Dish duty leads to million-dollar lottery shock in pennsylvania — courtesy of PA lottery

Grocery trip leads to $1 million Powerball win for Berks County woman

EXETER TOWNSHIP, PA — A Berks County woman unknowingly walked out of a GIANT Food Store with a $1 million Powerball ticket in her pocket, discovering the life-changing prize days later while doing dishes at home.

On Wednesday, Pennsylvania Lottery officials presented a commemorative check to Debbie Truckermiller at the GIANT location on Perkiomen Avenue, where she purchased the winning ticket for the November 1 Powerball drawing. The ticket matched five white balls drawn — 2, 26, 43, 44, and 62 — missing only the red Powerball number, 22.

The store will receive a $5,000 bonus for selling the winning ticket. Truckermiller, a finance professional, said she often plays when the jackpot grows large. At the time of her win, the jackpot was an estimated $400 million annuity.

She did not check her numbers immediately and instead found out she had won two days later after seeing a reminder on social media. She confirmed the win at home and shared the news with her family.

Truckermiller and her husband plan to use the money to help their adult children with student loans, invest, and travel. The family also intends to make home renovations and attend sporting events.

State officials highlighted that every lottery ticket supports senior programs in Pennsylvania. Since 1972, the Pennsylvania Lottery has generated more than $37.2 billion to benefit older residents across the state.

The next Powerball drawing, scheduled for Saturday, carries a jackpot of $546 million annuity or a $255 million cash option. More than 36,600 other Pennsylvania Lottery players also won prizes in the November 1 drawing, including over 8,100 who played Power Play and more than 4,800 who used Double Play.

Players have one year from the date of the drawing to claim prizes and can check tickets using the Lottery’s mobile app or at retail locations statewide.

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Key Points

Berks County resident won $1 million Powerball prize with ticket bought at GIANT in Exeter Township
The ticket matched five white balls in the November 1 drawing; jackpot missed by one number
Saturday’s Powerball jackpot is now $546 million annuity or $255 million cash

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Chris Quigley is a Staff Writer and Community News Correspondent for Shore News Network, where she covers local government, public safety, community affairs, politics, and issues impacting residents throughout New Jersey. Her reporting focuses on delivering timely, accurate, and relevant news that helps readers stay informed about the communities in which they live and work.

As a member of the Shore News Network editorial team, Quigley works closely with public officials, community leaders, first responders, and local organizations to provide factual coverage of breaking news, municipal government, public policy, and events affecting New Jersey residents. Her work highlights both major developments and the local stories that shape communities across the state.

Quigley is committed to responsible journalism, emphasizing accuracy, source verification, and transparency in every story she reports. She strives to present information in a clear and accessible manner, helping readers better understand the issues, decisions, and events that impact their daily lives.

Through her work at Shore News Network, Chris Quigley contributes to the organization's mission of providing trusted local news coverage, accountability reporting, and community-focused journalism throughout New Jersey.

Chris Quigley is a graduate of Stockton State University and began her career at IN Jersey, the online news and media branch of the Asbury Park Press. She also worked at Monmouth Internet, the Ocean Signal Newspaper, and JTOWN Magazine during her career in both content management and operations.

Degrees: Business B.A. - Stockton University

Experience and interests: Criminal Justice, Business, Animal Care, Entertainment, Lottery News, Local News