People Are Inherently Good, Kind and Loving’

To The Editor:
On Sat., Oct. 27, as Hurricane Sandy approached, I found myself waiting in line at Home Depot to buy a generator. I have a dear friend with an elderly and infirm mother who is at risk if moved to a hospital or shelter. My friend chose to hunker down and run several medical devices with a generator if she was to lose electricity.
I was told at the store that they were sold out of generators. I learned I could take a number at the head of an established line, and the machines would be distributed when and if a delivery was made from a distribution point.
“There are 50 to 100 generators on a truck en-route,” a salesperson told me. I liked my chances when I saw number 35 on my slip of paper. The odd thing was no one there knew where that truck was, its departure point, or when it would arrive.
I am writing to not only commend the Home Depot employees and their handling of what could have been a desperate situation, but also how my faith in the basic goodness of my fellow man was restored.
The big box store anticipated their customer’s needs for generators and complimentary equipment, and organized a game strategy that was a winner.
There were customers at the head of the line in place since 6 a.m. I got there about 10 a.m. and fell in line with a shopping cart filled with extension cords, multiple outlet devices and flashlights. The folks in the orange vests had coffee and donuts for us. By noon there were hot dogs, coffee, and bottled water available. As evening approached, there was popcorn and miniature candy bars (Trick or Treat!) These sales people were polite and professional as they were inundated with questions concerning the arrival, price and operation of the hallowed generators.
Some of my fellow shoppers fretted a mad rush when and if the truck arrived. However, the staff lined us up by number; not an easy task as emotions were heightening. Then there was concern because of the size and weight of the generator boxes. They could not be loaded into the shopping carts most of us were using. Not to worry! Friendly orange-vested personnel streamlined a flatbed dolly my way as I approached the pickup point, and whisked away my cart full of food remnants.
A path was marked by staff members across the back of the store, and finally two husky guys helped me load my generator into my sub-compact auto. All in all, a seven-plus hour event was almost pleasant due to considerate employees, rational customers and a well-devised plan.
The customers with whom I waited were amazing.
There was very little negativity and lots of sharing of generator tips and hurricane survival wisdom spanning Hazel to Irene. I connected with a Cardinal Dougherty alum and spouse, wife of a local doctor and a young couple from Pennsylvania with a Sea Isle home. Chatting was a productive use of waiting time and as affirmation that people are inherently good, kind and loving.
BOB NEWMAN
Swainton