ONTARIO, Ohio — The Bowen family found a new local friend Wednesday night during a trip to Walmart.
Two employees from CashMax in Ontario paid for two full carts of groceries and other items for the Bowen family as part of the company’s Pay It Forward program.
Manager Jennifer Skala and assistant manager Cleveland Wilson went across the street from their store and began browsing the aisles.
“We saw a family with three little ones and two carts that looked to have a good amount in the carts. We approached them to ask if we could pay for their groceries,” Skala said. “With looks of disbelief from the Bowen family, We explained to them who we were and how our company gives back to the community’s we operate in. They were thrilled.”
The Bowens have three small children and their shopping excursion was a notable one.
“The children were so sweet and polite. Gracie, age 7, was telling how she got new earrings and they just got 6-month-old Tilly’s ears pierced as well and Gracie, being an awesome big sister, would not get her new earrings until Tilly had hers,” Skala said. “Tilly was all smiles and giggles. Lane, 5, was smiling and showing off his Ninja Turtle Sucker he had just picked out.”
The family was able to get a few more things before meeting Skala and Wilson at the register. The two CashMax employees said the family was very thankful for Pay It Forward.
“They thanked us repeatedly and said they could not believe what we were doing for them,” Skala said. “I explained how our company is very family oriented, and that we as employees were so excited to have the opportunity to give back and see the smiles of the children.
“Amesha and Steve are very hard working parents raising three little ones and I’m sure the extra help is appreciated.”
