(LANSING) - Listening to a clerk’s recommendation paid off for a St. Joseph County man.

Michigan Lottery officials say the 52 year old man, who wishes to remain anonymous won $300,000 playing the Michigan Lottery’s Mystery Prize Cashword instant game. The man bought his winning ticket at the Hoffman Street Grocery, located at 115 West Hoffman Street in Three Rivers.

The man says he stopped to pick up a few things and went by the Lottery counter while he was there. While standing there, the man said the clerk suggested he play the Mystery Prize Cashword game.

The man said he told the clerk he doesn't play often and wasn't sure about that type of ticket. The clerk told the man it was pretty simple to play, and had been lucky lately, so he decided to buy two tickets. The first one turned out to be a $300,000 winner.

The lucky winner visited Lottery headquarters to claim his prize. He said with his winnings he plans to pay off his home, and then help family members in need.

Other big money winning Lottery tickets have been purchased in Three Rivers. In 2015, Julie Leach of Three Rivers won a $310 million Powerball jackpot, after buying her ticket at the Shell Gas Station on the west side of Three Rivers. In addition, a St. Joseph County woman won with the Millionaire Maker instant game in April 2019, after purchasing her ticket at Harding's Market on West Michigan Avenue in Three Rivers.