Five associates from #1687, Hoover, Alabama, extended a helping hand to a fellow associate in crisis. We don’t call it the Publix family for no reason.
When an associate returned to work after a family emergency, Deli Manager Valora Riggins was quick to ensure the associate was okay. He was honest and disclosed he had nowhere to live. After helping get him into a hotel, she started calling apartments and United Way for a more permanent place.
“I don’t have family here either, and Publix has been my family for 7 years. After having a casual conversation with associates, people related and were quick to offer to help,” said Valora.
As Valora secured an apartment, Catering Consultant Cord Hobbs coordinated donations, and other associates pitched in wherever they could.
“I wanted him to be able to go home and get rest — not just as an associate, but as a human. He didn’t have anyone on this side of the world to help,” said Cord. “What started as finding a place to lay his head expanded to helping beyond that.”
Assistant Managing Chef Adam Joiner had a relationship with Goodwill and bought furniture pieces for the apartment. They attributed their actions to how they were raised and the Publix family way.
“I was raised to look out for others, and we do that as a team. This is normal for Publix associates and our culture,” said Adam.
Grocery Replenishment Specialist Connor Hendrick had a bed from his old apartment, and Meat Cutter Wade Thomas had the truck to haul all the furniture. After getting everything together, they set up the apartment on their day off.
“I would do it for anybody,” said Connor. “It’s basic human decency to help other people. Treat people the way you want to be treated.”
When the team was presented with their gold coin, they were taken by surprise.
“I didn’t expect this sort of attention for it,” said Wade. “He’s just always been a friendly guy who’s never without a smile. I had the ability to help, so I wanted to contribute.”
A gold coin is given to associates who embrace the Publix culture and provide premier service the way Mr. George himself would have. Receiving a gold coin means you’ve made a real difference in the lives of others by going above and beyond. Associates can become eligible for a gold coin by receiving praise through the customer care department, which reviews each case based on established criteria and guidelines.
Take a moment to read about other gold coin winners in Publix News.
