Toledo resident pays it forward after anonymous act of kindness

Jade Hill and Derrick Watts were astonished Aug. 2 at the Toledo’s Red Apple Market by an anonymous act of generosity. Recovering their composure, they "paid it forward" to the patron in line behind them.

Coming up short at the checkout counter, Jade selected a couple items to return but was informed by the clerk, "It's paid for."

Uncomprehending, Jade tried to pay for the remaining groceries, only to be asked if she knew the man with the cane she had graciously offered her place at the front of the line.

"Well, he just paid for your groceries," said the clerk, who ran a card through the reader and keyed in numbers.

Before agreeing to a brief interview on the episode, Jade paid it forward by buying the purchases for the next patron in line. That patron was me.

Outside the store, she verged on tears as she proclaimed: "It restores my faith in people. There IS good in the world!"

Although Jade and Derrick declined photos, Jade did end the short interview by passing along...a warm hug.