Shop in the Bronx gives customers gifts for math problems

The inhabitants of the Bronx had a chance not only to “tighten up” mathematics, but also to receive encouragement for this. A student working as an ordinary store cashier launched a game: for solving a simple task, customers can choose any prize on the shelves. About why he needs it, writes the publication CNN.

Unusual game

Ahmed Alwan, a 20-year-old college student, works at the Lucky Candy deli and convenience store in the Bronx, New York. Today, the guy is very popular, since two weeks ago he decided to start a game with customers, which quickly became viral.

The rules are simple: if you solve the mathematical equation, you get five seconds to take everything you want from the store shelves for free.

“All I wanted to do was help people,” Alvan said. “But I wanted it to be fun. So I ask them a math riddle. It's a way to entertain and educate people by making them smile. "

Two weeks later, 13 videos of the game were posted on the Internet, which made the cashier a sensation. Alvan has over 420 followers on TikTok and 17 on Instagram. In these videos, you can hear Alvan asking customers simple questions such as "How much is 000 times 5?" or "5 times 9 and subtract 9?"

Those who answer correctly can take whatever they want from the shelves of the store. Someone chooses a package of chips or ice cream, someone - a hookah or a music column. Everything that the winners of the game have time to take in five seconds, they can take with them for free.

For all the "prizes" that the winners of the unusual game receive, Alvan pays out of his own pocket. Alvan, he says, cares little about money and aims to help low-income members of the community save money on higher-priority expenses like rent and utilities.

This has a positive effect on business.

Saleh Aobad, the owner of the store and Alvan’s father, said he was “very proud” of his son.

“It is great to see that he is doing good and helping the community, and most importantly, representing Islam,” said Aobad, an immigrant from Yemen. "It has a positive impact on the business, drawing attention to the store and also spreading positivity throughout the community."

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Many of the store's customers are people whom Alvan has known since the age of 13, when he started working in the family business. Others are strangers. But they all get a good chance to solve a math problem and get better.

Alvan, who studies at the Bronx Community College as a pharmacist, has a rich history of charity. According to his father, he often gives customers food and household items on loan. And on a cold morning, when he notices people sleeping at the nearest train station or at the railway tracks, he offers them free coffee, bananas and muffins.

How did it affect society?

Alvan’s videos are touching and fun, but what they’ve done for the community goes beyond free chips and cookies.

“It changed our relationship with the community a lot,” Alvan said. “They all show me so much love and line up at the store just to play. We have many visitors who come to take pictures and say hello. But it's not about me. It's about society. "

Alwan said he plans to continue to shoot videos and be more creative in his tasks. He even launched a fundraiser on the GoFundMe portal to support the game and allow more people to participate.

“The money will go to groceries and food to be used as gifts, as well as simple donations to customers in need,” he said. The guy's goal, he says, is "to inspire others to be kind at all times."