Hailey
Granddaughter Starts Fundraiser: Every morning, while most people his age are resting at home, 86-year-old Tom Mims wakes up early, puts on his work clothes, and heads to a Piggly Wiggly supermarket in Alabama.
He has done this for years — not because he wants to, but because he feels he has no other choice.
Even with heart problems and the weight of old age on his shoulders, Tom continues to work. His dedication touched many people, but it especially moved his granddaughter.
Seeing her grandfather struggle when he should be enjoying retirement pushed her to take action — and that decision changed everything.
Why an 86-Year-Old Man Is Still Working
A Lifetime of Hard Work With No Retirement
Tom Mims has worked most of his life. Like many older Americans, he never had the chance to build a proper retirement fund. Rising living costs, medical expenses, and daily needs made it impossible for him to stop working.
Despite his age, Tom still shows up to work every day. His coworkers and customers admire his strong work ethic, but his family knows the truth — his body is tired, and his health is fragile.
Health Challenges Make Work Even Harder
Tom suffers from ongoing heart issues, which make long working hours risky. Standing for long periods and dealing with daily stress is not easy for someone in their late 80s. Still, Tom keeps going, proving how difficult retirement can be for many seniors.
A Granddaughter Steps In to Help
Turning Love Into Action
Tom’s granddaughter, Candice Lash, could not watch her grandfather struggle anymore. She decided to start a fundraiser with one simple goal — to help him retire with dignity.
At first, she worried that her grandfather might feel uncomfortable accepting help. But as donations and kind messages started pouring in, something beautiful happened.
Tom now asks her every single day how much money has been raised.
That excitement alone showed Candice she made the right decision.
Community Support Makes a Big Difference
Donations, Messages, and Love From Strangers
The fundraiser quickly gained attention. People from the local community — and even strangers online — began donating money and sharing kind words.
Many donors said Tom’s story reminded them of their own grandparents. Others shared their sadness that so many elderly people still have to work after a lifetime of effort.
Candice shared her feelings with deep emotion, saying she was thankful — but also heartbroken — knowing her grandfather is not alone in this struggle.
Fundraiser Goal and Purpose
Here is a simple overview of what the fundraiser aims to achieve:
| Purpose | Details |
|---|---|
| Main Goal | Help Tom Mims retire |
| Age of Beneficiary | 86 years |
| Health Condition | Heart problems |
| Reason for Fundraiser | Unable to afford retirement |
| Community Response | Strong support and donations |
Taking Care of Our Elders Matters
A Bigger Issue Than One Family
Candice believes this story is bigger than just her grandfather. She feels strongly that society must take better care of elders, especially those who worked their whole lives building the future we live in today.
“I believe we should take care of our elders, because they’re the ones who built the foundation for us,” she said.
Her words reflect the reality many families face — grandparents working not because they want to, but because they must.
A Story of Love, Respect, and Hope
This story is a powerful reminder that hard work does not always guarantee a peaceful retirement. Tom Mims represents countless seniors who continue working despite old age and health issues.
His granddaughter’s fundraiser shows how love, kindness, and community support can bring real change.
While one fundraiser may help one man, the message is much bigger — our elders deserve comfort, respect, and care in their later years. Stories like this inspire us to look after the people who once looked after us.