Life
Elderly man can’t afford all his groceries so teen employee steps in to help
Teo heard a cashier tell the elderly customer to put some of his groceries back. But instead of ignoring the situation - the teen knew just what to do.
Kathleen Shipman
01.19.22

Many people fill up their grocery carts without thinking twice about how they’re going to pay for it. But this is far from everyone.

There are families and individuals across our nation who don’t have enough money to buy even the essentials.

Unsplash - Donald Giannatti
Source:
Unsplash - Donald Giannatti

So, if you were to spot someone at the supermarket who was struggling to pay for their items at the register, do you think you’d help if you could?

One person who didn’t hesitate to support somebody in need at the grocery store is Teo Jordan.

YouTube - WLWT
Source:
YouTube - WLWT

The 18-year-old high school senior and basketball player was working as a bagger at Kroger in Kentucky, with plans to spend his hard-earned money on his first car.

Despite his hourly wage being on the low side, Teo selflessly stepped in and offered to pay out of his own pocket when he noticed a cashier telling an elderly man to return some of his groceries.

YouTube - WLWT
Source:
YouTube - WLWT

It turned out that the man could only afford some of his shopping, and he had to leave anything he couldn’t pay for.

Teo, whose motto is, “Just treat people how you want to be treated”, knew he had to act, and jumped in to help.

YouTube - WLWT
Source:
YouTube - WLWT

Speaking to WLWT, he said:

“I seen that he didn’t have the money for all the groceries that he wanted. The cashier told him he would have to put some of the things back, so I just thought in my head I would give him this $35 so he could have all the food that he wants.”

YouTube - WLWT
Source:
YouTube - WLWT

Despite not knowing whether he would ever see his $35 again, Teo never had any reservations about giving away some of his hard-earned cash, knowing it was the right thing to do.

He modestly stands by his beliefs: that you should “help out if somebody needs it”.

Unsplash - Allef Vinicius
Source:
Unsplash - Allef Vinicius

This teen is an inspiration when it comes to treating others with kindness, even if you don’t know them.

Teo’s mom had only good things to say about her son, saying:

“I am proud of Teo. I’m overwhelmed with joy. You know, you try and install in your kids right and wrong, but you don’t know if they comprehend it, so I’m proud of him.”

YouTube - WLWT
Source:
YouTube - WLWT

Isn’t that the truth! You can only hope that your kids will listen to your teachings, and Teo’s mom can proudly say that her son did listen.

Teo’s act of kindness is a reminder of the power of good that a single action can have on a community.

YouTube - WLWT
Source:
YouTube - WLWT

To Teo, he might have just been doing what he thought was fair. He never wanted the attention for what he did and is clearly a very modest young man.

But to the elderly gentleman without the cash, Teo would have saved him from the shame of having to return his groceries – and showed him that he was worthy.

The teen had some final words to say during his interview:

“Just do something helpful for people. Let them know that God’s there for them and make sure they have a good day.”

YouTube - WLWT
Source:
YouTube - WLWT

If there were more people in this world like Teo, no doubt it would be a better place.

Check out the video below to hear from the teen yourself!

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