Helping hands

[Jeep-Lover]

Yesterday, I watched an event unfold which changed the way I view grocery stores and the way they conduct their business and their involvement in their community. I watched a man approach one of the assistant managers and asked to speak to a member of management; He was told him he was speaking one of the assistant managers and how could she be of assistance to him.[I was very close on this conversation and he sounded desperate and yes, I eavesdropped] He replied, this is hard for me to do, but I have to for the sake of my family. Could you extend me some credit to buy for food for my wife and two daughters, because payday is not until Friday?

The woman replied am not authorized to do something like this, even though I could tell she wanted to. She told the man; hold on and stay right here as my manager is still in the store, so she went to him and I guess she was explaining the problem. I watched the store manager approach the man and ask; what seems to be the problem buddy? I watched this man on the verge of tears and it literally broke my heart, and if the store manager could not do anything for him, I would. The manager gave the man a store gift card to buy groceries for his family. I heard the assistant say to the manager; how much was the gift card and I will pay for half of it Friday? The manager replied, the card was for $200.00 and I will pay for this out of my pocket. This is part of belonging to a community and helping out when the need arises. I will never shop anywhere else except at the IGA Marketplace in Kimberly. This store has a team of managers with heart and soul.

[mommyebeth98]

Thanks for sharing this story. It is good to know that there are caring people out there who are able to help others in need.

[Jeep-Lover]

mommyebeth98
I like seeing managers help their communities, but sometimes the need for that something extra comes along and you just have to be prepared.I have not changed my view of the IGA Marketplace management, they are truly a wonderful and giving team of individuals.
Whenever I enterthe store someone always greets me with a smile, I go to the produce department and the female assistant will be working over there and she always has a smile on her face and a kind word for everone.
This is the kind of store where I like to shop, where everyone is like family.

[Jeep-Lover]

I agree with you. Most stores would not to something like this as it cuts into the "bottom line" of the store profits, but this team of managers did not care about the bottom line, only giving the man and his family some help.This is a caring business, not just about the money and because of this, the store will flourish and grow within this small community.