Walmart Shopper Couldn't Afford Bill; Cashier Says 'I Got You'

PRINCETON, TX — A Walmart cashier in Texas warmed the hearts of thousands this holiday season when he "selflessly" stepped in to help a shopper reportedly broke down because she couldn't afford her grocery bill. Facebook user Laci Simms wrote in a post last week that she was at the checkout line in Princeton when a distressed woman ahead of her in line had trouble paying her bill.

What happened next "renewed" her faith in humanity, she wrote. The cashier, later identified by media outlets as 19-year-old John Lopez Jr., paid her total.

"Ya'll, it was $110 dollars! If you have never had the pleasure of going through John's checkout line at the Princeton Walmart, please seek him out on your next visit," wrote Simms.

This wasn't the first time she'd encountered Lopez, either. She said he's always lively at the store and is good at his job.

"He is always singing, up beat, courteous, joyful and efficient. I dont know John's story, but I dont think he is even 20 years old," she wrote.

Lopez started working there in March to earn money for college, CBS Dallas reported. He puts most of the money he earns into savings for that. But this time, he made an exception.

"She started crying and I was like 'okay I got you – I got you,'" Lopez told the station. "I just felt in my heart that the lord told me I had to help her."

Lopez is no stranger to giving back. He's also a bell-ringer for The Salvation Army and donated a Christmas tree to his church's choir.

Now, the community is trying to give back to him.

A GoFundMe account has been created to raise money to pay Lopez's tuition. In just four days, it raised more than $23,000. The goal is $50,000.

"This year I'd like to keep the Christmas spirit alive by giving back to this youn (sic) man," wrote Brandon Weddle, the creator of the account.

Lopez gave selflessly, Weddle wrote, and he touches many lives every day.

Lopez is the sole beneficiary on the account, which GoFundMe verified.

Walmart applauded Lopez for his actions, telling Yahoo Lifestyle in a statement that his actions were a perfect example of how their associates are "special."

"Those who know John wouldn’t be surprised," the retail giant said. "He’s a kind, generous person and we couldn’t be more proud of him."

Princeton is a small city of about 6,800 people and is located about 32 miles northeast of Dallas.

Photo credit: GoFundMe