Saw A Sad Situation At The Grocery Store Last Night

[rsmith6621]

My wife sent me up to Kroger's to pick up a couple of items and 10 bucks change in quarters for laundry at our comlpex.

Well standing in the Customer Service line to get change the guy in front of me stepped to the desk handed the CS REP two bags of various food items and said he had to return them because he need the money to pay his electric bill or have his power turned of today.Most of his items were canned and flower based items. The CS REP scanned them back in and the total was $27.47...My heart just sat there in unease so I stepped forward and asked the guy if he had seeked local grants to gap this, he said yes but he just lost his job and most places won't grant until you have been out of work for 30 days.

Well I paid the $27.47 and asked the clerk to get his grocery's and run them out to his car before he left then got my quarters and left through another door..


Times are Getting Tougher......

[reflection]

1. That was very nice of you.

I know he was grateful.

[roguevalley]

32. my mom saw this over and over as a younger gal and saw people

hand them money, saying they 'dropped' it. so nice. good for you, honey. you did a great thing for someone.

[babylonsister]

2. You are a dear.

:hug:

[123infinity]

3. Good for you. Oh, it's 'flour'

:-)

[rucky]

71. No wonder my bread tastes funny.

[Crankie Avalon]

4. That was pretty generous of you to do on the spur of the moment like that. nt

[MadinMo]

5. You're a good person rsmith!

:hi:

[baldguy]

What are you talking about? The economy is great!

Why do you hate America?

[bobbolink]

29. that's a wonderful picture... is there a URL for it?

I do appreciate some of the work that people are doing with graphics!

[Sabriel]

35. I got yer URL right here

http://www.k-state.edu/english/nelp/childlit/1930s/bourke-white_louis.html

[bobbolink]

37. Thank you soooo much! I looked at "properties", but that didn't help.

Appreciate it!

:hi:

[baldguy]

49. This isn't some contrived piece of graphic art.

This is an actual photograph of poor people in a bread line during the depression.

[bobbolink]

60. I understand that. Why would you think I didn't grasp that?

I simply asked for the URL.

[Subdivisions]

6. It's just your sort of heroism that will help all of us

get through these uncertain times. Thank you.

[2Design]

7. that is the best way to give - direct - no ceo taking money off the top

it goes right to the person - I have used food gift cards for homeless - like subway or mcdonalds but what you did is better. Great job

[earth mom]

26. I agree. I don't trust very many charities these days after so many got nothing after Katrina. nt

[knitter4democracy]

39. Grocery gift cards are a popular thing around here.

One of our good local chains (Meijers) also has gas stations, so you can use their cards for either, and both of our stores are on major bus routes.

[2Design]

50. my concern with grocery cards was that someone could use it to buy

something other than food

[maryf]

53. Why do you have to set limits?

And would be pretty tough to buy something other than groceries with a grocery card? And even the destitute might like a beer for a treat!

[2Design]

61. grocery stores carry beer and wine

[HarukaTheTrophyWife]

70. Not here

NJ sucks that way.

[knitter4democracy]

73. And . . . your point is?

Are you trying to say that all of the people up here in Michigan who've lost their jobs are alcoholics and cannot be trusted to know to buy food for their kids? All the six thousand jobs that were lost in Kalamazoo with Pfizer took over Pharmacia were due to alcoholism? Um, you do understand that most people who are jobless right now aren't all drunks and druggies, right?

[2Design]

74. sorry you chose to make that jump and twist my words

I am saying that some would chose to spend the money on something that is not good for them and therefore I would chose not to give them that temptation - you do what you want - I can see this is not about sharing my reasons but your twisting them so I will leave this conversation to you to have alone - bye

[knitter4democracy]

77. Awfully quick to get huffy, aren't you?

You yourself just said that you think giving someone a freakin' grocery card is too big a "temptation" (meaning they're going to buy alcohol or drugs, right, since those are in grocery stores). I'm saying that people here in Michigan are poor not because they gave into temptation or got hooked on drugs but because they lost their jobs. Lost their jobs! Factories shut down and left the country! You think giving someone in that situation a grocery card will make them spend all of it on booze or a flat-screen tv?! You must not know very many poor people, then.

