Publix Cashier Michael Raises $31K in Just 6 Days

At a Publix in Acworth, Georgia, shoppers skip the shortest line and search for Michael Masterangelo instead.

Michael, who has an intellectual disability, has turned his checkout lane into the store's happiest place over the past 10 years. Customers willingly wait 30 to 40 minutes just to have him ring up their groceries.

"As soon as I walk in the door, I look for him," one regular customer shared. "And if he's here, it just changes everything."

Store Manager Courtney McGuinness says Michael brings something you can't train. His constant smile and genuine interest in every person who comes through his line makes both working and shopping there enjoyable.

"I like ringing people up and seeing people every day," Michael said. "I'm just so happy to be here, every day to work."

That happiness is contagious, and it recently sparked something extraordinary. Michael, who has participated in Special Olympics since age 7, decided to fundraise at his register this year.

Between scanning groceries and making change, he invited customers to support Special Olympics. In just six days, he raised $31,603 at his register alone.

"I can't believe I did $31,603 by myself, at my register!" Michael said. "My personal goal is crazy! And I did that in 6 days!"

His total exceeded what some entire districts in the region raised, according to McGuinness. Customers weren't just donating money. They were showing up for someone who genuinely cares about them.

Sunny's Take

The relationship between Michael and his customers goes far beyond transactions. They attend his basketball games and cheer from the stands. He remembers their faces, their stories, their lives.

"He genuinely cares about every single person he comes in contact with," McGuinness said. "Whether it's a child, it's an adult, he genuinely cares about everyone."

That care flows both ways. Michael's mom, Dayna Peshel, watches customers line up specifically for her son and feels overwhelming gratitude.

"It makes me feel amazing," Peshel said. "I feel like I raised him right, and he is just a light to everyone. I don't worry about him. I know he is going to be okay. Because he has so much love with family, friends, and community."

Michael feels that love every single day he comes to work. "It feels like I am so special, helping people and others," he said. "And I love this whole community, and everyone loves and supports me!"

Sometimes the shortest checkout line isn't the best one.