A family in South Carolina has raised more than $250,000 for Barbara Gillespie, a 72-year-old Domino’s delivery woman.
For their 72-year-old Domino’s delivery woman, Barbara Gillespie, who was hurt while bringing them food on February 3, a South Carolina family has raised more than $250,000. The family’s home security camera caught the fall, and the video went viral, garnering over 3 million views on TikTok. When homeowner Kevin Keighron opened the door, he discovered Gillespie attempting to stand up while apologizing for dropping the food. Assuring her that everything would be fine, he and his wife, Lacey Klein, created a GoFundMe page for them to add an additional “tip” for Gillespie. The charity event was a great success. To help the cause, over 14,000 people donated. The amount of money that strangers have given to Gillespie has left her speechless, and Domino’s told “GMA” that they are thankful that “caring customers were able to help her transform her life so meaningfully.” Gillespie, who gave Domino’s her two-week notice on February 8, intends to retire.
The incident has sparked a larger discussion about how many Americans must continue working after they reach retirement age in order to meet their living expenses. According to GoFundMe, recent retirement-related fundraisers have had a “ripple effect.” “Let’s show her some kindness and take off some of this burden that our economy is causing the older generations especially.” Kevin and Lacey Klein wrote in their description for Gillespie. They want Gillespie to enjoy her golden years with her grandchildren, children, and great-great-grandchildren, take a cruise, go on vacation, or do whatever she pleases.
Similar campaigns to assist older workers in retiring have been inspired by the neighborhood’s kindness and generosity. For instance, after a TikTok video of an 82-year-old Walmart employee working went viral, strangers donated over $133,000 to her cause. It is touching to see so many people banding together to provide assistance to those in need. American workers are retiring at later ages than they did thirty years ago. The average retirement age increased from 57 in 1991 to 61 in 2022, according to a Gallup poll. Additionally, from 60 in 1995 to 66 in 2022, the target retirement age for non-retirees. Economic downturns, shifting attitudes toward retirement, greater workplace flexibility, and the aging of the “baby boom” generation are likely contributing factors.
Aging adults in the workforce are supported by organizations like the AARP Foundation. The group offers support and aids in obtaining necessities like employment, benefits, and refunds. There has been an increase in demand for initiatives like AARP’s Back to Work 50+, Work for Yourself at 50+, and Senior Community Service Employment Program, according to Mindy Feldbaum, vice president of the AARP Foundation.
Feldbaum also made note of the fact that older workers experience age discrimination at work and lack the self-assurance necessary to find new employment in the event of a layoff. According to a recent AARP Foundation study, a weak economy is the main reason that nearly one-third of older workers fear losing their jobs within a year. Additionally, 41% of older workers reported experiencing ageism in the previous three years and 64% of older workers reported experiencing age discrimination in the workplace today. The AARP Foundation works to increase the self-assurance of low-wage, underemployed, and unemployed workers so they can find gainful employment and achieve financial security.