Police Officer Bruce Pierson went above and beyond his duty to help a young homeless woman, Franki, who was found wandering near parked cars just outside the Promenade Mall.
Responding to a call about suspicious activity, Officer Pierson discovered 18-year-old Franki, who was simply seeking shade. Barefoot and with calloused, dirty feet, she shared that her last pair of shoes had worn out two months prior. Franki revealed she had been living on the streets since she was 12 and had experienced a miscarriage the previous year.
Moved by her plight, Officer Pierson invited Franki into the mall and took her to a Payless Shoe Store, where he bought her a new pair of shoes. Inspired by his generosity, another woman asked if she could also buy Franki a pair of shoes, and she did. Joshuah Rounds, a shopper who witnessed the act, contributed $10 to help pay for the shoes and took photos of the heartwarming moment, which he posted on Facebook. The post quickly went viral, garnering over 100,000 shares in just 48 hours.
Emotionally overwhelmed by the outpouring of kindness, Franki left the store with two pairs of shoes, socks, a scarf, and a beanie. Officer Pierson’s wife also contributed by packing sweaters, warm clothing, and a blanket for Franki.
In a final act of compassion, Officer Pierson connected Franki with an agency to help reunite her with her family in Colorado, so they could spend the holidays together for the first time in six years.
This story is a testament to how a moment of suspicion turned into a remarkable act of kindness, changing Franki’s life and highlighting the power of community.
