Melissa Murphy, a full-time mum of three, has become a local hero this holiday season. Known as ‘Mrs Claus’ to her followers, she runs a personal shopping service that helps people facing disabilities, grief, and mental health challenges. Using social media platforms like Facebook and TikTok, she finds and delivers items from their wish lists, turning her shopping trips into a powerful act of community support and kindness.
From a Simple Idea to a Viral Sensation
What started as a personal shopping service on Facebook in September quickly grew into something much bigger. The initial response from the community was so positive and overwhelming that Melissa decided to expand her reach.
She took her unique service to TikTok, where her audience exploded. Now, this dedicated mum spends over 10 hours each week navigating the aisles of stores like Primark and TK Maxx for her followers.
Her journey shows how a small act of kindness can create a significant community impact through social media. It is a modern solution to a timeless need for connection and help, especially during the busy holiday period.
How the Heartwarming Service Works
Melissa has developed a simple yet highly effective system to manage the requests from her growing community. She dedicates specific days of the week—Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays—to her shopping missions. This structure allows her to be efficient and serve as many people as possible.
The entire process is funded by the customers themselves, meaning Melissa doesn’t use her own money for the purchases. This keeps the service sustainable and focused purely on helping others.
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1. Make a Request | Followers send Melissa their wish list items through her social media pages. |
| 2. Send Payment | The customer sends the money for the specific items they have requested. |
| 3. Purchase the Items | Melissa finds and buys the requested gifts during her shopping trips. |
| 4. Post and Deliver | She then carefully packages the items and posts them directly to the customers. |
More than Just Gifts, It is a Community Lifeline
For many of Melissa’s customers, this service is about much more than just receiving a package. It provides a vital connection for those who may feel isolated. She offers a form of relief and joy during what can be a very stressful time of year.
The interactive nature of her service is a key part of its success. People feel seen and heard, which is a powerful gift in itself.
- Live Shopping Videos: She streams her store walk-throughs, allowing viewers to spot items and make requests in real-time.
- A Personal Connection: Melissa takes the time to understand the story behind each request, making every purchase meaningful.
- A Supportive Network: Her social media pages have become a place where people share experiences and offer each other emotional support.
One grateful customer highlighted this emotional impact, stating, “Receiving a gift I requested felt like someone truly understood me during a tough time.”
Challenges and Plans for the Future
Running this rapidly growing service is not without its challenges. Melissa has to balance her shopping missions with her family life and another full-time job. Ensuring every gift is delivered on time during the hectic holiday postal rush also requires careful organisation.
Despite these hurdles, Melissa is already thinking about the future. She is passionate about continuing her work beyond the Christmas season.
“Seeing the difference it makes in people’s lives is incredibly rewarding,” Melissa shared. She is considering expanding to include more stores and possibly a subscription model to create a more consistent support system for her community throughout the year. Her inspiring work has even started to attract attention from local media outlets.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Melissa Murphy’s personal shopping service start?
Melissa started her service in September on Facebook as a way to help others with their Christmas shopping. Due to an overwhelming response, she expanded to TikTok to reach a wider audience in need of assistance.
Who does Melissa’s shopping service help the most?
Her service is a lifeline for individuals who find shopping difficult, including those with disabilities, people experiencing grief, or those struggling with mental health issues that make crowded stores overwhelming.
How does Melissa get paid for the items she buys?
Customers send her the money for their requested items in advance. Melissa uses their funds to make the purchases, so she does not use her own money, making the service a non-profit community effort.
What makes this shopping service different from others?
Melissa adds a deep personal touch by interacting with her community through live videos and understanding the meaning behind each request. It has created a supportive environment that offers emotional comfort, not just products.
Does Melissa plan to continue this service after the holidays?
Yes, Melissa has expressed a strong desire to continue and even expand her service beyond Christmas. She is exploring options like adding more stores and a potential subscription model to offer year-round support.
