Super Cheap Thrift - The Best Trip Ever

Today The Breadman was off work due to the holiday, so I left the boys home and I went to straighten up my newest booth.  That booth happens to be in the very town of the Super Cheap Thrift, so of course, I had to go. I haven't been since before Thanksgiving.  The last time I was in there, I overheard people picking out Christmas presents in the aisles. I decided that I wouldn't go back until after Christmas and leave the items there for the people that really needed thrift store items to have a Christmas.  

The picture isn't that great, because the items are not the best part of this post.

Today I found a lot of very nice very well cared for vintage items.  I did notice that the SCT prices had gone up a bit, but they are still waaay cheaper than any other thrift around here.  I found 28 books for homeschooling, a book carrying bag, a sweet vintage beaded purse, vintage letter holder, two handmade doiley's, a vintage barometer, vintage cake decorating tool, fun set of huge flash cards that say KNOCK KNEES and CLAP HANDS, etc., a lovely vintage tablecloth with weather vanes on it. I also got the loveliest Wildenur rose tablecloth - absolutely perfect condition with eight matching napkins.  It was priced $10.00, and I hesitated and debated it, but then I decided to treat myself.  $10.00 for a Wildenur tablecloth is a very good price - but I rarely ever spend that much on something just for me.  Confident in my purchases, I went to get in line.

I unloaded my bag, the lady at the register punched the numbers into the cash register and another lady bagged my items.  They always chat about the items I buy - they say I find the neatest stuff.  When they came to the tablecloth, they commented on how pretty it was.  "I collect tablecloths and it will be one of my very best" I told them.  When they came to the books. they asked what I would do with them - "We homeschool", I said.  "We will use them for that".  And, with that, my purchases were complete, but the register still said "0.00".  I asked, "What is my total?" and they said, "The man behind you is paying for your items today."

Instant tears came to my eyes!  I've heard of random acts of kindness and I do a bit of them on my own, but this one really caught me off guard and threw me for a loop.  I went to thank him and shake his hand.  He shook my hand hard and said he was "Happy to do it."  The lady behind the register carried my packages to the door to meet me and she whispered that he had been there all day, paying for everyone's purchases.  I realized tonight that he actually did two very nice things for a lot of the people that shop at that thrift.  Most of them are shopping with vouchers so they not only got their items today courtesy of him, but they can go back and use their vouchers to acquire even more things that they need.  

I will always remember today's trip to the SCT today. I will always remember that nice stranger whenever I see my lovely tablecloth.  What a gift he gave me!