Naomi Rigby, her 6-year-old son, 11-year-old daughter and husband Zachary Rigby are homeless in Mount Vernon. The recent pandemic walloped the family, but with that aside, Rigby was forced to leave her job because of a spinal issue.

"I normally do elderly care, but I injured my spine about a year ago [and] ruptured three discs," Rigby said. "So, I haven't been able to work. I've been trying to find a different line of work. Something I can do, but you have to lift or twist in most positions, and I can't do that."

According to Rigby, Mount Vernon offers support to the homeless through several programs. One such program provided Rigby and her family a free week's stay at a hotel, but after the week, they would be responsible for $580 per week.

Recently, Rigby discovered a guardian angel by chance. She received a coupon from an organization during Thanksgiving to receive a free turkey. Since she didn't have access to an oven to prepare it, she hoped that her local Baker IGA would allow her to get cold cuts instead. This is where store manager Roger Seitz stepped in.

"I've worked for IGA for 20 years," Seitz said. "And our biggest motto is we're hometown proud. And that's what I live every day. I've been here since last year, trying to get the store ready. This young lady (Rigby) came in while I was working on the floor and had a coupon for $20. She said she had no way of cooking meat and was homeless. She had two kids with her. I said, 'Grab what you need,' so she proceeded to get turkey and ham cold cuts, bread, milk, potato chips, cookies, doughnuts and a gallon of tea. I told her I would pay for it and told the cashier to call me upfront when she finished checking out. I've never been homeless. But I couldn't imagine being homeless with two children."

Rigby's voice still cracks when she thinks about Seitz's generosity.

"I just thought it was lovely because, you know, he's a manager in the store,” she said. “He doesn't know me at all. I was like, 'Oh my God,' as I started to tear up. When you are homeless with kids, it's just crushing. It's unimaginable waking up each day not knowing what you and your family will eat.”

Seitz's passion for giving started early on. It's all about paying it forward.

"I don't remember not having everything I wanted growing up," Seitz said. “It just depends on how you look at the world and people. I look at people. I've got 27 employees with 27 different personalities and 27 different needs. And I’d do the same for any of them."

Recently, Rigby got some good news. She and her family had just found a home to live in.