A group of high school students in Tampa, Florida, brought unexpected holiday blessings to surprised shoppers when they paid for everything in their shopping carts at a local Walmart.
Christmas is the best time to share the love of Christ with others through our kind actions. It may be something little, like a kind word or a helping hand that brings joy to others.
That’s exactly what these high school students showed when they quietly stepped into a Walmart and chose to bless strangers in a powerful way.
These students from Riverview High School are part of a group called Gentlemen’s Quest. This program teaches young men how to lead with compassion, empathy, and service.
Right before Christmas, these boys walked around Walmart looking for people who needed help. They followed their hearts and picked out shoppers who seemed like they could use a blessing.
Here’s how it worked. The teenagers watched people shop. When those shoppers got to the checkout counter, the boys surprised them with amazing news. They were going to pay for everything in their carts. Every single item.
One student picked an older woman who was using a wheelchair scooter. He said she reminded him of his grandma who passed away a few years ago. That made it personal for him. It made it emotional and purposeful.
The woman he helped had just gotten out of the hospital the day before. Her daughter needed groceries but didn’t have any food at home.
When the boys offered to pay, she could hardly believe it. “Unbelievable. I just got out of the hospital yesterday, and my baby daughter told [me], ‘Come take me to the store because I don’t have nothing.’ And then, and all of a sudden I got everything, and God paid for it with these nice fellas,” she said.
Every family they helped said thank you over and over. Many of them were stunned. They couldn’t believe complete strangers would step in to help without wanting anything back.
The organization focuses on developing young men of character, integrity, and purpose. They want these boys to do things that positively impact their community. They also want to give them skills that will help them after they graduate.
This story warms our hearts. We all have a generous heart to help others, but many times we wait until someone explains their struggle or asks for help.
These young people didn’t wait. They just stepped in and spread the true message of Christmas through their kind actions.
WATCH: Teens Step Into Walmart and Quietly Pay for Groceries for Strangers
