Close Ad

integrity

Homeless Man Insists on Paying for an Expensive Lunch at Restaurant - So the Server Tells Him a Lie
Uplifting News

Homeless Man Insists on Paying for an Expensive Lunch at Restaurant - So the Server Tells Him a Lie

People go through all kinds of things in life, some that they talk about and some that they don’t. The truth is, we don’t always know what’s going on behind closed doors, or what kind of circumstances led to a person’s current position.What we do know is that everyone deserves to be treated with kindness and respect, no matter their background or situation. That’s why this story of a “homeless” man insisting on paying for his own meal at a fancy restaurant has reached so many people.A Lunchtime RequestOne day in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, a man who appeared homeless came up to the balcony of a high-end restaurant named Benvindo. In English, “benvindo” translates to “welcome.” The name seems on brand, because when this man showed them a $50 bill and asked the waiters for a meal, they sat him down.An average meal at this restaurant goes for about $100, but the servers insisted that this man’s meal was on the house. He declined and said he wanted to pay for it with his sweat, as per a local publication.The man chose the Executive Lunch, which came with a starter, a main course, and a dessert. He also ordered some wine. The server brought him a bottle, but he didn’t finish the drink and asked for a couple of sodas instead. He also skipped dessert.The whole time, the staff treated him just as they would any other client.A Kind GestureWhen the bill came, it totaled more than $120. However, the restaurant’s owners insisted to the server that this man should use his money for something else. When the server tried to comp the meal, however, the man once again insisted that he pay for his food.After some back-and-forth, the server charged the man $10. He lied and said it was a promo because initially, the man wouldn’t take the $40 change. Meanwhile, some patrons nearby snapped some photos of the man. Then, they shared the exchange on social media.“We just watched a great example of compassion and synergy,” the person wrote, as per the local publication. “The ease of this guy made me think about the many paths we choose in life trying to be happy… and many times, it’s in the simplest and most truthful and unexpected way that is closer and more accessible than we realize.”The post went viral and many online came to the conclusion that this man was homeless. They cited how he collects cans and cardboard to make money. However, his true identity remains unknown.“It was an act that we did not for publicity; we were not expecting anything like that,” the server, Felipe Fontes, added. “He was polite, he insisted on paying the bill.”A Universal ApproachOne reason this story touched so many people is that it exemplifies the importance of treating everyone with dignity and respect, no matter what preconceived notions we may have about them.Whether this man was homeless or not, it was apparent that this meal was a special occasion for him and something that he wanted to feel like he earned. So the servers and owners did everything they could to make him feel valued and respected.We don’t all have the same privileges, upbringings, or opportunities in life. But by remembering to treat everyone with kindness and like an equal, we add infinite value to all of our lives.More from Goalcast:Restaurant Receives One-Star Review Due to Homeless Man in Front – Instead of Making Him Leave, Owner Defends HimRestaurant Manager Catches Homeless Woman’s Happy Dance After Job Interview – And Hires HerTrembling Homeless Man Begs Restaurant Manager for Leftovers – His Response Teaches Everyone a Lesson

Thrift Store Manager Sifts Through Donation Clothes - Is Taken Back When Something Unexpected Falls Out of One of the Shirts
Uplifting News

Thrift Store Manager Sifts Through Donation Clothes - Is Taken Back When Something Unexpected Falls Out of One of the Shirts

