Since the first store opened in 1930, Mr. George believed Publix should be part of the community and give back. Throughout his 31 years of service, Store Manager Jeff Toker, #560, Peachtree Corners, Georgia, has been upholding that virtue.

One afternoon when Jeff was returning to his store, he noticed a man in the parking lot picking up trash. After introducing himself, Jeff learned the man, Donald, had no home and no food. Jeff invited him into the store, bought him lunch and then proceeded to sit down and talk to him. After discovering Donald slept outside, Jeff took it upon himself to help.

“I wondered if I didn’t help him, then who would?” Jeff said.

Jeff called shelter after shelter to find Donald a place to stay. While searching for a more permanent residence, Jeff took him to a hotel to stay. That’s when Donald looked at him and said, “Mr. Jeff, don’t be stressed out. With you and God on my side, I don’t know how, but everything is going to be OK.”

From then on, Jeff made it his mission to get Donald back on his feet. He helped Donald learn some of the basics, such as opening a checking account and using resources available at the local library. With assistance from United Way, Jeff was able to find Donald a shelter and secure a job.

“We are all busy, but you have to take a moment to see what is going on in front of you,” Jeff said.

Jeff talks to Donald regularly and visits him once per week. Jeff’s fellow associates are also invested in Donald’s success by pitching in for groceries and asking about him.

For his efforts, Jeff was awarded the gold coin.

“To see what we do as a company and how we give back to the community is so rewarding,” Jeff said. “You see how truly thankful people are when you take the time to care.”

The gold coin is presented 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 the gold coin by receiving customer 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.