the response, Devan felt compelled to do more. He learned that Nola was working to save money and pay off her mortgage, earning between $17 and $19 per hour. To help her retire debt-free, Devan launched a fundraiser titled “Let’s Help Nola Retire,” with the message, “Nola works at Walmart, and that says enough. Let’s all come together and help.”
Despite facing opposition from store management, who asked him to remove the video and fundraiser, even threatening to involve the police, Devan refused to back down. He was determined to get the funds to Nola, stating, “I told them to do what they had to do because I’m determined to get this money to Nola one way or another.”
On November 5, Devan visited Nola and shared the incredible news that $110,000 from the fundraiser had been deposited into her account. When Nola mentioned she still needed $60,000 to fully pay off her mortgage, Devan decided to keep the GoFundMe page open. The campaign eventually surpassed $186,000.
Nola expressed her gratitude, saying, “I feel good, and I’m thankful for Devan for what he’s done. None of this would have been possible without him.” With this generous support, Nola can now retire without financial worries.
Although Nola admitted feeling a bit sad about no longer seeing her regular customers, she plans to work through the holiday season and retire at the beginning of 2023.
Devan’s incredible act of kindness is truly inspiring. Thanks to his efforts, Nola can look forward to a peaceful retirement. Let’s celebrate the power of generosity and strive to make a positive impact in the lives of others.