*Featured image contains photo by Julia M CameronImagine finding a bundle of cash, and not just a few crumpled dollars, but a whopping $5,000. What would you do? Most people might be tempted to keep it, to rationalize that no one would ever know. But there's a thrift shop manager in the Bay Area who showed the world that kindness, pure and simple, is the path he'd choose.The day started like any other at the Pick of the Litter in Burlingame, where Oliver Jolis was managing the shop, ringing up sales, and sorting through donated items. But this ordinary day would soon take an extraordinary turn.What One Manager Found in a Bag of Donation ClothesPhoto by Karolina GrabowskaAs Jolis sifted through bags of donated clothes, money literally started falling out. A coworker, Amy Walsh, described it as, "Money just started falling out." Imagine their surprise as they witnessed cash fluttering down around them. It wasn't just a handful of bills; it was a substantial sum, a whopping $5,000 in cold, hard cash.Naturally, they were taken aback. It would have been easy to succumb to the temptation, to pocket the money and keep it a secret. But Oliver Jolis, showing the true essence of kindness and honesty, decided on a different course of action.Amidst the unexpected windfall, he discovered an old piece of paper within the bag, an old piece of car insurance information. Instead of keeping the money, Oliver and his coworkers made a remarkable decision. They embarked on a quest to find the owner of this cash, this small fortune that had inexplicably landed in their thrift store.Their journey to locate the owner was not in vain. With determination, they reached out to the woman who had donated items to the store. To ensure her identity, they asked her a series of questions. She answered them all correctly, confirming her as the rightful owner.The woman requested to remain anonymous, citing concerns for her safety and the fear of being targeted. She understood that in many situations, someone could have easily kept the money. It could have quietly slipped into the manager's pocket, and no one would have been the wiser. Yet, Oliver Jolis made a choice that would reaffirm one's faith in the inherent goodness of people."I said, 'Come on down, I've got something for you.' She came back, and I gave her $5,000 in a paper bag and said, 'Thank you for supporting us,'" Oliver recalled. It was a simple act, yet it spoke volumes about his character.How One Man Proved the Importance of IntegrityAt Pick of the Litter, Oliver Jolis has quickly become a familiar face. The thrift shop's profits contribute to the Peninsula Humane Society, a non-profit organization dedicated to finding homes for thousands of animals, many of whom arrive sick or injured. Oliver, himself, adopted his furry companions, Summer and Alzie.Regular customers have become friends, and the spirit of kindness and honesty reverberates through the store. San Mateo resident Trina Pierce expressed, "I wasn't surprised he found it and gave it back. We just love Oliver. The whole staff is great, but Oliver is special."That spirit of kindness infuses every corner of Pick of the Litter, enhancing not only their sales and revenue but also ensuring that countless animals find loving homes.In the anonymous woman's words, "Whatever you do in this world comes back to you ten times, be it negativity or positivity, it comes back." And it's evident that in this tale of kindness, positivity reverberated and touched the hearts of those who witnessed it.Oliver's furry friends, Summer and Alzie, serve as a testament to the enduring bonds of friendship and kindness. It's a reminder that a small act of goodness can create ripples of positivity in the world. Oliver's decision was not only honorable but a lesson for all of us. Kindness doesn't demand recognition or reward; it thrives in the selfless act itself.More from Goalcast:Homeless Man Returns Stranger’s Lost Check Instead of Keeping It – Their Conversation Was About to Change His LifeThree Kids Find Wallet Stuffed With $700 and Return It – Little Did They Know What Was Coming NextUnemployed Man Searches for Stranger Who Returned His $273M Lotto Ticket — and Hopes to Share His Earnings

Frail Elderly Woman Dines All Alone at Cracker Barrel - Then, Strangers Witness Three Big Burly Men Walk Up to Her
Uplifting News

Frail Elderly Woman Dines All Alone at Cracker Barrel - Then, Strangers Witness Three Big Burly Men Walk Up to Her

*Featured image contains photo by cottonbro studioSometimes the world can be a lonely place even when we are surrounded by people. But one elderly woman's world got a whole lot brighter when an unlikely trio of "big burly guys" noticed her dining alone and decided to do something about it. Claire Senglin Richardson, a nurse at Children's Memorial Hermann Hospital in Houston, Texas was out for dinner with her family at Cracker Barrel when she witnessed the heartwarming act unfold. She snapped a quick photo and posted it on Facebook where it went viral. Because faith in humanity? Officially RESTORED.The Act of Kindness Bringing People to TearsIn the post, Claire shared that as she and her family were finishing up their meal when they noticed "an elderly woman sitting all alone, drinking a milk and waiting for her meal."A million thoughts immediately went through her head. "She looked so very lonely.. Is she widowed? Where is her family? Why is she at a restaurant at almost 8pm (which is stereotypically like midnight in old people time)," Claire wrote.Apparently, she wasn't the only one who took notice of the woman. Three "big, burly, middle aged, blue collar, hard working, hungry men" seated beside her did too.While Claire was contemplating whether or not her family should pay for the woman's meal or invite her to sit with them, the men were already one step ahead."I asked Tom if we should buy her dinner or if we should go sit with her... then one of our boys did/said something which momentarily distracted us but when we looked back up, these big burly guys were moving the frail elderly woman to their table."And while the skeptics among us would like to convince us that some people actually prefer eating alone thank you very much, it turns out, this woman was thrilled by the invite. Claire continued to watch the group interact and the pure sweetness of what she saw brought her to tears."The woman was smiling from ear to ear, her face all lit up and she was just a-talking like she hadn’t talked to another human in a very long time." Claire Senglin RichardsonClaire and her husband Tom were so moved by the kindness of the three strangers that they paid for part of their meal and thanked them for "restoring our faith in humanity." The Elderly Woman's Family RespondsHowever, the story doesn't end there. Turns out, the internet is a small, small world. The elderly woman's granddaughter, Shana LeBlanc, saw the post and responded in a comment, writing: "This is my grandmother. These men made her day and knowing this little story has made 'the internet' has her tickled pink." She went on to write, "We all love our grandma and we are lucky and extremely blessed that she is still in our lives."She also explained that the past year had been a "bit rough" on her Grandma Bobbie. The great-grandmother was struggling with aging and it was heartwarming for her family to know that others could be there for her when they couldn't."She loves her grandkids and great-grandkids so much. And we all love her more than words can express. I truly love that there are kind people around loving her also when we can't be with her."And a whole lot of strangers do too. People applauded the men for putting in the effort to make a stranger feel happy and included. "Awesome. I love that there are people like this because I would be too skeptical to invite her over for fear that perhaps she wanted to be alone," one commenter wrote. "Kudos for having the bravery I would hesitate to have!"Another wrote, "My 86 yr old mom (now deceased) had a young neighbor who looked over when I could not be there. These men of integrity and kindness performed a simple act that made a significant difference to that woman."A Lesson in KindnessCracker Barrel is known for its comfort food and "home away from home" feel. According to their mission statement, the restaurant chain cares for its guests "like family."It seems its patrons do too.These three men could have just gone about enjoying their own dinner. Instead, they chose to extend a warm and welcoming hand to someone they felt needed it. They opened their circle and that one small, seemingly insignificant act, ended up making a world of difference. More from Goalcast:Uber Driver Takes a Look at Lonely Elderly Passenger’s Living Conditions – Decides to Give Him More Than Just a LiftLonely and Widowed 82-Year-Old Goes Over to New Neighbor’s House – Little Did They Both Know What Was Coming NextLonely London Newcomer Decides to Start a Club for Other Women Who Are Feeling Alone — Her Club Quickly Gains Thousands of Members

