random acts of kindness
Generosity proves to be correct formula
My wife and I have a newborn who was born mid-May and, like many others, we had been experiencing problems finding baby formula for the little guy.
One day in late May I was out on a mission to scour every store until I found some when my wife texted me that someone had posted on Facebook a picture of a wealth of formula at a nearby Sam’s Club. I hurried over and was relieved to find that the shelves were still full.
I quickly put three cases in my cart before realizing I wasn’t sure if I was actually authorized on my wife’s membership, so I headed to customer service to be added (or beg, if absolutely necessary).
There was a couple in front me in line and a woman in front of them who spotted the formula in my cart, and the four of us began chatting about how old my
at baby was, how sad the formula shortage has been and how I thought I might have to beg Sam’s Club to be able to purchase the three cases I found.
As she got to the service desk, the woman in the front of the line I had been chatting with motioned for me to join her at the register and informed the associate that she would be paying for my three cases of formula. Stunned, I began politely arguing with her that it was kind of her to do so, but unnecessary, and that the three cases totaled about $150.
She insisted, and I was raised that you only politely refuse a favor three times before you graciously accept, which I did. She then handed me the receipt to present to the associate at the door.
With my faith in humanity restored, I asked her for her name, which she shared was Billie. She said she had recently celebrated her granddaughter’s college graduation but could remember how exciting it was having a newborn, and she was happy she could help.
Billie, on the off chance you’re reading this, thank you, again.
MIKE PERRI Canonsburg
The Post-Gazette’s Kevin Flowers coordinates Random Acts of Kindness. If someone has done you or someone else right, please tell him about it at kflowers@post-gazette.com. You also can write Random Acts of Kindness at the Post-Gazette, 358 North Shore Drive, Suite 300, Pittsburgh, PA 15212.