Brighten Your Day

Liquor Store Worker Gives Homeless Man The Shoes Off Her Feet

December 15, 2022

Kindness is like a boomerang.

A liquor store worker who gave her shoes to a man who was walking with boxes on his feet has been gifted a brand new pair of shoes in return.

Credit: Brooklyn Center Liquor

Ta Leia Thomas, known as "Ace", was working her shift at Brooklyn Center Liquor in Minnesota when a homeless man came in the store looking for boxes.

"We all know that December in Minnesota can be a very cold time of year. A homeless man came in looking for boxes he could use as makeshift shoes," the owner of the store wrote in a Facebook post.

Thomas called after the man, took off the shoes on her feet and gave them to him.

Credit: Brooklyn Center Liquor

"This was not just a regular old pair of shoes. Ace, being a Minnesota Vikings fan, had on her favorite pair of purple Nike Air Jordans which she gave to the man with zero hesitation," the owner of the store said. "This is a true example of empathy, compassion, and holiday cheer. We can all appreciate a story like this during the holiday season."

But the story gets even better.

On Tuesday, the Instagram account @nicekicks posted an update showing Thomas holding a new pair of the custom shoes she gifted a stranger in need.

Mache, the creator of the custom shoes, had this to say about Thomas:

"Good things happen to good people, and when I heard the story about [Thomas's] selfless act last week my buddy in Minnesota Ryan Rhody hit me and was like 'so what are we doing?' Ace gave up her Vikings purple Jordans so it was only right to make her a fresh pair.

I overnighted these custom 7s to Minnesota and Ryan surprised her at work earlier today with not only these shoes but some other surprises as well. Ace I want to thank you again for being awesome.

We hear about so much bad in this world these days that and you are a great reminder that there's still so much out there. Happy Holidays to you and your family."