Teens See Elderly Shopper in Supermarket With Empty Shelves, So They Decide to Take Action

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After witnessing a senior shopper struggling to fill his shopping cart in their local Asda supermarket, as the shelves were empty due to the hoarding of other customers, two British teens have taken it upon themselves to support their local community by delivering care packages to the elderly during the pandemic outbreak.

“We saw [the shopper] looking so sad and he was left with nothing,” said Sam Hornsby, as per the Mirror. “[H]e was just looking at a single bag of flour he had in his hand.”

Sam and his best friend of 10 years, Matty Perry, both 17-year-olds from Harlington in South Yorkshire, England, returned from the supermarket and devised a plan of action. According to Metro, the teens each contributed 15 pounds (US$18.50) of their own money to purchase basic supplies and filled 10 brown paper bags for neighbors in their local area.

“I know there’s a lot of people struggling at the minute,” Sam explained in footage of the teens’ endeavor, shared by BBC Yorkshire.

“I really don’t want my grandma or grandad ... or anyone’s grandma and grandad to be going through things like that,” Sam continued, referring to the upsetting sight of the elderly gentleman who was left with nothing at the supermarket. “[W]e really wanted to take it in to our own hands.”

Sam and Matty chose to deliver “essentials” such as dried pasta, porridge oats, toilet paper, soap, biscuits, and tea bags—the items that people are struggling to find that will provide sustenance during these uncertain times—to elderly and vulnerable members of their South Yorkshire community.

Sam explained that he and Matty made an inventory of the items they wished to buy so as not to “ransack” their local store when others are also trying to shop for essentials. “If we’re all sensible and all help each other,” he said, “we will get through this.”

The teens’ reward for their kind deed was immediate; it was all in the expressions on the recipients’ faces, said Matty. “[T]hey were all so grateful for the little we did,” he said, according to the Daily Mail. “Everyone we met told us they were struggling and were worried they might not be able to get through it.”

Footage of Sam and Matty’s venture was shared by BBC Yorkshire on Facebook on March 18, 2020, and it quickly went viral, amassing over 8.4 million views to date. Thousands of netizens left messages of support and gratitude for the two thoughtful teens’ kind actions.

“What lovely thoughtful lads you are, you’re a credit to your generation and your parents must feel so proud,” wrote one person. “I sincerely hope things come back threefold for you in future years.”

“After daily reports of the greed and selfishness of people hoarding food to the extent some, especially older people are finding it difficult to get the basics they need, it is so refreshing to read of these two wonderful young men,” wrote another. “Thank you both for restoring faith. Your selfless act to help your fellow human beings is to be applauded.”

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Matty’s mother, Kelly Heptinstall, said that the two best friends had “always been caring lads,” adding that she is “massively proud of what they’re doing.”

Heptinstall is not the only one. Sam and Matty’s local council authority even caught wind of the teens’ benevolent efforts; Barnburgh and Harlington Council donated 250 pounds (US$309.50) to their fund, allowing Sam and Matty to continue delivering essential supplies to their neediest neighbors.

“I really advise people to do it if you’re actually able to, and if you’re willing to do it,” Sam advised, “because I think at this moment in time, we really do need to pull together as a community.”