Viral TikTok Prank Sparks Movement of Compassion and Aid
Nikalie monroe, an Eastern Kentucky resident and drug addiction counselor, initially set out to highlight the struggles faced by families during a period of federal government shutdown and delayed SNAP benefits in October. Her series of videos documenting calls to churches, mosques, and temples across Kentucky, West Virginia, and Ohio – many of which resulted in rejection – quickly went viral, amassing over 500,000 followers in a matter of weeks. While Monroe’s own children are older than two months, she was motivated by the urgent need she witnessed in her community.
From Prank to Powerful Message
Monroe’s intention wasn’t to disparage any particular religion, but rather to expose the realities of hardship and the often-limited resources available to those in need. “We are not doing enough to help each other,” Monroe explained in a recent interview. “It was really depressing how many churches said no.” She noted that many churches simply didn’t stock baby formula, while others offered choice assistance, but a meaningful number offered no help at all. This experiance underscored for Monroe the critical gap in support systems for vulnerable families.
However, the story took an unexpected turn when several faith leaders did offer assistance. Pastor Johnny Dunbar of Heritage Hope Church of God in Somerset, Kentucky, instantly volunteered to purchase formula for Monroe. This prompted Monroe to visit his church, leading to a surprising connection.
Bridging the Divide
Despite holding opposing political views – Dunbar is a supporter of Donald Trump,while Monroe is a vocal opponent – the two found common ground. “He supports Trump,but he said I changed the way he thought about a lot of things,like a lesbian covered in tattoos,which I am,” Monroe shared. “we have to find middle ground with everyone before we can even try to grow.” Dunbar described Monroe as “the little girl who deceived me,” but added, “We actually got along pretty good. She’s very liberal and I’m very conservative, but we love the baby.”
Dunbar recounted a shift in his own perspective, acknowledging a past tendency toward judgment. “We are so divided that we’re judging everything,” he said. “I want to come across as someone who can love people despite our differences. If I hug a gay person, I’m not affirming their lifestyle, but I’m telling them that Jesus loves them, and I love them.” The encounter has spurred Dunbar to embrace social media, creating a TikTok account and witnessing an outpouring of support – including donations and messages from all 50 states and 34 countries. He used a portion of the funds to purchase $250 in Kroger gift cards for his congregation to distribute to those in need. “I’ve always prayed that my church would touch the world,” he stated.
A Ripple Effect of Generosity
Monroe’s visit to Jeffersontown Baptist Church in louisville, which had also responded positively to her request, further fueled the growing movement. She has been actively sharing videos of individuals and organizations donating formula and money to churches across the region. “I’ve been tagged in videos of people giving more, and it’s been stunning to see,” Monroe said.
What began as a provocative act has evolved into a powerful reminder of the importance of compassion and generosity, notably during a politically polarized time. Monroe intends to continue using her platform to advocate for giving and understanding, believing it’s the key to progress. “This is the only way to beat Trump,” she asserted. “His only mission is to divide people, and he’s done a really good job of that. I’m hoping to open more people’s eyes to compassion, to not judge people so much, I’m hoping that it makes people live a little differently.”
This story was originally published December 4,2025 at 11:07 AM.