[knitter4democracy]

72. Not my concern. I'm not Big Brother keeping an eye on them.

Once I give a gift--any gift--it is that person's responsibility to use that gift as is best for him or her. I knit, and when I give a gift of mittens or a hat, it's out of my power, out of my control. If they decide it's not the right color or whatever and decide to regift it, that's fine. The only thing I ask is that they not throw it away, but again, I have no control over whether they do that or not.

As for money or gift cards, I know that I would want the respect of the gifter enough to be trusted to spend it wisely. If they use it to buy school clothes for the kids or propane for the heater or a chair that's comfortable to sit in at the end of a long day of two or three jobs, who am I to question that? It was a gift, and now it's theirs to use.

[Lyric]

76. Yeah--like soap, shampoo, razor blades, anti-perspirant, laundry soap

and a thousand other things that poor people desperately NEED in order to either get a job or keep a job. Not to mention other potentially important things, like simple aspirin, children's Tylenol (for fevers,) and stuff like trash bags and plastic wrap (which is necessary to maximize grocery efficiency by making large meals ahead of time and freezing them.)

Food pantries and soup kitchens don't cover everything. Grocery store gift cards are absolutely ideal, because they cover ALL of these things. That's a more important consideration than the slim chance that someone would choose to buy beer.

[knitter4democracy]

78. Absolutely!

You add in a place with a gas station where they can fill up to drive to work or another job interview or get their kids to and from school and doctor's appointments, and it's even more important.

[patrice]

8. It's ALL about jobs.

And that's an especially sad thing, because it will push many of the poor and young into the Military and we now have legal/Constitutional precedents for War(s) of Choice, a.k.a. Preventitive War, which will be more possible with lots of Military than it will with a small Military.

Sorry, if I've made this all about War, but I just can't get over what we just did to Iraq. I don't think I EVER will.

[dkf]

9. That makes me want to cry.

How sweet of you to help this poor guy out.

[Just-plain-Kathy]

57. That's exactly how I thought.

Years ago I would have done the same thing. Times are getting rough.

I know I can't give to charities like I use to, I feel terrible.

[lunatica]

10. I just helped a friend pay her telephone bill

She needs her telephone for her work and I can't think of a better way to use the money. It's such a small amount and it makes such a huge difference for her. I just don't think friends can stand by because it's money. There's too much of a double standard about money. Like people will say, "I'll give you the shirt off my back" but then won't help with money. It's as if there are different rules when it comes to money. As if people think that if they don't get something for the money they give then they won't give money. Strange thinking.

[bobbolink]

30. Yeah, cuz everyone knows that people in bad circumstances will only use money for drugs

and alcohol.

EVERYONE knows that....

sigh...

[Ladyhawk]

34. I've noticed this, too, especially with churches: they'll give food, but not money.

Sometimes, it's money you need, not food. All the canned food in the world isn't going to pay the phone or electric bills.

[OmmmSweetOmmm]

11. That was a beautiful thing to do.

:hug:

[juno jones]

12. Thank you

It will make a difference.

[demnan]

13. Thank you for doing that!

I stand to lose my job December 5 and am looking in the abyss right now. It is good to know there are good people out there. My best friend has offered to make a car payment for me as a Christmas gift. Perhaps the upside of this crisis is that it will bring out the good in people again.

[ThatsMyBarack]

14. God bless you.

:hug:

[zippy890]

15. I gave a dumpster diver 20 dollar bill few weeks ago

times are tough is right.

[bdamomma]

16. That was very nice of you, I think there will be many

people out there making hard choices, I would have done the same thing.

