A Cuban in Miami has touched the hearts of thousands after helping an elderly man who was unsuccessfully trying to place a plastic grate on the roof of his car in a Home Depot parking lot.
The gesture, captured on video and shared by the protagonist himself on his TikTok and Instagram account (@pergolascoronado), shows how the man, known as Coronado, chooses to intervene after seeing an elderly man struggling for several minutes with sheets that were trying to secure the load.
"I walked into Home Depot and he was tying the sheet... I'm already on my way out and he's still tying the sheet. I think I'm going to have to take that little grid to the old man for his house," Coronado says in the recording. In the video, he is also heard asking the man where he lives and then helping him place the grid in his own truck to take it with him. "Do good and don't worry about who," he concludes as he sets off on the brief journey.
As he explained, the elderly man offered him money as a token of gratitude for the favor, but he declined, insisting that he acted selflessly.
The response from the public has been overwhelming. On TikTok, messages multiplied with phrases like “There are still good people,” “What a beautiful gesture,” “God will reward you for this,” “That’s health and prosperity,” “You are an example,” or “That’s the Cuban who represents me.” One woman wrote that she cried while watching the video because it reminded her of her own father, and another commented that if a quarter of the population performed favors like that, the world would be a much better place. Some said that Coronado is not just a good citizen, but a “modern-day Samaritan.”
The excitement on Instagram was also widespread. Comments such as "You are great; actions like that are always rewarded by God," "Thank you for such a beautiful gesture; I cried remembering my dad, may he rest in peace," and "God will bless you with health, love, and prosperity" reflect the impact of the video. Several users pointed out that Coronado not only helped but did so with humility and without seeking recognition, although some criticized him for sharing the action on social media. In response, the creator stated that his intention was to inspire, not to show off, and that as a content creator with a large audience, he also has the duty to showcase the positive. "For some, I am showing off; for others, I am inspiring," he wrote.
This is not the first time that Coronado has moved social media with his sensitivity. In early May, he starred in another viral scene by recording the moment his son drove alone for the first time. Clearly emotional, he spoke about the pride and concern he felt as a father, while his wife cried in the background. That post also generated thousands of reactions from mothers and fathers who saw themselves reflected in that experience.
Both episodes have contributed to projecting a coherent and valued image of this Cuban: a man who connects everyday life with universal emotions, who helps without asking for anything in return, and who highlights gestures that, though simple, hold immense social and human value.
Frequently asked questions about acts of solidarity and their impact on social media
What motivated the Cuban in Miami to help the elderly man at Home Depot?
The Cuban, known as Coronado, decided to help the elderly man upon seeing him struggling with the sheets to secure a plastic grid over his car, and he did so without expecting anything in return, even rejecting the money the elderly man offered him as a gesture of gratitude.
How has the public reacted to the gesture of the Cuban in Miami?
The public's reaction has been overwhelmingly positive, with messages of admiration such as “There are still good people” and “What a lovely gesture.” The video has resonated with many people, inspiring and generating a wave of positive comments on social media.
Why do some criticize Coronado for sharing his actions on social media?
Some people criticize Coronado for sharing his actions on social media, arguing that it may seem like he is seeking recognition. However, Coronado explained that his intention was to inspire others and show the positive side to his audience, highlighting his role as a content creator.
What impact do these gestures of solidarity have on the Cuban community abroad?
These gestures of solidarity strengthen the sense of community and identity among Cubans in the diaspora, demonstrating individuals' ability to make a difference and highlighting the importance of selflessly helping those in need.
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