
In a time when many people feel discouraged about the world, a small moment at a local Burger King reminded thousands that compassion still exists. A young employee named Matthew Resendez became widely admired after he helped a hungry man who didn’t have enough money to buy even the cheapest item on the menu.
A Homeless Man Walked In With Only 50 Cents
While Matthew was working, a homeless man entered the restaurant and showed him a handful of coins. The man asked if there was a meal available for $0.50, explaining it was all he had. He wasn’t demanding anything for free—he was trying to pay for food, even though he didn’t realize his money wasn’t enough.
Matthew could tell the man was genuinely hungry, and he didn’t want to send him away.

Matthew Paid for the Meal With His Own Money
Instead of turning the man down, Matthew rang up a hearty meal and then used his own debit card to cover the cost. He handed the man the receipt and told him to sit down and relax while his food was prepared.
It was a simple decision, but it meant everything to someone who needed help in that moment.

A Stranger Witnessed It—and Rewarded Matthew
When Matthew later told his mom, Michelle, about what happened, she shared the story with friends—never expecting it to spread widely. In her message, she explained that a woman in the restaurant watched Matthew’s kindness. The woman didn’t just report the moment to the company to praise him—she also left Matthew a very generous tip as a reward for his compassion.
Michelle described it as a “proud mom moment”, saying she felt grateful to have raised a young man with such a big heart.

A Lesson in Empathy and Respect
Even at a young age, Matthew showed empathy and compassion, believing that everyone deserves to be treated with respect—no matter their social status. His story resonated with millions of readers, many calling him an exceptional young person and a reminder that kindness can still shine through in everyday life.