Show us your store floor: A cashier who cares

Cashier Michael Mastrangelo has been with Publix for ten years (he’s been a cashier for three) and each year he raises money for and participates in the Special Olympics during Publix’s Light The Torch Campaign.

This year, Mastrangelo joined hundreds of others participating in the Special Olympics Georgia Indoor Winter Games on January 27. His personal fundraising goal was $12,500 and he both reached and surpassed that goal, ultimately totaling more than $16,000 in donations. 

The Publix cashier, who works at the Publix Super Market at Governors Towne Square in Acworth, Ga., often wears his medals while working and frequently has a line of customers who want to check out with him, according to Publix Media Relations Manager Nicole Krauss. 

Krauss also said his fellow employees at the store “love supporting him,” and his team even decks out his register throughout the campaign.

“I love this because the money being raised helps athletes build self-esteem, gain confidence, and be a part of this awesome family,” Mastrangelo said in a statement circulated internally at Publix.  

This year, Publix — which has partnered with the Special Olympics for over 30 years — raised some $6.5 million dollars for the organization, with over $1.6 million of those funds raised in Atlanta and benefiting Special Olympics Georgia. In May 2022, Mastrangelo also spoke at Publix's Honorary Board Luncheon about his work with Special Olympics Georgia.