Winner anxiously waited through hurricane weekend to claim prize
“We were praying that you guys would be open today,” said the very cheerful winner of a $250,000 Mega Millions prize. The Germantown resident was worried because Hurricane Irene had caused thousands of power outages and thought maybe Lottery Headquarters was out too. “What a relief to see you are open!”
The 52-year-old winner usually plays Mega Millions when the jackpot is high. But not even knowing the jackpot amount, she went against the grain last Tuesday and bought not one, but two $5 Mega Millions quick pick tickets. “I bought one at the 7-11 and then stopped at another store to do an errand for my husband and picked up the second ticket,” she said.
On Friday, when the winner was preparing for Hurricane Irene, she decided to check her tickets. The cashier printed out the numbers for her, which immediately revealed her win. “I called my husband, who was also shopping for hurricane supplies, and told him to head straight home,” she continued. “He thought I was kidding.” When he arrived, he double checked the numbers to confirm the win for his wife. With the storm, and a winning $250,000 Mega Millions ticket at home, they did not get much rest. But, she was thrilled and relieved to claim the prize today. “I can get a good night’s sleep tonight!” she said.
The happy couple plans to use the winnings for bills and will put the rest in the bank. The winning ticket was purchased at 7-11 located at 19412 Walter Johnson Road in Germantown, Md.