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Grocery Store Employee With Autism Is Honored For Saving A Child's Life

May 7, 2021

In March, a grocery store employee in Alton, Illinois, saved a toddler's life.

This week he received an award for his heroism by the mayor of Alton.

Ben Mazur

Ben Mazur, 24, works at Schnucks – a grocery store chain in the Midwest.

Back in March, Mazur was collecting carts in the parking lot when he noticed a cart rolling down the hill with a child inside – all while cars were pulling in and out of the lot.

The cart got away from a mother who was trying to get her other children in the car. She hardly noticed until it was almost too late, but thankfully, Mazur was watching.

On Wednesday, Alton Mayor Brant Walker surprised the 24-year-old by declaring May 5 as "Ben Mazur Day". It's a special way for Mazur, his family, co-workers, and trainers from Challenge Unlimited to celebrate his act of good faith and, coincidentally, his birthday.

"Schnucks was actually his dream job so you know it was like a big deal when he got hired at Schnucks," said Jiuana Evans, job coach at Challenge Unlimited.

Mazur is on the autism spectrum and has been working with Challenge Unlimited, a program that helps people with disabilities find employment in the community.

"I wasn't surprised because I feel like it's Ben, but it just made me feel so good because he's outstanding and I know he's going to continue to do great things," Evans said.