A viral TikTok experiment by creator Nikalie Monroe has sparked widespread discussion about how faith-based organizations respond to urgent requests for assistance. Monroe’s project involves reaching out to various churches to see how they react to pleas for help, particularly in critical situations. In one notable instance, a church in Clanton, Alabama, declined to assist with a request for baby formula, igniting a wave of reactions across social media.
Monroe’s experiment features a consistent background sound of a crying baby, which sets the emotional tone for her inquiries. She calls different churches asking if they can provide a can of baby formula. While many churches have expressed willingness to help, the response from West End Baptist Church stood out for its refusal. When Monroe reached out, the church’s receptionist stated they did not keep baby formula on hand and suggested contacting state agencies, including the Alabama Department of Human Resources (DHR).
The conversation revealed a lack of resources that Monroe found disheartening. After explaining that she had already been denied assistance from programs like WIC, the receptionist reiterated that the church “didn’t have the means to help.” This interaction was captured in a TikTok video that has since garnered over 692,000 views, receiving more than 11,000 likes and generating approximately 1,600 comments.
TikTok users reacted strongly to the church’s refusal. Many expressed frustration, with one long-time member of West End Baptist Church describing the response as “deeply disturbing” and unrepresentative of the church’s values. Another individual shared that Monroe’s experiment inspired her to purchase six cans of formula to donate to her local food bank. Comments also highlighted concerns about the church’s financial capabilities, especially since it operates an on-site daycare.
Despite the significant online engagement, West End Baptist Church has not issued a public statement regarding the incident nor responded to requests for comment. The situation raises important questions about the role of religious organizations in community support and the resources they are willing or able to provide.
Monroe’s social experiment aims not only to provoke thought but also to encourage conversations about community responsibility and assistance in times of need. As the discussion continues to unfold online, it reflects broader societal concerns about help available for families facing crises.
