Arthur St. John, a 94-year-old grocery store worker, was left in tears after being laid off from his job of 22 years. However, an unexpected act of kindness from his community has since left him feeling overwhelmed with gratitude.
When Bonnie Gervais, a regular customer of the store, heard about St. John’s termination, she knew she had to do something to help. Along with her son Christian, she started an online fundraising campaign to support him financially during this difficult time.
What happened next was truly remarkable. The campaign raised an incredible $7,166, with many of the donations coming from customers who had experienced St. John’s exceptional service while bagging their groceries.
Messages flooded in expressing gratitude for his kindness, with one customer saying, “I’ve been shopping at the Stratham store just a few years longer than you’ve been working there and I’ve always enjoyed seeing you and appreciate your courtesy.” Another shared, “It is always a joy to see Arthur at the end of the conveyor belt. He is always so sweet to my little son.”
St. John was moved to tears upon receiving the generous donation, with assistant store director Dean Clevesy revealing that he cried two or three times out of appreciation. The funds will help him pay his bills, but despite the outpouring of support, St. John still hopes to return to work at the grocery store he loves.
The heartwarming response from the community serves as a reminder of the power of kindness and the impact that one person’s actions can have on others. It’s a beautiful testament to the enduring spirit of humanity and the importance of looking out for one another, especially during challenging times.