Single mom 'speechless' over grocery store workers' generosity
VANCOUVER, Wash. – Single mom Tina Reaves was just looking for a discount on a turkey to feed her small family on Thanksgiving Day.
With the cupboards at home mostly bare, she asked the manager at a Vancouver, Wash. Safeway store on Wednesday if there was any chance they had a turkey that was on sale.
“I said, “this is probably going to sound very strange, but I was wondering.” I said I’m a single mom of two girls and I just asked if they had a turkey that was discountable,” Reaves recalled.
Perhaps one that had been dropped or dinged up could be sold at a discount, she said to the manager.
Reaves got a turkey for Thanksgiving, all right, and a whole lot more, thanks to the generosity of the unidentified manager and employees of the store.
Instead of a discounted turkey, the manager offered her a 13-pound turkey – for free. Other employees pitched in to add rolls, soda pop, stuffing mix, vegetables, fruit, milk, gravy, pies, even a bottle of sparkling cider. The total cost was over $70.
But, like they say, that’s not all.
Employees also contributed a $10 Safeway gift card, $11 in cash and a hand-written note wishing her Happy Thanksgiving.
“To see [the manager] with a cart full of this… I was speechless,” Reaves said. “I just started crying, and he gave me the biggest hug.”
“It’s just really been a struggle,” Reaves said. “I’ve been trying to pay off bills that I can’t even afford.”
She said the family could not afford gas to drive to see relatives over the holiday.
“At first, I felt that I was really unworthy for all of this, and then after a few minutes of crying I realized that there are so many great people in the world,” Reaves said.
"I want to thank those out there who really helped us today with all the stuff,” Reaves young daughter Jaden said.
The Safeway manager and employees did not have permission to discuss their good deed with KATU News.
Reaves said the donated food is “more than enough” and she plans to donate some of it to a local food bank. “Now we have so much to be thankful for, really, and to come together and to celebrate it together is amazing,” she said.
“It was really amazing that people care so much for someone they don’t even know,” Reaves said.
$11?
 @Asa I think it's safe to assume that after they bought her the dinner food, and the $10 gift card that's what was left over. it says the employees gave what they could, I imagine it's the cash they had on them at the time. Maybe they wanted her to have some cash (Vs. more gift cards) to get the kids something they wanted or gas money....not that big of a deal...I think they should be Proud of themselves, I am.
Great story. This is how it's supposed to work. This woman didn't come in expecting a free meal, but that's what she got; not because anybody was forced to give to her but because these people saw her hardship and gave willingly, out of the kindness of their hearts. Wonderful story because of wonderful people.
It's not like the grocery store employees making a whole lot so their generosity goes a long way
IF only they would have donated 70$ worth of Fresh Fruits and Vegetables on top of that turkey. Boxed Crap, Hydrogenated Whipped Cream, Pies laden with Trans Fats, and Soda... This random act of kindness is very nice, but it's sickening to see such unhealthy food like substances being donated.Â
 @BrennanHartnell24 It wouldn't be Thanksgiving then.
I'm sure $70 of any food is greatly appreciated when you don't have much.
I looked over your posts and you seem to be sitting on a pretty tall horse, wouldn't hurt to get down on the same level with everybody else. When is the last time you've donated anything to a family in need?
 @MLP have to agree. It's easy to judge when your holding the stones
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 @BrennanHartnell24 don't look a gift horse in the mouth
 @BrennanHartnell24 Thanks, Debbie Downer...sheesh!!!
"Be Kind - For Everyone You Meet is Fighting a Hard Battle!!'
So true, some more then others
For the nearly past two months my family has been camped out in a hotel.Were very grateful for the roof over our head and not living out in the cold where our x landlord wanted us. We have appreciated all the help that has been bestowed upon our family during this rough time to ensure the roof stays put.
What a great, feel good story on Thanksgiving. It really stands in stark contrast to the shameless commercialism that is going on today.
Thank goodness for those donation bins set up at Safeway, I try to donate food and $Â every time I shop there during the holidays because I know how hard it is to do without. The credit should go to more than just the Safeway employees because lots of generous people donate doing the holidays but unfortunately the need often outweighs the donations making it important for more people to get into the giving spirit because there are many one parent households with children desperately needing help.
There but for the grace of God go I. And you, and you and you, too.
Another reason why Safeway is my store of choice. Â
This is how things used to be...before it became the norm to expect that the government would simply hand people a check, communities actually took care of their poor...I spent my entire childhood impoverished, though I never would have known what that meant, and being hungry was just a way of life, though we never had much, my mother ensured we always had something on the table; but we spent every week at church, making soups and bread and packing baskets and boxes w/ homemade cookies, pies, canned jams. We had rice bowl collections and used the proceeds to provide meals to those families w/ out of work parents and I spent countless hours w/ my siblings picking chokecherries, cherries, and gleaning fruit at the stores, that the ladies of the church would then use to create huge assembly line canning operations. It was the way it was.
