Sullivan surprises seniors, pays for groceries at Pittsburgh-area stores

Mike Sullivan took care of some Pittsburgh-area seniors Tuesday.

The Pittsburgh Penguins coach purchased food for every person who passed through two Western Pennsylvania grocery stores during senior hours.

Sullivan and his wife Kate prepaid for food for every shopper at two Giant Eagle locations, in Bethel Park and Homestead, Pennsylvania, between 6 and 7 a.m. Giant Eagle stores have been open for an hour exclusively for seniors because they are most vulnerable during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Shoppers were surprised at checkout when they were told they owed nothing thanks to Sullivan's donation. According to the Penguins website, Sullivan and his wife Kate picked the two locations that were busier in that hour.

"We have been so proud to see the generosity of the Pittsburgh community throughout this challenging time," Sullivan told the Penguins website. "Kate and I wanted to do something for those at higher risk for the illness. We know that most seniors live on fixed incomes and have to worry more about getting out in general, so it is our hope that we were able to give them a little relief during a stressful time.

Sullivan's donation comes on the heels of captain Sidney Crosby's decision to donate 100,000 mealsto Greater Pittsburgh Food Bank on Monday and Evgeni Malkin's donation to Ronald McDonald House Pittsburgh last week.

"We are amazed by the generosity displayed by Mike and Kate Sullivan as they helped provide groceries to some of the most vulnerable members of our community," Giant Eagle spokesperson Jannah Jablonowski told the Penguins website. "The Penguins organization continues to be a wonderful partner not only to Giant Eagle, but to the entire Pittsburgh community."