Every Saturday, 93-year-old Bob Williams makes a stop at the Dollar General near his home in Iowa. He uses a coupon to save $5 off a $25 purchase and always buys boxes of Hershey’s Milk Chocolate Bars, not to eat himself, but to share with friends, neighbors and strangers. And he’s been doing it for 10 years!
Bob doesn’t even get out of the store before he’s sharing candy. He gives two to store employees and one to the person lucky enough to be behind him in line. So far, the retired teacher and coach has shared an estimated 6,000 candy bars, which has earned him the nickname “The Candy Man.”
The decade-long act of kindness started because Bob wanted to connect with others and bring people together and free candy does it. He says he just likes to see people smile, so he keeps giving. “It just makes me feel good,” he explains. “It’s guaranteed to light up most anyone’s life.”