Surprise Squad hands out gift cards to Phoenix grocery shoppers

PHOENIX (AZFamily) —Some call it the holiday hangover. It’s the time of year when the holidays are over, and the holiday bills start rolling in. That, combined with lingering inflation, means many Arizona residents still feel the pinch when they go to the grocery store. That’s why Gibby Parra and Arizona’s Family Surprise Squad went to the Fry’s Food Store at 24th Street and Baseline Road carrying five $200 gift cards courtesy of the Valley Toyota Dealers.

He first approached a woman named Amy, who was at the self-checkout. She told Gibby she was buying cupcakes for some coworkers.  Since she was doing something nice for others, Gibby gave her the first of the gift cards.

Nearby was a man in a hoodie. Printed on the sweater was the message, ‘This Cool Papa.’ He told Gibby it was a gift from all his grandchildren. Gibby handed him a gift card and said he should take all of them out to the movies.  “Thank you, thank you, thank you,” the man said with a big smile.  “God is good!”

The next woman Gibby found checking out had a full shopping cart. As he handed her a card, Gibby asked how $200 would help. “So much,” she smiled. That’s amazing.”

Gibby then approached a young man named Seth. Gibby pointed out that Valentine’s Day was coming up and asked if Seth had a special someone in his life. Seth said he did. “Time to take her out to dinner,” Gibby laughed as he gave Seth the gift card.

With the final gift card in hand, Gibby walked up to a man at the checkout. His cart was filled with the basic staples, including eggs, bread, milk, and diapers. “Thanks to your Valley Toyota Dealers, I’m going to give you $200,” Gibby said. The man couldn’t believe his luck. And for five lucky shoppers, 2025 was off to a great start.

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