Homeless Man Asks What He Can Buy With $0.50 At Burger King, Employee’s Response Stuns Everyone

*Note: This story is being republished and originally made headlines back in June 2016.*

Michelle Resendez, a proud mother from Texas, once shared a touching story on Facebook about her teenage son, Matthew. What began as an ordinary shift at Burger King soon became a powerful example of compassion that inspired thousands across social media.

During one of his evening shifts, Matthew encountered a man who appeared to be homeless. The man approached the counter with just 50 cents and humbly asked what he could buy. Instead of turning him away, Matthew asked what he would like if money weren’t an issue. The man simply replied that anything would be fine.

Moved by empathy, Matthew decided to act from the heart. He used his own debit card to purchase a full meal, ensuring the man could enjoy a warm, filling dinner. He handed him the receipt and invited him to sit and eat—treating him with dignity and kindness.

The story could have ended there, already heartwarming enough. But a woman dining nearby had witnessed the entire act. Deeply touched by Matthew’s generosity, she later contacted Burger King’s management to commend his behavior. She also surprised Matthew with a $100 tip—a reward that recognized his kindness and reinforced the value of empathy.

Michelle proudly shared the story online, writing, “So proud to be his mom. I can pat myself on the back knowing I’ve played a part in raising this big-hearted young man.”

The post quickly went viral—shared over 40,000 times and liked by more than 147,000 people. Thousands of comments poured in, praising Matthew’s selflessness and Michelle’s parenting. One person wrote, “We need more young men like him in our world.”

Matthew’s simple act of kindness did more than feed one man—it inspired countless others to believe in the power of small, compassionate gestures. His story remains a beautiful reminder that even the smallest actions can create ripples of hope and humanity.