There are times that simple kindness will lead you to places you never thought you would go. For one security guard at a Rhode Island college, his friendship with the students opened up an opportunity he could not let himself dream of. Until that group of students decided they had to step in and help him out.
This all began with a chance friendship between the students and James, a security guard affectionately known as “Unc” at Raymond Hall. James, who hails from Nigeria, shared with the students that he had been separated from his family, including his son, in Nigeria in 11 years.
Touched by his kindness and dedication, the students felt compelled to take action to help James make it to Nigeria. Freshman Brandon Reichert spearheaded the initiative, establishing a GoFundMe page to raise funds for James to visit his loved ones back home.
@lkquinnco 🛑please stop and take the time to watch and share this amazing display of unrelenting kindness and humanity at its best.🛑 now time for MY BRAGGING- My best friend Jess Reichert son Brandon is the most incredibly kind, thoughtful and generous soul. (Apple doesn’t fall far from the tree) I am once again blown away by Brandon’s God Given gift of always doing the right thing and recognizing what is truly important in this world- LOVE and KINDNESS. Brandon started a Gofundme for his overnight security guard James at his dorm building at Providence College. James has been wanting to visit his family in Nigeria for a long time, and Brandon along with all of the amazing students on his floor at PC began to raise money for James to get him home. Today they presented him with the trip. This act of kindness shows us all, that we are more alike than not. Brandon’s ability to always do the right thing and lead, show compassion and gratitude has been a highlight of my life watching him grow up into the amazing young man he is. On that note, I want to give Jess Reichert all the respect in the world for raising this boy as a SINGLE MOTHER and shaping him to be everything he is. For the countless sacrifices she has and continues to make and the obstacles she endures to make sure he has every opportunity to continue on his path we all could learn from as parents. This is also your payoff Jessie, everything that boy is, is ALL because of you! I al so proud to be your friend! I love you both so much!!! Let’s keep this going with a share! @wcvb5 @wpri12 @therhodeshow @abc6providence @channelkindness @thekindnessrocksproject #belikeBrandon #providenceCollege #gofundme #goviral #pcfriars #kindnessmatters ♬ original sound – Leah Quinn
“For those of you that don’t know James, he truly is one of the nicest people you will ever meet,” the post on the GoFundMe stated. “He greets everybody with a smile and always welcomes conversations no matter what time of the night you run into him…”
He does not know how much we appreciate him, and hope that this shows to him how much he means to our community.”
Reflecting on the overwhelming response, Reichert expressed astonishment at the rapid outpouring of support, with donations exceeding expectations. “He’s just the kindest soul anyone has ever met in this building. He means so much to us he’s so important,” Reichert said. “It was amazing how fast everyone connected and were able to put it together for him.”
Students present security guard James with a $3,000 check to help him visit his family in Nigeria. Photo from GoFundMe
Within 24 hours, the fund had grown to more than $3,000. In a heartfelt moment captured on camera, James was visibly moved as the students presented him with the funds.
“Tonight we were able to gift James with enough money for him to travel to Nigeria to visit his family in June!,” Reichert wrote on the fund. “I’d like to thank everyone who donated as you can see what an impact you made on such an incredible man.”
“I mean I was fighting back tears,” Sophomore Resident Advisor Daniel Singh, who was present when the students gave James the gift. “He’s just someone you’re drawn toward,” Singh said. “He’s kind and compassionate. After a Friday night out, you come back and James is there and he’s not tired, he’s not sleeping. He’s up and awake and ready to talk to you.”
A student talks with James just before presenting the security guard with a surprise check. Photo from TikTok
Grateful for the generosity shown towards him, James conveyed his heartfelt gratitude, expressing his deep appreciation and offering prayers for the well-being of the students. “This was unexpected,” James told the students in a TikTok video that went viral. “I don’t know how much I can thank you guys.”
I pray from the bottom of my heart and will continue to protect you guys.”
Reichert said that any additional funds raised will be given to James at the end of the school year, so he can have more chances to visit home in the future. The fund has now reached more than $15,000, and is still growing. “You have parents, cousins, relatives and other people donating that wouldn’t even know who James is,” Singh said. “It really speaks to how moving he is and how moving the community can be.”
As Dean of Students Steven Sears said, “His reaction and the authenticity not only for this group and the students involved with him and the care, and what he said at the end is that he is praying for them, he is praying for their success, and that God watches over them and that he does that every day.” Watch below to see this wonderful gift given to James.
