Shopper Agrees to “Round Up for Charity,” Accidentally Donates $150,000

A routine trip to the grocery store turned catastrophic for one local shopper after agreeing to round up her total “to the nearest dollar” for charity, only to discover the point-of-sale system had interpreted the request more aggressively than expected.

“I was just buying paper towels and yogurt,” said customer Dana Fields. “The cashier asked if I wanted to round up, and I thought, sure, why not? Next thing I know, my bank account is empty and the receipt says I donated $150,000 to something called the Global Basket Fund.”

Store officials confirmed the error was technically valid, explaining that the company’s new philanthropic software “always rounds to the nearest round number, regardless of size.” In practice, that meant Fields’ $43.27 total was pushed up to $150,000 even.

“We think it’s beautiful,” said a corporate spokesperson. “It shows the incredible power of ordinary giving. Everyone has the chance to become a major donor — whether they mean to or not.”

The charity in question praised the donation, announcing plans to name an entire wing of its new headquarters after Fields, complete with a bronze plaque reading “She Just Said Yes at Checkout.”

At press time, Fields was considering disputing the charge but admitted the applause she received at the register made her feel “weirdly proud.”