'I'm grateful:' Shoppers in Milwaukee surprised as donors pay for groceries at Pete's Fruit Market

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Unsuspecting shoppers on Milwaukee's north side got a special surprise on Tuesday, April 28.

Shoppers at Pete's Fruit Market were shocked as they went to check-out and were told to put their money away. It's part of an effort to spread a little kindness during this difficult time.

For 30 minutes, people who checked-out, walked out of the store with their food for free.

"God bless you, I will definitely pass it on," Milwaukee resident Larry Howard said. 

Many people couldn't stop smiling while others were in disbelief.

"It was really surprising," another shopper said. "I thought she was telling me that my card didn't work and so I was like, 'huh?' and she's like, 'no, your food is paid for' and I was like, 'huh!?".

Three people came together to make the effort possible. MLB commissioner Bud Selig, Milwaukee County Circuit Court Judge David Swanson and Tonit Calaway are paying for $20,000 worth of groceries.

More shoppers will be surprised in the next few weeks.

"People thought that it’s always good things that happen, but it doesn’t happen to them," Executive Director of the Historic King Drive BID #8 Deshea Agee said. "This was one of those opportunities for some really good just happen to people, right here in the neighborhood on King Drive."

The donors just ask everyone to pay it forward.

"I'm about to go do something nice for everybody today!" one shopper said.

At the end of the 30 minutes, one last shopper got into the check-out line, a home care nurse.

"I'm always paying it forward," Belinda Edwards said. "So lately I have been allowing myself to receive my blessings... I'm grateful, thank you."