I will harken back to an old analogy I was told when I was young-
When your hands are open in giving, they are also open to receive. Ms. Reaves, in essence, understood that. She was trying to work the problem by being proactive, working with what she had at her disposal and simply hoping to be cut a deal...and in doing so, the generosity shown her was manifested in her receiving something unexpected.
I hope that things get better for her. I hope that things get better for all in need. I will continue to contribute to my food bank, to those around me I see in need, by following the same lessons I learned as a child. It takes a village, truly...
Touching story. Kudos for the manager and employees at that Safeway!
Yea, thank you for a story about the good in people. More please!
It takes a village.
 @Brewin4u Yes - a *voluntary* village in action, not a coercive one by government fiat. People, left to themselves, are mostly pretty good.
 @RN1  @Brewin4u Unless you're a Republican.Â
 @RN1  @Brewin4u Amen
I don't have a lot of money, but I try to help those who need it more than I do when I can.  One time there was a young girl ahead of me at the checkout line, and she was a few dollars short of purchasing her tampons  The woman working the checkout lane was not giving the young girl a break and was loud enough for everyone around to hear.  I offered to cover the difference and the girl left.  I am sure she was embarrassed having some middle aged male stranger help buy her tampons.Â
 @KRM66 Yes, but ,you know, not having them at all could have produced a lot more embarrassing moments, and much worse ones at that ...  so kudos to you!Â
I agree with you completely 1opine! Brought tears to my eyes....it is so nice to see other people helping each other..it is getting more rare each day. Makes my Thanksgiving that much better!
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I don't care what this lady's story is, whether she works her butt off or, if she's actively working to improve her situation. What I do care about is the fact those employees were kind enough to help her and she was brave enough to share the story despite that fact that she would subject to public ridicule. Thank you to the Safeway folks that helped her and thanks for highlighting their kindness Tina. Best of luck to you!
Very heartwarming. I hope that things get better for this single mom.
I actually got teary watching this! Wonderful story!
THIS......is what it's all about, and why we're here folks. To love and take care of one another. Keep this story in mind as you go into the holiday season, and if you see the chance, pay it forward. Happy Thanksgiving Everyone.
This story brought tears to my eyes.. thanks Safeway!
This is why I shop at Safeway, I've always felt that their employees for the most part are superior to any other grocery store! Very nice story!
 @sunluvin I think you're right about that. I rarely shop at Safeway because there isn't one in my neighborhood, but when I do go there, the employees are always so nice!Â
I think that is wonderful they helped her out. If those giving can afford it then more power to them. It takes nothing away from anyone else.
BlueJedi, I wish I could respond to your comment but my phone will not let me. I work with many families like this one, and I don't get the hate either. Even if she does utilize food banks and food stamps, she is utilizing the resources available to help her kids, which is a good thing. The food she received is almost exactly what our food bank would give a family of that size, except that the employees dug deep to help her, without being asked. They did a wonderful thing and that is commendable. My faith in humanity is restored again too.
Some of these comments are just.....wow. She did nothing wrong but is being condemned. How do you know she's on food stamps? I meet many people who should apply but refuse to do and refuse to visit food banks too, even though they should do so. How do you know her family is in a position to help her, or that she is dependent on the kindness of strangers? Sheesh, this a very encouraging story about a group of strangers helping a local family. Good for them! Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!
 @Doxie we don't know what her circumstances are. Maybe she blew through her food stamps buying staples like cereal, flour and some cheap hamburger, leaving her with no money for a turkey or ham. Maybe she's working full time at a low paying job and what's left from her paycheck after buying a weeks worth of gas and paying her light bill leaves her with oh, no money to do fun stuff like rent a $1 movie from redbox.
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Maybe like many people, she does visit food banks. Food banks, because of a huge increase in need and a huge drop in donations, can't give her much.
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Maybe at the end of the day, she's a victim of circumstance-she's done everything right-food stamps, applied for free lunch for her kids, she's working 50 hours a week, pays her bills on time and yet, has recently ran into a very bad bout of bad luck.Â
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Instead of being inspired to do a random act of kindness I'm seeing a lot of hate.
 @BlueJedi  @Doxie Even if her children receive Washington Health Insurance, she likely has to pay for her own, or pay for each doctor visit out of pocket.Â
 @bluejedi:Â
You said it so perfectly - thank you. This has been my month of being bitten by circumstance.  It has been a horrible & humbling experience.Â
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I turned to MANY different agencies trying to find help - due to a medical emergency, I was unable to pay my rent. I contacted, among others, Volunteers of America, American Legions, Hope Link, Wellspring Housing Stabelization, Catholic Community Services, Ballard Food Bank, Westgate Chapel, DSHS, and my own church, friends, & family.Â
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I am not a "target demographic" - my child is over 18, I am not a minority, I am no longer a DV victim, I am "not diabled enough" (even though I am a bilateral lower limb amputee), I am not a veteran,I am not currently pregnant, I am not a recovering adict, I am not "old enough" (only 51), I have "too much money" ($6 above the gross invcome limit, which does not take into account that normally I spend 75% of my SSI just to pay the rent). This is the month they statred taking my Medicare premium out - so I have $100 a month less that I had had previously. I live EXTREMELY frugally - couponing, ad-matching, doing without, skipping meals.
