WITH just one video Nordia Williams started a movement that’s connected more than 100 parents with resources for back-to-school and other essential items for their children.

It all started three weeks ago when she posted a video to TikTok with the title ‘Parents at back-to-school’, showing herself going through an empty wallet. The clip resonated with more than 54,000 viewers who shared their various struggles in the comments section.

Williams said when she saw the comments she immediately wanted to help, so she posted a second video requesting that individuals comment the items they need. Slowly, she said, the comment section filled with parents who needed books, baby clothes, groceries, and more. Other parents later chimed in, offering to donate items and exchange books. Williams became the mediator, picking up and dropping off items where necessary, and even highlighting some stories through posts on her TikTok account.

“I was not prepared for this. I only did one video before that, before three weeks ago when you saw my videos, bare foolish[ness] and dancing and acting. I just did the one video, and it just blew out of proportion. Now I have to go pick up, I have to drop off, I’m at Knutsford Express [courier service] every day, and I’m at the post office every day…This was just three weeks ago, and I feel like I literally need three persons to do this one job that I’m doing. Everything really has gotten big. Within the three weeks, I’ve gotten like a thousand followers or more…Every time I open up a message, two more come in,” she told the Jamaica Observer.

She said she tried to create a spreadsheet on her laptop to keep track of everything, but it broke. Now, she’s relying on her notebook to keep track of the needs and items donated.

Williams said the current process requires individuals in need to send her a message on the platform if they require privacy or post their need in the comment section of her videos. She said donors are also welcome to message her privately on the platform to arrange pick-up of items.

A former employee at Food For the Poor, Williams said she vets the stories of individuals seeking monetary assistance or expensive items to ensure they are truly in need. She said while the process is tedious, it is very rewarding knowing that she is able to help parents get the assistance they need.

“I feel overwhelmed with gratitude. I feel so many different emotions. I did a video recently, and I just could not hold my composure, because I couldn’t believe that I just said something, and so many persons were being assisted. I feel so good to know that I’m helping and I’m using my platform for good. I just get a sense of gratitude,” said Williams.

“Sometimes I feel like I’m not really doing anything, because I’m really just the mediator and people are just handing over to each other, but to tell you the truth, I feel excited, happy, and even tired, but I want to push on. It’s like this is what God called me to do. This is the job that I’m not getting paid to do. Since I’ve started it, I’ve literally been at work almost every day, but we just have to do God’s work because this is how God is using me to help others,” she told the Sunday Observer.

Williams said she often gives even when she, too, is in need, noting that many of the books she donated were actually on her son’s booklist. However, she knew that while she could manage to scrape together the funds to buy them, others might not be able to afford the books, so she willingly gave them away.

She said her generous spirit is something she inherited from her grandmother, who always made sure to help others whenever she could. She added that she has seen how her sacrifices have resulted in blessings from others, for which she remains grateful.

Williams expressed her appreciation to all the members who donated and assisted in whatever way they could, noting that without their support, none of this would have been possible.

“I need to thank them because they’re the ones who are doing it, not me. All the little people, they’re the ones that are doing it. I’m just the person in the middle…I want to thank them for what they’re doing, and let’s just continue because God has blessed us in every way,” she said.

She further urged Jamaicans to join the mission and give back to build a better society for all.

“We just have to give back. We don’t have a choice; we just have to do it. We just have to do what we have to do because you never know. Some people don’t have it like that. We need to get back to how Jamaica was when we looked after each other, and when ‘It takes a village to raise a child’ was the reality. I believe in that, and I’m looking out for these people. I just hope that somebody’s looking out for my son,” she pleaded.