A Target store in Cheektowaga, New York, was converted into an Airbnb of sorts when it played host to two dozen stranded motorists during one of the Buffalo region’s worst ever snowstorms, according to The Buffalo News.
Facebook/Jessica Lee
A stranded motorist, Jessica Sypniewski, was doing what she thought would be a quick errand before the storm (with her boyfriend and two kids in the car) when the weather turned and the snow began to fall “earlier and heavier than we thought it would.” she told the outlet.
After getting into white-out conditions, the group turned into a shopping plaza and were turned away from a grocery store, she said, before trying Target — where they were greeted with hot cocoa and blankets.
“I got so emotional, I just sat down and started crying,” Sypniewski said The Buffalo News. “You never know. People could have died. I really believe they saved lives.”
A group of seven Target employees were also stranded in the store. They filled carts with inflatable mattresses, bedding, water, food, clothing, phone chargers, and personal hygiene items to accommodate what was to be an unexpected night shift for themselves and their new guests.
“They said, ‘Anything you need, it’s on us,'” Sypniewski said. “‘Let’s scan it first.'”
Employees also opened a new TV so everyone could watch the Buffalo Bills game.
Tiktoker Carla Rodriguez was also stranded in the store and posted footage of the experience.
@carlarodxd Stay safe and Merry Christmas everyone #buffalo storm #blizzard #target Feliz Navidad – Jose Feliciano
A representative for Target confirmed to the New York Post Monday that no one would have to pay for anything used during the storm.
“Thanks to the compassion and quick thinking of the team members at our Walden Galleria store, they were able to provide shelter for those stranded, while also providing care, comfort and holiday cheer,” said Mark Schindele, an executive vice president president with the company. “Their actions are a life example of Target’s values and we are grateful to have been able to help those in need.”
The area has since been plowed up and guests have left the store.
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