A Publix customer had no problem walking to his local Publix, but one evening on his way home, he got lost. Having been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, it wasn’t uncommon for him to forget details, but as it began to rain, he started to panic. He attempted to flag down people to help him find his way home but was unsuccessful.

By this time, his family had been searching for him for four hours and even called the police when they couldn’t find him.

“When he was diagnosed, I printed some cards with my father’s name and our phone numbers,” explained his daughter. “I make sure to place a card inside his shirt pocket. He also has some he keeps in his wallet, but he had forgotten his wallet at home. It was almost midnight. We were so terrified something had happened.”

Several people walked by him but would not stop — except Deli Clerk Claude Leto, #1321, St. Petersburg, Florida. She was heading home after her shift when she noticed the man was in distress. She spotted the card in his pocket and immediately called the family to let them know he was safe and just 2 miles from his home.

“When nobody else was there to help my father, Claude was — ignoring the weather, that it was so late. And I am sure she was tired,” said his daughter. “I offered her a cash reward, but she turned it down. We need more people like her in the world, and I am so very grateful.”

Claude was presented a gold coin by Store Manager Hugo Meyer and District Manager John Kisgen for her commitment to providing superior customer service and being a responsible citizen to the communities we serve.

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.