Pay it forward?

I’ve gained 12 pounds since the shutdown started. I’ve developed a steadfast diet of Snickers and potato chips. Sometimes I put Snickers minis between 2 potato chips and make a potato-snick sandwich. None of my jeans fit so I thought some scrubs would be more comfortable. I went to the medical supply and bought some scrubs to lounge around the house while I work from home.

I was checking out in the grocery store yesterday, wearing my scrubs, when the guy behind me insisted on paying my bill. I told him no I’m not a medical worker but he insisted. His 84-year-old mother had COVID-19 and the doctors and nurses saved her life and he wanted to pay it forward. He handed the cashier his credit card and she charged him for all of my groceries. I walked out of Rouse’s whistling over my $139.27 gain.

Later that day I went to Home Depot to get some tools for my weekend project. Still in my scrubs the lady behind me struck up a conversation with me. Mostly small talk, but I mentioned that I have been working so many hours that it looks like I finally might be able to get some work done around the house this weekend. When I finally made it the front of the checkout line, I began unloading my cart and the lady behind me started helping me empty my cart onto the counter. I was still unloading the cart when, without hesitation, she handed the female cashier her credit card. It took me a few seconds to realize what was going on before I could try and put a stop to her paying my bill. But it was too late. The transaction had already been processed. I walked out of Home Depot whistling over my $379.87 gain.

Now I feel kind of guilty. It’s not like I did this intentionally. I think people are just trying to contribute in any way that they can to try and get through these uncertain times.

I am now faced with the following options:

1. Do nothing and continue wearing scrubs when I go out and enjoy the windfalls
2. Try and find the 2 individuals and reimburse them
3. Donate the total amounts ($519.14) to a woman’s shelter since domestic abuse is on the rise
4. Donate the total amount to Red Cross or a faith-based organization

Any recommendations on how I should pay this forward? I must admit, that the baw in me is leaning towards option number 1.