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I even went to far as to create a "begging" ad & post it on Craig's List, hoping perhaps someone might feel like helping. No $$ recevied - but I WAS contacted & offered a job! I lost my job in February 2009, and have been unemployed eveer since. I am very hopeful that this will work out.
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I have always believed that there are far more good people than bad in the world - everyone who is being hit by "circumstances" deserves to be given a helping hand - they do NOT deserve tpo be denigrated simply for not being able to survive in difficult situations without any help.
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Happy Thanksgiving to everyone!
 @AinSeattle  @LocalLady LocalLady-have you tried signing up for freecycle? You give away crap you don't need and if you need something you simply ask for it. Yes, it's hit and miss what people have to give away but it might help you.
 @LocalLady Here is some info that might be of use to you: http://www.ehow.com/way_5863908_rent-disabled.html and https://www.disability.gov/housing
Great job to the Safeway manager and employees.
Along with such a heartwarming story is the question of what this woman is doing to prevent being perpetually dependent on the kindness of strangers, at least for the sake of her daughters. Â Apparently her relatives were unable or unwilling to even provide money for gas so she could visit them for Thanksgiving. Â
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@Opus8no5 Have you not noticed were in a recession! It is hard to find jobs. You have a hard heart, who cares what her circumstances are. Not everyone can afford to go to college to get those good jobs, nobody like her wants to be in that situation, she is doing the best that she can.
 @Opus8no5 Sounds like she isn't dependent on others but thanksgiving is a rather extravagant holiday.  If you're living paycheck to paycheck a turkey might not be in the budget which is why she was looking for a cheap turkey in the first place.
Good job safeway ! You got me converted from fred meyer !
Very nice of them to do this but seriously, a single mom with 3 kids. That means she's getting $500 a month in food stamps. Thats of course if she doesn't have a job. So maybe she just has a low paying job and needed a little help.
 @Blindman Even on a holiday, you wont take a day off from being an ass with your misguided assumptions based off of nothing in the posted story.
@Blindman Good grief... way to try and turn something positive into something negative. Even if she qualifies for food stamps, that doesn't mean she's applied for them. Not everyone that qualifies for state aid wants to have state aid. It doesn't say her kids were starving, just that they were a little short on cash and hoping to find a turkey for a little less. And even if they are on food stamps and even if they do get $500 a month, it's not that hard to spend that much on essentials. And you are right... maybe she does have a low paying job. This country is full of people who work harder than any office personnel and work 40-60 hours a week but still barely make enough to scrape by. It says she's paying off bills she can't afford so perhaps their car needed repairs or new tires, perhaps one of them got sick and they had a lot of medical bills, perhaps their rent went up or if they are trying to buy their home they had an emergency with the furnace or plumbing. There are so many things that could happen in a person's life to put them in a situation like this.
@Blindman Single mom of 2 kids, and it is possible she has a job but money is tight or she may get child support. Not every single mom qualifies for food stamps, and maybe she has them and ran out, or she feels she doesn't needs.Â
@Blindman How do you know she's getting food stamps? Hmmm?
 @Tattooed_Angel  @Blindman I don't know. But if she doesn't have a job I imagine she would get them. Anyone can get them if you're not employed. I think the cutoff is anyone making over a $1000 a month don't qualify. $1000 a month ain't much.
 @BlueJedi  @quidproquo  @Blindman The application process is pretty grueling, and I found the workers were often outright mean, but I would still encourage people to apply, even if they think their income is over the limit. Eligibility is not based solely on income - they do deduct some expenses to determine your income, so if you pay more for rent and other living expenses than someone with the same income, you might qualify anyway.Â
 @quidproquo  @Blindman and when you do apply for food stamps, it's no longer as easy as it once was. The application process includes submitting pay stubs, landlord statement, birth certificates for kids under 18, SSN cards for everyone in household, marriage certificate if married, divorce and child support statement if divorced and/or getting child support or supposed to be getting it, copies of light, water/sewer/trash bill, any/all outstanding medical bills, they want to know how much you owe on your car if you don't own it outright, bank statements, if you have roommates sharing expenses all you have to fill out a form saying how much everyone pays toward x and x, photo ID for everyone over 18 and whatever else the DSHS worker wants you to crap out. After producing ALL of those documents then you find out if you get anything or not. It's no longer of a case of waltzing in saying I want food stamps and walking out with $200 an hour later.
 @Blindman It's actually pretty difficult to quality for food stamps. You don't qualify if you make over $24,000 a year and you don't qualify if you are in school at all. Also, most people don't WANT to be on food stamps. Its a pride issue. Which is probably why is was asking for a DISCOUNT rather than a free turkey.
@Blindman It didn't say anywhere in the story that she doesn't have a job. There are LOTS of people who work their butts off (even single parents) and live paycheck to paycheck but don't qualify for food stamps. Your assumptions are rude. This was supposed to be a heartwarming holiday story.