[Iwillnevergiveup]

17. Nice one, RS

K&R

Funny thing...apparently we need both electricity and groceries.:thumbsup:

[malaise]

18. I love acts like these

Bravo! :yourock:

[underpants]

19. Very nice

:thumbsup:

[SammyWinstonJack]

20. That was very kind of you.

:hug:

[hamsterjill]

21. May karma be good to you!

Love the fact that you stepped up to help the man!! That's what we've gotta do. Step up when it's our opportunity to do something.

You didn't look around for someone else to do it. You just did it quietly. And I so commend you for doing that and I'm grateful that you were ABLE to do that.

May something good come your way for your generosity. And for the man you helped also.

[Lydia Leftcoast]

22. That type of random act of kindness is our only hope for maintaining our

civilization on a day-to-day basis.

[leftyladyfrommo]

23. That kind of kindness just goes on and on.

It's the best kind. Now when his situation gets better and he sees someone that needs a hand he will pass it on.

Great job, guy.

[monmouth]

24. Unsung heroes like you are my favorite kind....n/t

[rvablue]

25. God bless you.....and seeing that the man was sacrificing and trying

to save himself when you stepped in and helped out unasked, I have little doubt that will stay in this man's heart and he will return the favor to someone else some day.

Your mom and dad should be very proud they raised someone as gracious and generous of spirit as you!

[yardwork]

27. Heartbreaking, but you did a kind thing.

I sent some money to my state's Food Bank yesterday, in response to another DUer's thread about contributions to food pantries. We need to keep posting these threads so that folks who can afford to contribute a little remember to do so.

Bless you for your kind deed.

[Liberal_in_LA]

28. Wow. Glad you paid for his groceries.

[Chicago1]

31. You are wonderful

That was a very very kind gesture on your part and you should be very proud of yourself!!!


START THE IMPEACHMENT!!!!

[mnhtnbb]

33. Those of us who have a few extra dollars are going to need to be prepared to do this

same thing when the situation arises. It will happen more and more.

I just hope that those who have will show kindness and remember that it could easily be our turn next.

Good for you for stepping up.

[Ladyhawk]

36. I'm on disability and when I'm "good," my family helps me.

Lately, I've been "good," so although I'm not rich, I'm not suffering, either.

Doctors Without Borders called me the other day because I've helped them in the past, but right now, with the economy the way it is, I'm a little leery of doling out a few bucks. I've also been a little more selfish lately. I'm spending a lot of money on crafts. I'm making my Christmas presents this year. I partially justify it by thinking I might be able to sell some of my necklaces. But if the economy goes into a nose-dive, no one will be able to afford my necklaces...sigh.

[lunatica]

43. But I'll bet you can trade them for something

Or you can sell them for less than in normal times. People won't give their lives up to drab greyness. Some of the most colorful people in the world are some of the poorest.

Huichol Indian


Huichol art

[knitter4democracy]

79. What do they mean by good?

I shudder to think. :scared: That sounds so manipulative and wrong.

If you need craft supplies, let me know what you need. I could send you stuff or a gift card, if you want. We crafters have to stick together. :hug:

[Ladyhawk]

81. Cool! I'm also an artist and musician, so I have a finger in a lot of pies.

Here is one of my shark-tooth necklaces. I finished two more today. I need to take pics of all of them so I can remember styles. As I continue to make them, I'm getting better and better at it.



And yes, I am (unfortunately) manipulated some of the time. It was worse before I gained power for myself by refusing to speak to family members for months on end. I HATED doing that, but until I did my boundaries weren't respected at all.

[knitter4democracy]

82. Lovely! Are you on etsy.com?

I know a lot of knitters who are planning on buying all or most of their Christmas presents from artists on etsy. A friend of mine said that their fees are way less than ebay, and the advertising's better.

If you need stuff, just PM me your addy and a list, and I'll see what I can do. :hug:

[Ladyhawk]

83. Thanks!

No, I'm not on etsy.

