‘My heart sank’: Strangers step in to help 92-year-old Pompano Beach woman who can’t afford to retire

At 92, Muriel Connick continues to work at a Pompano Beach clothing store, unable to retire due to financial constraints.

 

Her situation changed when April Steele, a shopper, noticed Connick diligently working in the dressing room.

 

“I noticed this lady working in the dressing room. This woman’s got to be in her 80s, and she is still working! My heart sank,” Steele recalled.

 

Moved by Connick’s dedication, Steele shared her story on a local Facebook group and initiated a GoFundMe campaign to assist with Connick’s expenses.

 

Connick explained that her Social Security benefits fall short of covering essential costs like rent, car payments, and utilities, compelling her to keep working.

 

The community’s response was swift and generous, with the fundraiser amassing over $5,000 in just a few weeks.

 

“I was really surprised. Yeah, and I didn’t know she was going to do all this. I thought she was going to give me a card and say, you know, ‘This is to help you,’” Connick expressed.

 

Steele plans to use part of the funds to repair Connick’s mobile home, addressing safety concerns like aging floorboards.

 

“How could you not want to help?” Steele remarked.

 

Connick, touched by the outpouring of support, expressed her gratitude: “I don’t know who they are, but I thank them very much, and I don’t know what I’d do without them.”

 

This heartwarming initiative underscores the power of community support in Pompano Beach, offering hope and assistance to those in need.