Homeless man’s $0.50 question at Burger King sparks act of kindness

A young Burger King employee’s compassionate decision to help a homeless man not only fed a hungry soul but also inspired others to pay kindness forward.

When a homeless man walked into a Burger King in 2018 with only 50 cents in his pocket, he asked a question that could easily have been dismissed: “What can I get for 50 cents?” For many, the answer would be a simple, “Nothing.” But for Matthew Resendez, the teenager working behind the counter, it became an opportunity to make a difference.

A generous response

Instead of turning the man away, Matthew asked him what he would order if he could. The man responded, saying that “anything would help [his] hunger pains.” Moved by the man’s honesty and need, Matthew decided to ring up the heartiest meal on the menu. Without hesitation, he then used his own debit card to pay for it.

The story didn’t end there. A nearby diner noticed Matthew’s generosity and decided to reward him with a $100 tip. That stranger also contacted Burger King management to commend the young employee’s compassionate act.

A proud mom moment

Matthew’s mother, Michelle Resendez, later shared the heartwarming story on Facebook, expressing her pride in her son’s thoughtful actions. Her post read:

“Proud mom moment! Matthew worked this evening and a homeless gentlemen walked in 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 mans 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 women 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, 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.”

Michelle’s heartfelt post resonated with thousands, drawing admiration and praise for Matthew’s actions.

Why this story matters

In a society where homeless individuals are often overlooked or judged, Matthew’s story is a reminder of the power of empathy and compassion. Homelessness affects millions, and acts of kindness—no matter how small—can make a significant impact.

Matthew’s decision to cover the man’s meal wasn’t just an act of charity; it was a moment of recognition that affirmed the man’s dignity and humanity. The ripple effect of his actions, from the woman’s tip to Michelle’s viral Facebook post, demonstrates how kindness can inspire others to do good.

A lesson for us all

As Michelle noted, “It’s possible that if it was a different staff member, they would tell the homeless gentleman to leave the restaurant without a single thing to eat.” But Matthew’s choice to help has left an indelible impression on everyone involved.

This story encourages us all to choose kindness whenever possible. Whether it’s a small gesture like sharing a meal or simply showing compassion, every act of kindness matters. Share this story and help spread the message that empathy and generosity can change lives—sometimes starting with just 50 cents.