One Man’s Change of Heart Amid Pandemic Panic

As the fear of the coronavirus spreads, hand sanitizer has become a sought-after commodity, with many stores struggling to keep it in stock due to panic buying. Taking advantage of this situation, Matt Colvin from Chattanooga, Tennessee, purchased 17,700 bottles of hand sanitizer from local retailers with the intent to sell them at a higher price on Amazon. However, this decision backfired spectacularly.

Colvin faced severe backlash from the public, being criticized on news outlets and social media for stockpiling critical supplies during a crisis. He received threats and had his seller accounts on Amazon and eBay suspended. Local authorities even started investigating him for price gouging.

Update: Matt Colvin is considering donating his supplies.

For more details, read Jack Nicas’ tweet.

— Jack Nicas (@jacknicas) March 14, 2020

In a candid interview with the New York Times, Colvin admitted regret for his actions, stating that he never anticipated the repercussions of his actions and never meant to deprive people of essential supplies. He acknowledged his mistake and expressed his desire to make amends.

To rectify his error, Colvin decided to donate his entire stock of hand sanitizer and antibacterial wipes to a local church. Volunteers from the church will distribute these supplies to those in need, ensuring they reach the people who require them the most.