After a Goodwill becomes inundated with a woman named Phoebe Kong’s awards, the internet rallies to find her

Goodwill has its fair share of problems, but it’s also a treasure trove filled with hidden gems just waiting for someone to dig them out. Across its locations in the U.S., you can find all sorts of interesting items, from barely-used dinnerware and unique art pieces to… entire trophy collections? While it’s not common for thrift stores to have such things, it does happen! TikTok user Zack Wickham (@thezackwickham) recently stumbled upon one such surprising discovery at a Goodwill on Beverly Boulevard in Los Angeles.

While browsing through the store, he found an entire collection of trophies that once belonged to a talented woman named Phoebe Kong. This impressive haul showcased Phoebe’s achievements, including several tennis trophies, a softball award, and even a trophy for “excellence in piano.” As Zack pointed out, Phoebe is “super talented,” and those trophies are just little reminders of her hard work throughout her younger years.

The Internet’s Reaction

Zack’s light-hearted video about the trophies quickly gained traction on TikTok, sparking both amusement and outrage among viewers. Many were upset to see such significant achievements end up at Goodwill, especially given the organization’s recent controversies. Goodwill has faced criticism for raising prices, underpaying employees (especially those with disabilities), and firing whistleblowers, which has pushed some customers to seek out local alternatives.

However, after Zack’s video went viral, it caught the attention of Phoebe’s mom. Within days, a follow-up video surfaced showing Phoebe’s mom rushing to Goodwill to buy back her daughter’s trophies, which had unexpectedly gained fame online. Phoebe herself even documented her mother’s journey in a video, humorously highlighting the situation.

Phoebe cleared up some confusion by explaining that she had actually told her mom to donate the trophies, which eased the minds of commenters who were initially upset with her mother for getting rid of those awards. She also added an interesting twist to her story, revealing that while she didn’t become a tennis star or a concert pianist, she redirected her efforts into creating physical art.

Phoebe’s art combines fantasy and fear, using vibrant figures and expressive faces to tell more serious and sometimes unsettling stories.

In the end, it’s a delightful story that feels perfect for the internet. Thanks to her mom’s swift trip to Goodwill, while you may not be able to snag a trophy belonging to Phoebe Kong, you can still own a piece of her creativity by purchasing one of her original artworks. This twist not only restores some cherished memories for Phoebe but also adds a unique chapter to the TikTok saga, where followers can support her artistic journey.