WEST CHESTER TOWNSHIP, Ohio (WKRC) – A West Chester business owner is running a modern-day scavenger hunt.
The prize for the lucky winners is not just the thrill of the chase but also a pocket full of cash.
A West Chester business owner is running a modern-day scavenger hunt. The prize for the lucky winners is not just the thrill of the chase but also a pocket full of cash. (WKRC, Provided)
“I’ve been in business, in total, since 2009; I’ve had this shop since 2021,” said J Mel, owner of J Mel’s VIP Barber Lounge. “I like to give back to the community.”
Giving back to the community is exactly what he’s been doing over the last week.
“The first drop was about a week ago, and it really was just a random thought. I dropped it at an old Kroger on 747 in West Chester, and somebody picked it up, and I just kept going since,” said J Mel.
He said that he’s made 10 drops so far. He shared videos with Local 12 only showing his hands as he finds a stealthy spot to hide the stash.
“It’s fun to get everybody out to have a good time, something to do, something everybody can talk about [when] they’re calling their friends. ‘Hey, come up and find this. Hey, help me find this,’ or bringing family members,” said J Mel.
Social media has also helped finders become keepers of the hidden treasure.
A West Chester business owner is running a modern-day scavenger hunt. The prize for the lucky winners is not just the thrill of the chase but also a pocket full of cash. (WKRC)
“I started taking screenshots so people could see, like, ‘Hey, there are really people finding this money,’ because I can’t stay there for the drops and record everybody every time,” said J Mel.
On Christmas Eve at the skate park in Joyce Park, he did a different kind of drop, leaving toys out for kids this Christmas.
He said that each location has a special meaning and significance.
“I’ve done Joyce Park because I used to skateboard there when I was a kid. I did that old Kroger because I used to work there. That was my first job; I did the Dollar General because when I played basketball, we would always stop across the street there and grab Gatorades before we went over there. I did that rooftop because that’s one of the spots,” said J Mel. “So, on the rooftop I played the video on the seventh floor, but I made them find it on the fifth floor, and I put out a hint: ‘How old is my daughter?’ My daughter is five. So, there’s always Easter egg hunts like that in there.”
A West Chester business owner is running a modern-day scavenger hunt. The prize for the lucky winners is not just the thrill of the chase but also a pocket full of cash. (Provided)
In between a full day of giving fresh cuts to his clients, he’s finding time to spread a little cheer this holiday season.
“I thought it was a great time for the holidays for people who, you know, are struggling or trying to make ends meet, to go out there and be able to help some families out,” said J Mel.
The hunt for the cash isn’t over. He said that he plans to do more drops in the future. If you would like to stay updated, click here.
