Most people are familiar with the phrase "pay it forward." It simply means that when something kind is done for you, it is your responsibility to do something kind for someone else. A pizza shop in North Tonawanda, New York, took this concept and applied it to the veterans in the community.
Submasters, a local pizza and sandwich shop, decided to start a program aptly named the "Pay It Forward Program." Whenever a customer comes in to purchase a lunch card, they have the option of purchasing an additional ticket. According to ABC News 7, the customer then places the extra ticket on the bulletin board, so that when a veteran comes in, he or she can take a ticket, show his or her military ID and receive a free meal.
"I just thought this was a good way to say to the veterans, thanks for what you have done for us," Submasters owner Tommy Daniels told the news source.
Many veterans in the community have not only received a meal from the program, but they have also purchased one for another former servicemember. In addition to the "Pay It Forward Program," Submasters also hosts "The Grunt Gut Program," where locals can drop off nonperishable items and toiletries for soldiers' care packages.