For the past year I've been slowly getting back into arts and crafts. Bush's presidency really did a number on my creativity. Before the last year or so, I can't remember the last time I delved into art. Mostly I've been drawing for myself in a cheap notebook to take the pressure off...stuff like this:

http://www.goldrush.com/~ladyhawklh/Art%20Journal/Microraptor%20zhaoianus%20and%20Xianglong%20zhaoi,%20100%20dpi.jpg

If you want to look at my art journal entries, you're welcome: http://www.goldrush.com/~ladyhawklh/Art%20Journal/

[knitter4democracy]

85. You have real talent. Please don't hide it.

We need the artists to help us all stay human.

[shireen]

38. thank you.

:hug:

[graywarrior]

40. I have a feeling this is what Christmas gifts will be this year

Paying off people's bills for them.

[Greyhound]

41. That was a really good thing you did, thank you very much. n/t

:kick: & R

[codjh9]

42. That's great - what you DID, that is! I'll do it too if I encounter a similar situation...

[RagAss]

44. You are a good soul !!!!!

[qanda]

45. The other day as I was shopping, my heart just began to sink as I looked at the prices

A small bag of shredded cheese was over $5. I could not believe it! How are people able to survive? You have a wonderful heart and I hope more and more will step up to help those who are less fortunate than them.

[skeewee08]

46. God Bless you and your family.

This happen to me and my husband we were at the gas station and a young lady needed gas just to get home she was crying because she could not get a hold of her family, so I went in an paid for her gas so she could get home. Times are hard for everyone but that's difference between rethugs & democrats/liberals/progressive we care about the whole Country not just part of the Country(U Betcha!)that was a Palin shot!

[lildreamer316]

47. We just got our food stamps card yesterday. I took my best friend & her daughter shopping on it.

We need the food;but she makes too much at her one job to qualify for FS at all; so we split this month's allowance. She's a single mom and it's just as hard for her as it is for us.

Bless you for doing this!

[Le Taz Hot]

48. It will come back to you

a hundred times over.

[Rosa Luxemburg]

51. I decided to make bread today

I figured baking bread would be cheaper than buying a loaf of bread for nearly $2. My little bread machine doesn't use much lekky.

[snot]

52. love you.

[maryf]

54. What the world needs...

is more people like you, and thanks for sharing, might inspire others!!

[Better Believe It]

55. That was very nice

[southerncrone]

56. Thank you for being a decent & caring human being!

If only our leaders were, that sad situation would never have taken place.

[TheKentuckian]

58. People complain about the rancor on this site but nearly everyday

this gruff at times big old guy has tears of inspiration directly from DU.

I've seen a far sight more humanity on here in a few months than you can dig out of life in some years.

God bless you.

[bertman]

59. Thank you for being a compassionate soul.

[dana_b]

62. you rock

and you made my eyes tear up.

[HillbillyBob]

63. May the God or Goddess bless you for your kindness

nt

[Contrary1]

64. We simply must help those that we can...

I was at the local Kroger store also, when my opportunity to pay it forward happened. An elderly gentleman was ahead of me in the pharmacy line. He was speaking low, but I could still hear what was going on.

He had four prescriptions, and not enough money. He told the pharmacist to do what she could, but he hoped that he would be able to get at least 2 weeks worth of each med.

After he left, I told her to put two on my tab, and to use his $40 for the other two. She could tell him anything she wanted, but I wished to remain anonymous.

I caught a glimpse of this man, as he waited to pay for groceries. He looked like he was in shock. He kept looking at the receipt, and shaking his head in disbelief.

The best money I have ever spent.

[orleans]

65. k&r n/t

[canetoad]

66. Random acts of kindness

There are not enough of them. Good onya rsmith :)

[Unrepentant Fenian]

67. Fair play to ya ! That was a good thing to do! nt

[leveymg]

68. You're the reason there still hope for this country. Thanks.

O8)

[cabbage08]

69. kick n/t

[cboy4]

75. It feels good to help people and it feels good to hear about

others helping people.

Nice work. :)

[Ilsa]

80. Blessings upon you! Can all of us imagine the high

numbers that will be showing up for the Thanksgiving meals at shelters and other public centers next Thursday?

Your generosity will give this man hope.

[defendandprotect]

84. good deed ... nice guy ---