Rewind Spotlight: Kane Aquino

**Re-Post Note: This was the very first feature story shared in The Buckeye Buzz, Issue No. One, sent on September 12, 2024. In reflecting on the last (the first) 15 issues, I wanted to share this again now because: (1) It has been one of the most-popular stories to date; and (2) I’m not sure The Buzz would have ever even came to be, if Kane didn’t come along and inspire me, which extinguished the writer’s block that had paralyzed my creativity.

Meet Kane Aquino: The Hardest Working Fella in Buckeye

It is with great pleasure that I introduce you to this wonderful young man, Kane Aquino [pronounced “Uh-Key-No”]. No doubt there are a lot of hard working people in our beautiful city, but Kane has to be right up there at the top. I first met him when his path crossed mine in the parking lot during my bi-monthly trek to WalMart. His kindness truly stopped me in my tracks.

A Memorable Encounter in the Parking Lot

It was mid-July and approximately 1,000º on the asphalt. Kane surprised me by saying “hello,” despite being drenched in sweat, heavily clothed to block the sun, and tucked behind a hat. Later, when I was back at my car, he went out of his way to come to me and fetch my cart before I had time to return it, bringing another tear to my eye. It was the circumstances of the temperature of the day, the hot, beating sun, combined with his awareness of his environment - and me - that made me take notice. This was a special guy!

Kane’s Growing Fan Club

After that day, I made a post about my experience with Kane (I didn’t know his name then) on one of our local Buckeye FaceBook pages. Recently, another lady posted about him, which reminded me of that day. The comments there revealed his name, and it was then that I knew he would be my first feature here.

Tracking Kane Down

I could barely wait to connect with Kane, get to know him, and share him here with you. After a failed attempt, I finally found him again. Initially, I was worried he wasn’t at work; I didn’t see him in the parking lot and there were no carts up next to the door. Not very Kane-like. As I walked into the store to ask the managers about him, my path again crossed his. He was on his way back outside after re-wetting all his cooling cloths and his hat in preparation for another round of cart collecting in the blazing sun.

Humble Service with a Big Heart

I introduced myself, told him why I was there to see him and asked if he knew he had a growing fan club online, that people notice how hard he works. He said that his father often tells him that [he’s a hard worker] because his father’s boss says he knows when Kane’s working: if there are or aren’t carts in the bay. Funny I made that same observation. I hope others notice that too!

I followed Kane outside so I could talk to him while he worked (the bay was empty after all). I reminded him of the day I first saw him and how he said hello to me. He downplayed it by saying “That’s nothing, all you have to do is notice people.” So simple, yet so few do it.

I further reminded him how he went out of his way to come and get my cart that day. He downplayed that too. “To be honest, it’s just easier for me to do it that way.” Again, kindness and service, but to him all just part of the job.

A Decade of Dedication & Dreams of Writing

He told me he’s held this job for a decade and “isn’t happy about it” meaning, he has to work and he’s making the best of it. He has other hopes, dreams and aspirations, namely writing fiction. I have offered to feature his writing here. I hope he takes me up on that someday.

Cart Tales: The Strangest Find 

I was curious to know what was the strangest thing that someone had ever left behind in a shopping cart. He said people leave the usual: their groceries, wallet, keys, that sort of thing. However, one day he found a box inside a cart and is still horrified to this day to say what he found… I’m not going to share that here but if you want to know, email me and I’ll tell you. It’s disturbing.

60/40

I asked Kane what percentage of people return their carts to the corral. He pointed out what most people do, gesturing to a cart leaning against the back of the corral. He wasn’t upset about it, saying most people are just in a hurry. He “generously” estimates that 60% of people return their carts properly. If you’re part of the other 40%, make Kane’s day a little easier by returning it all the way to the corral.

The Shopping Cart Theory

Ironically, as I was writing this, an acquaintance shared a post about a concept known as The Shopping Cart Theory, which suggests that a person’s willingness to return a shopping cart is an indicator of their character. The Theory sets forth that returning a cart is easy and the right thing to do, but there’s no real consequence for not doing it, no reward for good behavior or punishment for leaving it out. Therefore, it’s often seen as a reflection of whether someone does what’s right even when no one is watching. Read more about this fascinating theory here.

How You Can Help Kane

As we wrapped up our conversation, I asked Kane if there was anything the community could do to help him. He said, “Just money - I’m working, trying to pay my bills, rent, and credit cards.” In the spirit of Buckeye, if you’re inclined, next time you’re at Walmart on Watson, look for Kane and give him a tip (the green 💵 kind).

And, please - always put your cart back in the corral. ❤️ 

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🔎 Know of an inspiring local person or business we should feature? Please me at [email protected]

1  ^{Being reminded of Kane, reminded me that I only want to write about that which resonates with my heart. Until that moment, I was struggling with writer’s block, not at all excited about who I initially intended to feature here. Because of Kane, I was finally able to launch this publication!}