Grocery Store Employee 'Goes Above And Beyond': Toms River Hero

TOMS RIVER, NJ — When times are tough, heroes emerge. We all know someone who's making a difference right now as we live through unprecedented times. Here at Patch, we've launched an initiative to help recognize these everyday heroes.

This submission comes from Debbi Coklyat Haney of Toms River, who writes that her son, Joseph Coklyat, continues to serve the public at Stop and Shop while also completing his college studies.

Where the nominee lives:
Toms River

Where the person who nominated the hero lives:
Toms River

Name of the nominee:
Joseph Coklyat

Name of the person who nominated the hero:
Debbi Coklyat Haney

Is the nominee considered an “essential worker”?:
Yes

What does the nominee do for work?:
Stop & Shop Rt. 37 Toms River. Cashier / Produce Department

Why do you believe the nominee should be recognized or honored?
My son should be both recognized and honored especially during this time for being courageous enough to even be out in a high-traffic job during this pandemic helping in our community not knowing if anyone he may come in contact with could potentially get him sick. My son always goes above and beyond his job duties to ensure the customers get the help they need. He is always getting compliments at work. Customers in return are always trying to tip my son but he knows tips are not allowed and he does not accept them. My son makes a little over one dollar more than minimum wage and is a college student working sometimes 40 plus hours a week and doing his schoolwork. I raised a great young man and am very proud of him. He is an amazing essential worker.

What’s one thing you want everyone to know about your hero?:
My son is a very smart, caring and hard-working young man born with genetic vision issues that will never stop him from being successful at anything in life. He was told he would never get a driver's license because of his vision but he never gave up! We found a doctor who made him special glasses and with a lot of practice, my son got his driver's license! He will stop at nothing.

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

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