Noel Maguire was a hardworking NYC doorman. Yet the 26-year-old Korean American has won the hearts of millions after going viral on TikTok for his selfless acts of kindness to homeless people. Maguire has 42 years on the job. For over a decade, he’s been helping those experiencing homelessness to maintain their dignity.
Every Wednesday, Maguire recruits the help of committed and enthusiastic volunteers such as Katie Fitzpatrick. Together, they’re helping to provide critical supplies, including clothing and food, to people who need them most. His dedication to assisting others extends throughout the year. He’s an ardent believer in always advocating for the people who are going to find themselves in difficult, bad scenarios.
Since his mother’s death, Maguire has founded the Ellen Maguire Foundation to give back in her memory. This new nonprofit will let him formalize his efforts and expand his reach. He keeps his vehicle stocked with things he gives out, from cookies to sneakers. “He is here rain or shine, no matter how cold it is, no matter how hot it is,” Fitzpatrick remarked.
Beyond the physical goods he distributes, Maguire invests in personal relationships with the people he serves. “It’s like, I feel like I have hundreds of friends just walking by every morning,” he said, highlighting the relationships he builds with people in his community. To him, a great doorman is one who takes initiative in talking to people. His quick-fisted hands-on approach pretty much guarantees that conviction. No one walks by undealt with. As any good doorman will tell you, you engage with folks. You just don’t allow them to walk all over you,” he told me.
Maguire’s powerful tale quickly went viral across social media channels. A recent viral TikTok by creator Sara Leeds was instrumental in its meteoric rise. This exposure has amplified awareness of his charitable work and inspired others to consider ways they can contribute to their communities.
In a recent interview with ABC News, Maguire provided a demonstration on his ride. He unwrapped some of the goods he hands out with gusto, perhaps especially proud of this one. His commitment to serving others is as powerful as ever. He intends to keep doing both—in philanthropy and his doorman work—for a long, long time.
