Brandon Hero Cashier Gives Smiles To Help Customers Feel Better

BRANDON, FL — Prior to the coronavirus pandemic, we took a lot of people who we would consider just everyday people for granted. However, the importance of mail carriers, grocery store workers, store stockers and all of our essential workers has come to light during the pandemic as they put their lives on the line every day for us. Here at Patch, we've launched an initiative to help recognize these everyday heroes.

Deidre Mimbs nominated Gina Grassi of Brandon as a local Patch Hero. Grassi works at Publix, and keeps a pleasant attitude and understands why customers might behave more rudely at the store where she works during these times, so she doesn't take it personally.

Name of the nominee:

Gina Grassi

Where the nominee lives:

Brandon

Name of the person who nominated the hero:

Deidre Mimbs

Is the nominee considered an "essential worker"?

Yes

What does the nominee do for work?

Cashier at Publix

Why do you believe the nominee should be recognized or honored?

"Gina has had a very tough three years and ... Gina, a former business owner, took a job working checkout at Publix. Many people were not following guidelines and Publix had not yet mandated certain safety precautions. She kept showing up risking her health alongside her daughter's. Her work ethic has always been amazing large or at places people often look down on for their employment. She is helping Publix make sure people can still get the things they need. Especially when Florida was on lockdown; people ALWAYS need food. If the workers refused to show up we would be in bigger trouble than we are now.

"... During scary times like these people can often be grumpy or rude due to stress and fear. Gina remains patient and keeps a smile on her face and tries to give them a moment to breathe and smile, too. It seems simple, not a front-line nurse who I have all the gratitude in the world for.

"I just know that Gina is one of my heroes before Covid19 and especially DURING Covid19. Bringing joy to people at a time like this with a great and friendly attitude is important because it contributes to lowering stress levels, and she has a way of bringing joy to anyone who interacts with her. I cannot express enough how proud I am of who my friend is after all she's been through and during this terrible time in history she still stepped up to help."

What's one thing you want everyone to know about your hero?

"Gina truly cares about people's well-being—emotionally, physically and spiritually. Despite her own troubles in life she will always step up for other people. She is one of the strongest people of heart and soul that I know."

>> Do YOU have a local hero you would like us to know about? Share their story here.

All photos included in this post are owned by identified third parties who have given Patch the right to use explicitly for the Patch Local Heroes series.