Aug. 25 was a particularly hot and sweltering day, with temperatures in the 90s, hazy and humid. I was feeling particularly crotchety because my coffeemaker had broken and I did not get my morning jolt of caffeine.

I drove to Auburn to pick up a coffeemaker at a local retail store and, of course, when you least want them to be, the lines were extra-long, and there were very few cashiers working. I picked my line and was prepared to wait about 15 minutes to pay. All of a sudden, a gentleman in front of me, who had overflowing carts, insisted I take a place in front of him and his friend. That gentleman was none other than Auburn Mayor John Jenkins. His generous spirit certainly made my day!

Kudos to Jenkins. Random acts of kindness show true character. If I were an Auburn resident, he would have won my vote there and then. He definitely has my support anytime he may need it.

As Aesop wrote, “No act of kindness, however small, is ever wasted.”

Stacey J. Pellerin, Leeds