Stranger helps single, struggling mom with unexpected purchase

FALL RIVER, Mass. (WJAR) — This Mother's Day a Massachusetts mom is feeling the love after an unexpected act of kindness from a stranger.

On Thursday, a single mom, who has asked her name not be used, went into the Walmart Superstore in Fall River, Massachusetts to shop for essentials for her 18-month-old son, Atreus.

"I went in for two boxes of diapers, a box of wipes, and a little potty because it was time for him to start learning to use the potty training," said the woman.

When it came time to check out, she realized she didn't have enough money.

She asked the cashier to return one box of diapers so she would be able to afford the rest of the items.

The woman in line behind her must have heard their conversation. That's when she offered to pay for them herself.

"I started tearing up and I kept thanking her, saying, 'Thank you so much,' 'Are you sure, again? And she said, 'Yes, I insist. Go take care of your son."' As soon as I got into my car, packed everything in the car, I immediately broke down crying."

After a tough few months, the woman who works is a full-time student, and a single mom who said the random act of generosity went a long way.

"I truly want to hopefully one day return the favor and help others as best I can," she said.

She didn't catch the kind stranger's name but wanted them to know how much it meant.

"That one little thing that changed my whole day. And I truly truly have to say I'm so thankful and grateful for you."

The woman posted in a local community Facebook group about the unexpected act of kindness.

The post received an overwhelming response from others who enjoyed hearing about the good news, or those who have also struggled as a single parent.

"Be kind to others as much as possible. If you see someone struggling, do what the lady had done for me and she's given an extra hand because you never know that might bring up their day, and that might change their day completely."