Lending a Helping…Push Cart

Jun 18, 2013 12:15 PM ET

Beyond the Apron Blog

Associate Tony Strange rose to the challenge when Jan Ellis came into store #2723 in Okemos, Mich. on a mission to fix the pushcarts at East Lansing’s East Glen Apartments. The complex is home to more than 100 senior citizens and people with disabilities. Time had taken a toll on the overworked carts which residents, like Jan’s son, used to transfer groceries and other belongings to and fro. The carts weren’t just a luxury, but a necessity for many in wheelchairs. The apartment community had done their best to rig the carts, but they were in disrepair and needed updating to still be useful.

With encouragement from Store Manager Michael Moore, Tony was off on the task of repairing the carts and enlisted the help of the Manager on Duty at the time, Todd Johnson. They joined forces with a few other associates and, after looking over the rigged carts, decided to construct a new large and small cart from scratch.

Jan was invited to work alongside Tony and Todd throughout the process, reviewing sketches and materials, to ensure the new carts where just right.

The finished product? Two brand new, specially designed and much-needed carts for the residents of East Glen Apartments.