Longtime Walgreens employee Bob Hesselberg, affectionately known as “Pharmacist Bob,” received a $6,000 gift from an 11-year-old boy and devoted customers before his Massachusetts store’s closure. Hesselberg has been running the pharmacy counter at the Walgreens on Boston Post Road in Weston for over 30 years. He is being relocated to another Walgreens location in Waltham next month. Aarav Khanna, the 11-year-old boy, helped organize a small celebration for Hesselberg, whom he got to know because his school bus drops him off near the store. Khanna raised $6,000 to give to Hesselberg as a token of appreciation, and a young girl also gave him a handmade card.
Hesselberg expressed his gratitude and disbelief at the generosity, stating that he doesn’t want to retire even though he is 75 years old and not ready for it. Residents who came out for the celebration, such as Carol Ott, praised Hesselberg’s friendliness and customer service. Ott highlighted how Hesselberg greets customers by name, asks about their families, their medications, and genuinely cares about their well-being. The heartfelt sendoff for Hesselberg took place amidst major cuts by Walgreens, which plans on closing 1,200 stores over the next three years due to financial struggles. Despite the upcoming closure of the store, Hesselberg expressed his gratitude and appreciation for the support he received from the community.
The act of kindness shown by Khanna, the young girl, and other devoted customers towards Hesselberg reflects the positive impact he has had on the community during his time as a pharmacist at the Walgreens store. Hesselberg’s dedication to his job and his genuine care for his customers have left a lasting impression on those who interact with him. The celebration organized for Hesselberg highlights the strong bond between him and the community he has served for over 30 years. Hesselberg’s reluctance to retire despite his age is a testament to his passion for his work and the relationships he has cultivated with his customers over the years.
The closure of the Walgreens store in Weston and Hesselberg’s relocation to another location in Waltham mark the end of an era for the community. The support and appreciation shown towards Hesselberg during his sendoff demonstrate the impact he has had on the lives of those around him. As Walgreens faces financial struggles and plans to close numerous stores, the heartfelt farewell to Hesselberg serves as a reminder of the importance of genuine connections and relationships in the retail industry. Despite the changes taking place within the company and the community, the celebration for Hesselberg serves as a touching tribute to his years of service and the positive influence he has had on the lives of those he has interacted with.
In a world where financial concerns and company closures are becoming increasingly common, the heartwarming sendoff for Hesselberg provides a beacon of hope and positivity. The generosity and appreciation shown by Khanna, the young girl, and other customers towards Hesselberg serve as a reminder of the impact that small acts of kindness can have on individuals. Hesselberg’s dedication to his job and the genuine care he shows towards his customers have not gone unnoticed, as evidenced by the outpouring of support and gratitude during his sendoff. The celebration for Hesselberg is a poignant example of the lasting impact that individuals can have within their communities and the importance of acknowledging and appreciating those who make a difference in the lives of others.
