The COVID-19 pandemic has definitely hit those who have had the virus the hardest. But that’s not to say it hasn’t still affected people who may not have had the virus, but have had to put their entire livelihoods on hold as a result of lockdown.

The retail, hospitality and food sectors are dealing with something they have never experienced before. It’s hard enough trying to keep your small business open as it is, without factoring in for reduced customer footfall, or worse, having to shut down altogether.

One bakery that was feeling the strain in particular was Tremont Goodie Shop in Upper Arlington, Ohio. The little store sells all of our favorite sweet and savory treats: pies, pastries, cakes, cookies and more.

With 60 years behind them, it didn’t seem like anything would slow down this family-run business. But then COVID-19 arrived out of the blue – and knocked everyone off their feet.

Luckily for the Tremont Godie shop, they’d built up quite a loyal customer base over the years. People just couldn’t get enough of their treats.

One anonymous man was particularly special to the store’s staff, and was often turning up with little random acts of kindness. He once bought them all a pizza to share in appreciation for their hard work.

But staff never could have expected the man to do what he did when the pandemic hit hard.

It was a quiet day in the bakery when the customer, who had actually been staying away from the store in an attempt to lose weight, gave them a call and asked to buy a custard donut.

He offered $1,000 for it.

Of course, to the struggling bakery staff, this seemed far too good to be true. Manager Emilie Smith recounted the moment to Fox News, saying:

“He called and asked us if he would be able to give us $1,000 for his doughnut. I got choked up. He asked again ‘would that be ok?’ because there was silence on the line.”

It’s no surprise that Smith was left speechless for a moment. But she was eventually able to get out a response:

“I choke out, ‘yes, of course, it would be ok!’ I never expected that.”

There have definitely been times in the past when we would have considered paying $1,000 for a donut, especially when the hanger strikes. But it’s one thing to say you’ll do something, and entirely something else to actually do it.

This man was looking out for one of his favorite businesses in a time when they needed customers like him the most.

Sharing the heartwarming story to Facebook, the bakery made a post that thousands of people would go on to like, share and comment on. The post read:

“We are in tears. This is a custard donut for $1,000 to help keep us in business. What a blessing.”

Many people commented to share their appreciation for the supportive customer. Fellow bakery customers commented to say that it was well-deserved, with one person writing:

“This might sound kind of smug……though I kind of expect it, (not to diminish the AMAZING CHARITY in ANY way shape/form)…….you guys have a magical little place; that magic extends way beyond birthdays, graduations, special events, weddings, and cookies. You who work there, and keep it going have to be some kinda magic, too……otherwise none of this would happen, or work!!!!!!”

Even better for the bakery, online orders have skyrocketed since their post went viral, and locals have been popping by to leave their own generous tips.

It’s fantastic to hear that people are still looking out for one another during these tougher times. It’s all the proof we need that together, we will get through this. And we will come out stronger the other side.

The short news below story goes into more detail about this incredible act of kindness.

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Source: Spotlight, Tremont Goodie Shop, Fox News, The Original Goodie Shop