From the moment Sustainability Specialist Lacey White saw the moving story about a young Publix fan with cancer, she knew she had to do something special.
Before becoming a sustainability specialist, Lacey worked in customer care and social media. Part of her job was choosing photographs that customers tagged Publix in to feature online. One day, she came across a story of a very young boy who had cancer. Because of the treatments, he was very weak and didn’t get to enjoy a lot of things other kids his age did. According to his mother, his biggest treat was going to their local Publix and riding in the shopping carts shaped as a car with flames on the side.
“He looked so cute in the photos with a huge grin on his face,” said Lacey. “I knew I wanted to do something special that would touch both him and his family during such a tough time.”
Lacey’s grandfather passed away due to cancer, and she knew how much it affects not only the person, but all their loved ones. So, she got to work.
“I kept thinking about what I would want as a kid,” said Lacey. “Since he loved riding in the cart shaped like a car, I got him a Cozy Coupe to put some special treats in.”
To help make the Cozy Coupe, a classic ride-on car for kids, even more special, our printing services department added cutout flame stickers just like the ones on the cart he loves. Lacey also worked with our marketing department to put together a bunch of goodies and arrange for Plato to be part of the surprise.
So, with a flamin’ hot car, Plato and lots of Publix treats, Lacey traveled to Georgia to meet the inspirational little boy.
“Meeting him was almost surreal for me. It was the moment I had been planning and waiting for,” said Lacey. “He didn’t get out of his new, cool car the whole time we were there!”
Lacey was so happy to be able to connect with such a special customer and his family and was thankful to get the opportunity to make their day brighter.
“This was always for the child. I just love making people happy and putting a smile on their faces, especially when their journey isn’t an easy one,” said Lacey. “That’s what Publix associates take pride in doing.”
A Mr. George Gold Coin Award 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 Mr. George Gold Coin recipients in Publix News.
