Mom and 8-Year-Old Son Give Away Free Toilet Paper at Busy Intersection to ‘Spread’ Kindness Instead of Hoarding

(Illustration - Shutterstock)

Hailey Brigham, owner of Happy Hearts Preschool in Gilbert, Arizona, and her son Roman handed out about 50 rolls of free toilet paper and paper towels to passersby at a busy intersection to “spread” kindness, and images of the kind act went viral on Facebook. The Arizona preschool teacher was inspired by her 8-year-old son to respond to the hoarding of toilet paper and other supplies, caused by coronavirus panic, by doing something counter-intuitive.

While others were stockpiling at the expense of others or taking advantage of the shortage to sell their supplies at a profit, the mother and son were giving theirs away to demonstrate a new concept. Young Roman held a sign that explained what they were offering: “Free TP and paper towels.” Mom Hailey’s sign shared the message behind their act: “Spread (love) not panic.”

As she explained to local news station KPNX, which posted photos online, the impetus came from her son, who was “feeling anxious and worried about what was happening in the world.” She decided the best thing to do was help both of them feel calmer by assisting others. “It helped him, and it helped me,” she affirmed.

Hailey Brigham has been directly affected by the social distancing measures taken in response to the virus. She explained on her Facebook page, “I made the hard decision to shut my preschool due to the virus.” Brigham, who has run the school since 2015, added, “It was HARD and SCARY! I need to work to support and take care of my family.”

Her mom instincts kicked in when she saw her son Roman equally “stressed, scared and worried.” Realizing that worrying wasn’t going to help, she took action. Thinking about how they could help, they landed on offering basic supplies such as toilet paper, which has seen chronic shortages at major stores as panicked shoppers turn to hoarding.

Illustration - Shutterstock | Jim Schubert

Taking some of the family’s own supply, Brigham and Roman headed out in the morning with their signs and rolls and were stunned by how their small gesture was received. “I had nooooo idea people would react like they have (the good and bad),” she wrote on Facebook. “[M]y mission was to spread to hope and love and show Roman what it’s all about.”

In addition to tons of “thank yous” from drivers and passengers stopping at the intersection, a local man stopped to make a video that he uploaded to Facebook. He praised Brigham and her son for letting them know that “there is no panic and there’s toilet paper to be had.” Soon people who wanted to assist their efforts began dropping off rolls in contribution.

Brigham said that the kind act was helpful for both her and her son.

Illustration - Shutterstock | Maridav

When the local news picked up the story, it quickly went viral, garnering over 6,000 likes and 1,200 shares. Some people even recognized Brigham as their child’s former preschool teacher and shared the story. Other commenters noted that ordinary people were popping up in other locations around the Phoenix metropolitan area giving away toilet paper as well.

Brigham and her son were so galvanized by their experience that they are looking forward to their next act of kindness in the time of panic. As she told KPNX, after they finished handing out the toilet paper, her son asked her, “What else can we do to help people?” The day after their free handout, mom and son got together and started preparing sack lunches to give out to kids in need.

Their selfless act of generosity will hopefully inspire others to follow their lead. Giving isn’t just for those who receive; it’s also for those who give. “I think my son will remember it forever,” Brigham said. “I know I will.”

Illustration - Shutterstock | Deliris