RHODES SERVES UP EXTRA KINDNESS

If you stop by one of the 17 sites of Rhodes 101 this week, expect a little extra kindness.

Stores from Ste. Genevieve to Sikeston and the Rhodes Travel Center are participating in Random Acts of Kindness Week, and employees will pump gas, wash windshields, carry out groceries randomly, of course.

Unexpected kind acts often elicit a strange look from customers, said Angie Deprow, the manager of the Scott City convenience store.

"It really gives you a good feeling, when you perform an unexpected kind act," she said.

Employees will try to pump gas for many customers, especially during the rushed morning hours, Deprow said.

"We'll also give out some treats," she said. "We always give out doggy treats, which customers think is really neat. They make a point of bringing their pets to the drive-through."

Cathi Schlosser, human resources director with the corporate offices, said their company looks for ways to become more actively involved in the community.

Rhodes 101 employs close to 200 employees at its 17 stores.

"We keep our staffing very lean, so some of the employees are going to come in on their own time to perform these kindnesses for customers," she said.

Deprow and shift leader Sue Pettit were kept busy Sunday washing windshields and pumping gas at Rhodes 101 at Scott City.

"This is to show appreciation to our customers," said Deprow.

Steve Dannenmueller of Scott City remembers when "full-service stations" were the norm, not the exception.

"I think it's nice that they go out to do the windshields," he said.

Deprow's daughter Brittni, 9, helped with the windshields and passed out candy and Random Acts of Kindness stickers to customers. Joann Lester of Scott City was one of the recipients of these kind acts and was very impressed.

"I'm just getting off work, I'm tired and when I pulled in all these people came out to pump my gas and wash my windshield," she said. "This just made my day."

No job was too large for the crew to handle. When a truck proved too tall for Pettit to reach, she just climbed in, hung on and reached out the door to clean the windshield. Customers at the drive-through even reaped the benefits of these kind acts and left with cleaner windshields.

Cathy O'Dell of Scott City relaxed as Deprow pumped her gas and Pettit washed her windshield.

"I could get used to this," she said.

The stores are also going to focus on being nice to each other during the week. "Sometimes employees get lost in the focus on customers and the community," she said. "We're going to make an extra effort to do something nice for co-workers as well."

Each of the stores have come up with their own ideas of kind acts, she said. For example, one of the Perryville stores will hand out coupons for gas pumping that can be used at a future date.

Vivian Barlow, district manager, said many of the Cape Girardeau stores are excited about the week. Some of the stores will provide door greeters as a way to share a smile.

"People appreciate little extras that we provide, such as dog treats or suckers for the kids," said Barlow. "Some people are taken off guard, but these acts are really well received. In this crazy rush, rush world, it's nice to take an extra second or two to be nice."