This Small Maine Store Just Showed Everyone What Real Honesty Looks Like

In a world that sometimes feels like it's for the birds, a Maine store just reminded everyone what honesty looks like.

A recent post on the neighborhood-sharing app Nextdoor shared a heartwarming story from Freeport, Maine, that, in today's often jaded social media landscape, earned the business some fans and, in a tough economy, maybe even some new loyal customers.

How One Small Act of Honesty Made a Big Impression in Freeport, Maine

A local resident shared that last November, he had unknowingly dropped a $20 bill on the floor at the Freeport Wild Bird Supply located on busy Route 1. Almost six months later, when he returned for more seed, he was met with a heartwarming surprise. The $20 bill had been carefully attached to his purchase record and kept safe all that time:

"They had kept it and returned it to me... not something that you hear too often these days."

 

While NextDoor is often lovingly referred to as the place where discussions of mysterious loud booms and possibly rabid beasts abound, the comments on this post were instantly, unanimously positive:

• "That is an amazing store!"
• "I’ll try to remember your experience when I’m disappointed in mankind. There are truly good people out there, and we don’t hear about them because it’s not exciting. Thank you for sharing!"
• "The people who work there are very helpful and, as you have learned, kind."

Why Freeport’s Local Businesses Deserve the Spotlight Too

Although it wasn't the intention of the business, this does bring to light the fact that while Freeport is best known for its bustling outlet stores and the L.L. Bean flagship store that draws millions of visitors from around the world, the town is also a bustling hub for locally owned businesses.

READ MORE: What Makes Freeport, Maine, a Nature Destination?

Freeport Wild Bird Supply, owned and operated by Jeannette and Derek Lovitch, is an example of one of those hidden gems.

It's very easy these days to buy wild bird food and supplies with a single tap on your phone, but the niche business is living proof that the community is also drawn to the human connection, especially when it comes to a mutual love for the local bird population.

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In addition to offering wild bird-related supplies and even educational outings, it's also popular with actual birds, which excitedly visit the store's outdoor feeding station and collection of wild native plants and habitat.

It’s small moments like this that prove Maine really is, as one happy NextDoor commenter said, "...the way life should be."