MOUNT POCONO, Pa. — It was a typical morning at the Shop Rite in Mount Pocono until two elves began wandering the aisles.
For the past several years, this has become a Christmas tradition for the resort. Mount Airy's Santa Squad surprised 20 lucky shoppers with $250 in ShopRite gift cards to help with their holiday shopping.
The elves targeted those with shopping carts full of food and others at just the right time before they checked out at the register.
Even store employees agree this is the best type of surprise for customers.
"It's nice to see their reactions, and we know how much of an impact it's making on their daily lives because everyone is stretched a little thin during this December, so it's just really heartwarming to see everyone react happily," said Katie Gallagher, ShopRite Dietitian.
"Oh, this is so fun! This is my favorite event of the year. I've been lucky enough to do this for the last four years here with Mount Airy. Giving away gift cards to people who just make their Christmas a little bit brighter," said Nicole Krieger, Mount Airy Marketing Manager.
A kind gesture to make the holiday brighter and a grocery bill lighter.
In all, the resort handed out $5,000 worth of gift cards to ShopRite customers.