An Indian-American family, recovering from a fire three years ago, turned their fortune around as 2024 draws to an end.

Jaspal Singh and his son Ishar Gill, owners of Circle K in Cottonwood, sold a $1.22 billion Mega Millions jackpot ticket on December 27. This is the fifth-largest win in the game's history, bringing national attention to their small-town store in California.

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While the ticket buyer's identity is unknown, the store will get $1 million for selling the winning lottery. The news of the jackpot stunned the family when they heard it shortly after the drawing. Gill admitted he had to read it several times before telling his father, who couldn't believe it either.

This was not the first business venture of the family as they owned a gas station before which caught fire in August 2021. But the family didn't lose hope and rebuilt their business, starting it from scratch in March 2023.

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Despite the big prize money, the family hasn't let it get to their heads. They've promised to give back to their Cottonwood community and are proud to put their town on the map.