Goodwill employees say $7,500 surprise check is no coincidence

KSDK--An Illinois woman's good deed came full circle at a Glen Carbon Goodwill store this week.

On the day before Thanksgiving, an envelope arrived at that Goodwill store. Inside was an anonymous check for $7,500.

There was no other information in the envelope. But Goodwill employees say the dollar amount was no accident.

An employee at the store, 26-year-old Teodora Petrova found a $7,500 in a shoe box earlier this month. She immediately turned it in and it was returned to its rightful owner.

Employees believe someone heard about Petrova's good deed and was inspired to make another act of good will.

Company executives traced the check to an out of state accounting firm. The firm said they sent it on behalf of a client who wanted to remain anonymous.

The sender's true motive may be a mystery, but the generosity is making a big impact on those inside and outside the store.

"It just makes you believe in really good things all over again," said store manager Cissy Altevogt. "You can't help it. It gives you the warm and fuzzy feeling that people really do care. And one story can affect several lives. "

Petrova received a reward for turning in the money and she plans to use it for her college tuition.

As for the check, Goodwill executives say the money will go to fund job training and employment programs.

To see Petrova's reaction when she found out about the check, watch Kasey Joyce's story at the right of your screen.