To celebrate #TeamSprouts, we’re highlighting how Chris Pagnini, Assistant Store Manager at store #29 – Scottsdale, AZ, created an inclusive shopping environment for individuals and families with special needs by purchasing a Caroline’s Cart.
Caroline’s Cart was created to accommodate people with special needs, allowing their caregiver a viable option to move them through a store while shopping, without the difficult task of maneuvering a wheelchair and a traditional shopping cart at the same time.
When Tom Critz, previous Store Manager at store #29, received the request to have a Caroline’s Cart in the store from a family wanting to accommodate their son who has special needs, it was an easy decision to make. “We received the request from a mother named Jenny. Her son has special needs and could no longer fit into a regular cart,” Chris said.
After the decision was made to purchase the cart, ASM Chris contacted Jenny to share the good news, “She was so excited and said this would make grocery shopping a lot easier for her and her husband. Having the cart in store allows their son to participate with the family while shopping!”
Jenny and her family went to the store the day after the cart arrived and were so excited to see it. The family shared their gratitude with a hand-made thank-you card from their son. “They brought us a thank-you card along with some art their son made for us. Their son was smiling and waving at our team. The event was very touching for us all,” Chris said.
Since the cart arrived, it’s been used by Jenny’s family and many others, “This was an important purchase. We have shoppers who need the extra assistance, and this young man also could use it. It allowed shoppers another option in getting those with a mobility issue around the store in a safe and convenient manner,” Chris said.
Celebrate how you and your fellow team members are helping each other and our customers. Share a photo or video on Instagram or Twitter and tag #TeamSprouts, @Sprouts and #LoveSprouts.