We rely on the kindness of our donors and shoppers to provide jobs and training for thousands of people every year and we are always grateful for the generosity of our supporters.  But there are times when we’re surprised at the depth of goodness.  Take, for instance, the first Saturday of the month sale in February.  As shoppers were checking out at one of our stores, something remarkable happened.

The store’s manager (we’re keeping this anonymous) was approached by a customer that Saturday.  “He asked me if it was OK if he paid for a couple of our needy customers' purchases.” And she said ‘Yes.”

That shopper, who has asked that we only use his first name, Alan, was surprised by the reaction of those around him.  “My wife and I had decided that rather than tithe at church, we wanted to help others more directly.”

As the manager tells it, Alan paid for customer’s merchandise at checkout.  “The shopper thanked Alan and said her children had been in the hospital and she was buying clothes and items for them.  As the customer was leaving the store another customer followed her out and gave her some cash.  At this point everyone in the parking lot is crying as well as the customers inside the store and some of our employees.”

Alan and his wife, Tori, plan to continue paying it forward.  He said, “Keep in mind that when you get to the point that you can help others, please do so.”  As the manager said, “What a great way to start off a half-off sale.”  And what great customers we have!

KIDS ON A MISSION

Students who took part in a youth retreat weekend at the Hermitage Hills Baptist Church recently were asked to come up with a service project.  In other words, find a way to help someone in the community the weekend of the retreat.  What came to mind to some of the 108 teens taking part?  Goodwill!

It was a cold Saturday, and the eighth graders decided they wanted to provide warm drinks and snacks to the attendant working in the Donation Express Center trailer at the Hermitage store.  They surprised him with enough warmth to last through a chilly afternoon.

Senior Director for Donations, Karl Houston, said that while it’s not unusual for our donors to bring treats for our DEC attendants, this was certainly one of the nicest gestures.  “I’m proud of our attendants.  They work hard and it’s always nice to be appreciated.  Thanks so much for thinking of Goodwill.”

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