Life
5 random men take over grocery store cash registers – making shoppers cry when they go to pay
There were a lot of tears in that store that day.
Ma Fatima Garcia
01.13.21

Five men shut down a local grocery store at Decatur, GA, but it’s not what you think.

Last year was very tough. One way or another, we were all affected by the pandemic; even strong, stable businesses had to close because of Covid-19.

brad.panther / Instagram Video Screenshot
Source:
brad.panther / Instagram Video Screenshot

The sad reality about this situation is that some businesses would instead take advantage of the situation to create profit than to help their community.

These selfish people and businesses make it harder for us.

brad.panther / Instagram Video Screenshot
Source:
brad.panther / Instagram Video Screenshot

There are, however, people who still want to help other people and their community. These people don’t have to be super-rich or influential; they just have a good heart and do their best to help.

May this story serve as an inspiration to all of us.

brad.panther / Instagram Video Screenshot
Source:
brad.panther / Instagram Video Screenshot

Last November, a few Atlanta entrepreneurs wanted to make Christmas special. We all know how the Christmas spirit felt a little bit different last year, right?

Now, these five entrepreneurs made a plan to surprise their community with something that will make them very happy. The initial plan was to hand out gift cards to the grocery shoppers, but this proved to be very time-consuming.

brad.panther / Instagram Video Screenshot
Source:
brad.panther / Instagram Video Screenshot

So, instead, they decided to shut down the grocery and take over the grocery store lanes.

“We literally took up every register at the grocery store and family after family would go through. We took over all 12 aisles for two hours,” Jason Lobdell said to Fox 61.

brad.panther / Instagram Video Screenshot
Source:
brad.panther / Instagram Video Screenshot

Along with his friends and fellow entrepreneurs Alix Burton, Jonathan Gooch, Neo Davis, Marcus Barney, and Brad Giles, Jason Lobdell made this amazing surprise possible.

In an Instagram post last November 23, 2020, Brad Giles posted:

“This is the season of giving and its more important than ever to give back to those in need! We had the Kroger at Wesley chapel in Atl on fire by giving out free groceries and paying for everyone for over 2 hours! Well over $40,000 of purchases given back to our community!”

brad.panther / Instagram Video Screenshot
Source:
brad.panther / Instagram Video Screenshot

According to them, they were inspired and were excited to give back to their community. They wanted to lighten these people’s burdens and share with them a little something for the holidays.

They all knew how hard life could be. For the past months, the economic downfall, the government-mandated corona-virus restrictions, business shutdowns, and the lack of an economic stimulus package had given these people a tough time.

brad.panther / Instagram Video Screenshot
Source:
brad.panther / Instagram Video Screenshot

We also know how many people had lost their jobs due to the pandemic.

Can you imagine what free groceries could do? It may be a small act for some, but for these people, it really meant a lot.

brad.panther / Instagram Video Screenshot
Source:
brad.panther / Instagram Video Screenshot

After they decided to take over the cash registers, their project began. At first, the customers were shocked and clueless, but then, when they found out that these entrepreneurs are paying for their groceries, they were overwhelmed.

The customers were of course, grateful and happy!

brad.panther / Instagram Video Screenshot
Source:
brad.panther / Instagram Video Screenshot

Some of them even cried. The customers couldn’t believe what was happening! According to the kind entrepreneurs, they initially planned to spend $30,000, but they couldn’t just stop. So, they ended up spending around $40,000 within two hours.

They shared a photo of them holding the 10-ft long receipts!

brad.panther / Instagram Video Screenshot
Source:
brad.panther / Instagram Video Screenshot

Can you imagine what it felt like to know that you’re groceries will all be free?

In times like this, we need all the help that we could get. Some of these people already spent all their savings, and being able to receive such a wonderful surprise is truly life-changing.

brad.panther / Instagram Video Screenshot
Source:
brad.panther / Instagram Video Screenshot

They didn’t forget the hard-working store clerks as well. They were given the gift cards that they initially intended to give away.

According to Giles:

“Not only did we shut down the grocery store, we helped inspire the community by showing them that Entrepreneurs can give back to the community just as big as any celebrity and it was so much fun helping so many people this holiday season!”

brad.panther / Instagram Video Screenshot
Source:
brad.panther / Instagram Video Screenshot

Some customers were so overwhelmed that they even cried. Some shared how life was so tough for them and how this surprise will help them.

After this beautiful surprise, these entrepreneurs felt tired, but they also felt happy and overwhelmed.

It’s different when you are the one giving. It’s different when you see it for yourself. To see how much your help means to a person. Giving doesn’t just give happiness to the person you’re helping; it also gives your heart so much joy.

Our Voice - The Magazine
Source:
Our Voice - The Magazine

They also became an inspiration to other entrepreneurs, and hopefully, we would see more acts of kindness soon. It doesn’t have to be a holiday, or a special occasion. We can help and share anytime we want.

Watch their short clip and share this uplifting video to your friends.

Please SHARE this with your friends and family.

Advertisement