Watch CBS News

Manager Insulted In Customer-Rant Video Feels The Love From Strangers

(CBS) –  The woman who had been the target of a racially laced rant at a Chicago arts and crafts store has been rewarded with an outpouring of hugs, cards and cash.

She intends to share her good fortune with others, CBS 2's Dorothy Tucker reports.

Some of the benefactors witnessed the verbal lashing at Michaels in Lake View, as a disgruntled woman went on a tirade for 45 minutes. A video of part of the ugly incident went viral this week.

Since then, Holli, the manager, has received several gifts, ranging from flowers to chocolates to hugs from strangers.

"People are amazing. Humanity is thriving," she says.

Holli is being praised for her calm demeanor after the shopper got angry when a clerk asked her to buy a larger shopping bag.

Another shopper named Jessie recorded part of the rant and started a Go Fund Me account hoping to raise $400 to buy Holli a gift card. A few days ago, it was at more than $9,000. Today it's over $20,000.

Holli plans to use some of the money to rent space so other artists like her can sell their goods and help their families.

"Now, all of a sudden, I have this chance to make the difference that I wanted to make," she says.

To the woman who screamed at her, Holli says, "I just hope she'll be OK."

Holli is married to a white man. They have three children.

"We can't live like this in this world. We have to love each other. It's just easier," she says.

 

 

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.