People dreaming big with mega millions in sight

York, PA - While some people don't know much about the Mega Million lottery, other ticket buyers were dreaming big on Tuesday in hopes of becoming $241 million richer.

Convenient stores spiked in lottery ticket sales as the largest Mega Millions jackpot in almost a year drew in a steady flow of customers.

"Almost every other customer that came into the store today has purchased one to five tickets," said Cathy Mace, manager of the Rutter's Farm Store Manager on Leaders Heights in York Township. "Some people don't even know how to play but are coming in and asking for the million-dollar ticket."

The winning ticket is expected to be worth an estimated $170 million in cash giving ticket machines a good workout.

Raj Karim, associate at American Grocery Mart in York Township, said the big jackpot has helped attract more customers to the shop.

"Anytime the lottery is big, we usually get a good amount of customers to come in and purchase tickets," he said.

Though many are in for the fun and take their chances, others are regular buyers and base the game on intuition to win.

"Fifteen years ago I had a dream that I won the lottery and woke up around 2 a.m. to write the numbers down before I would forget them," Maria Chipps, 67 of York Township, said in Spanish. "I play the lotto almost every day and use the same numbers from my dream hoping I will win one of these days."

As some dream of cashing in on the big bucks, the statistics of winning are 1 in 176 million.

"I don't typically buy the lotto, just once in a while," said Dorothy Cutright, 65 of Dover Township. "Everyone today was talking about it and after I heard how much the ticket was worth, I decided to buy one and take a chance."

Your thoughts

We asked people in person and on Facebook what would be the first three things they'd buy if they won the $241 million Mega Millions jackpot. Here are some of their responses:

Daphne Shaffer-Fuller: Family. Charity. Vacation.

Heidi Sherrick Wolak: Mortgage, my school loans, getaway for my hubby and I

Tricia Busler Harrison: medical care for my child, pay off the mortgage and travel . . . oh, to dream!

Michelle Seener: Pay off all debt, invest to provide for retirement and children and open a shelter for victims of domestic violence.

Linda Chenoweth Harlow: Mortgage and house fix ups, pay off other debt, definitely back to France, financial planning for retirement and charities.

Paula Schneider of York Township says she would use some of the money for her and her family, and the rest to help her grandchildren.

Dorothy Cutright of Dover Township says she would buy a new home, a new vehicle, and give the rest to her grandkids.

Mary Williams of York Township says she would clear her debt, buy her parents a one-level home because they are seniors, and buy herself a car.

Jerri Zimmerman of York City said she would help use the money toward the youth program she runs, she would refill her emergency food pantry and use the rest on her family.