When we encounter someone in need, we face a choice: ignore their plight or lend a helping hand. While it’s often easier to look the other way, there are moments when a simple act of kindness can have a ripple effect, inspiring others and making a significant difference.
This was the case for Matthew Resendez, a Burger King worker who became a symbol of compassion through a remarkable act of generosity.
A Homeless Man’s Request
One evening in 2018, Matthew was working his usual shift when a homeless man walked into the restaurant. The man approached the counter and, with visible hesitation, asked, “What can I get for 50 cents?”
Matthew had two choices. He could have answered honestly that 50 cents wouldn’t buy anything on the menu. Instead, he chose to do something extraordinary.
Rather than turn the man away, Matthew asked, “What would you order if you could?”
When the man explained he was simply trying to ease his hunger pains, Matthew took it upon himself to ring up the most filling meal on the menu. But he didn’t stop there—Matthew paid for the meal out of his own pocket. He handed the man the receipt, told him to relax, and offered him a seat.
A Kindness Multiplied
Unbeknownst to Matthew, a diner in the restaurant had witnessed the entire exchange. Moved by the young man’s compassion, the diner decided to pay it forward. Not only did she tip Matthew $100, but she also wrote to Burger King’s corporate office, praising his selfless act.
When Matthew’s mother, Michelle Resendez, learned about the incident, she was overwhelmed with pride. She shared the story on Facebook, writing:
“Proud mom moment! Matthew worked this evening, and a homeless gentleman walked into the restaurant with .50 cents and asked if there was anything on the menu he could buy. Matthew asked him what he would order if he could, and the man said anything would help his hunger pains. So Matthew rung him up for a hearty meal and then used his own debit card to pay for the man’s meal.
He handed him the receipt and told him to relax and take a seat.
The story could end there, and it would be a happy ending. But apparently, a woman watched my son during his random act of kindness. Not only did she write the company to let them know about the caring employee they had working for them, but she also rewarded my son with a very generous tip!
So proud to be his mom and I can pat myself on the back knowing that I’ve played a part in raising this big-hearted young man.”
A Reminder of Compassion
Matthew’s actions remind us that even small gestures can have a profound impact. A meal that cost him a few dollars made a world of difference to a homeless man in need. And in turn, his kindness inspired a stranger to reward and recognize him, creating a beautiful chain of generosity.
Homelessness is a complex issue, often accompanied by societal biases and fears. But as Matthew demonstrated, treating people with dignity and compassion can alter lives—not just for those in need, but for anyone fortunate enough to witness such acts of humanity.
The Ripple Effect
Matthew’s story serves as a powerful reminder of the good that can come from small acts of kindness. Whether it’s helping someone in need, standing up for what’s right, or simply showing empathy, our choices have the power to inspire others.
It’s not always about solving the bigger issues at once. Sometimes, it’s about answering a simple question with an open heart. For Matthew, the answer to “What can I get for 50 cents?” turned out to be much more than just a meal—it became a moment that restored faith in humanity.
Ryan Bennett is a Creative Story Writer with a passion for crafting compelling narratives that captivate and inspire readers. With years of experience in storytelling and content creation, Ryan has honed his skills at Bengali Media, where he specializes in weaving unique and memorable stories for a diverse audience.
Ryan holds a degree in Literature from Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, and his expertise lies in creating vivid characters and immersive worlds that resonate with readers. His work has been celebrated for its originality and emotional depth, earning him a loyal following among those who appreciate authentic and engaging storytelling.
Dedicated to bringing stories to life, Ryan enjoys exploring themes that reflect the human experience, always striving to leave readers with something to ponder.