Grocery Clerk Gets New Car & $100K for College After Act of Kindness Goes Viral
When we get into our work, especially if that work is routine or repetitive, we can zone out. The world fades around you as you repeat the same action and your mind goes elsewhere.
But if we’re truly present and aware of the other people around us, we might just become someone’s blessing. That was certainly the case for an employee named Jordan Taylor.
You may have seen the coverage and the video going around: a young man stocking the shelves at a grocery store invites another young man to help him.
A mundane job, perhaps, and nothing to be thrilled about — but it had a profound effect on both of the young men, in very different ways.
The sister of Jack Ryan Edwards, the young man who got to help out, wrote about what happened on a GoFundMe page she set up to commend the employee.
“Jack Ryan, or ‘Ziggy’ as I call him, is diagnosed with autism and often becomes fixated on things. Jack Ryan was watching Jordan stock the coolers when Jordan asked Jack if he’d like to help,” she explained.
“The smile on Jack’s face said all of the words that he couldn’t. Jack and Jordan stocked the coolers as a team, Jordan encouraging Jack Ryan as he finished each task.”
“Jordan told me he loves math and would like to possibly be an educator someday. All I know is, whatever he decides to do he will excel! Thank you to Jordan for what you did for our Ziggy, we will never forget! “
Jordan Taylor may not have thought much of those few moments spent in the store aisle, but other people thought differently.
Within 23 days, people from around the world who were impressed with Taylor’s character and career goals donated over $130,000 to his schooling.
That wasn’t all. He was even gifted a new car by Neighbors Neighbors Federal Credit Union. Steve Webb, CEO and President of Neighbors, presented the car to Taylor’s mother since he was at school and unable to attend, according to The Advocate.
“We are so proud of Jordan for pursuing his dream of becoming a math teacher by enrolling at Grambling State University,” Webb said. “We are elated that Neighbors is able to provide a car for Jordan to visit his family while he is away at college.”
Many have pointed out that it’s really Taylor’s mother who is to be praised for raising her son. She reassured everyone that his actions were done out of kindness, not for attention.
“On behalf of Jordan I just want to thank everyone for making this possible. What Jordan did, it wasn’t for form or fashion,” she said. “That was just him being Jordan. As a family, we greatly appreciate this.”
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