Dominos Driver Delivers $1,300 Instead of Chicken Wings to Customer - What He Does With the Money Is a Reminder to All
Uplifting News

Dominos Driver Delivers $1,300 Instead of Chicken Wings to Customer - What He Does With the Money Is a Reminder to All

When a California man ordered wings from Domino's, he did not expect his order to be anything but normal.Mike Vegas had ordered the wings, in addition to a pizza, and had eaten just one slice before putting the rest of the food in the fridge."I ordered some pizzas and I thought I was going to have the day off. I was going to sit at home and enjoy my relaxation," Vegas told ABC News in the 2015 story.The Delivery Driver Couldn’t Reach HimVegas was busy working, so he didn't realize that someone had been trying to reach him for several hours."My phone started blowing up and I wasn't looking at the random messages. I was at work so I wasn't answering," he said.The calls came from the driver who had delivered his food; he had decided to stash some cash in a wings box before heading to the bank. Clearly, he had forgotten that he had put the cash there and had ended up delivering it to his final customer of the night."About 5 a.m., I got home from work and went to my refrigerator and pulled out what I thought were wings. It turned out to be 1,300 bucks," Vegas added.A Moral DilemmaVegas then took to Facebook to crowdsource his dilemma."I wrote a Facebook post and of course there's a long list of people arguing you should keep it, you shouldn't keep it, you should keep it, you shouldn't keep it," he told ABC News. I wanted to keep it, believe me. But I can't, I can't do [that].Mike VegasVegas decided to return the cash, and Domino's Pizza General Manager Zia Mumtaz was grateful."Thank you so much for this, honest people are hard to find these days," Mumtaz said.To show his gratitude, Mumtaz offered Vegas a gift. "Just to thank you, we're going to offer you free pizza for a whole year," he said.Apparently, that's an offer Vegas couldn't refuse. "I'm going to have to start working out more, obviously," he joked.Honesty Is KeyWe all know that accidents are fairly common. But in those times of panic -- like how the delivery driver was feeling -- it is easy for us to fear the worst.Fortunately, Vegas was an honest person who decided to do the right thing. And I'm willing to wager that he isn't the only one who would return the money if faced with a similar situation as most people are kind.More from Goalcast:Family Is Shocked to See 72-Year-Old Fall While Delivering Their Pizza – So They Take Her Career Into Their Own HandsThe Founder of Little Caesars Pizza Has Paid Rosa Parks’ Rent for Decades – AND He Kept It a SecretDelivery Man Sees a High-Speed Chase and Runs to Stop It – All Without Dropping His Pizza

Man Accidentally Drops $100 in Front of Homeless Man - What He Does With It Blows Everyone Away
Uplifting News

Man Accidentally Drops $100 in Front of Homeless Man - What He Does With It Blows Everyone Away

Never underestimate the importance of paying it forward or who in life is actually in a position to do so. We never know what other people are going through beneath the surface, but sometimes, somebody we may have written off can surprise us in new and wonderful ways.That was the takeaway one man had after performing a social experiment with a camera, a homeless man, and a $100 bill.A Social ExperimentYouTubeOne day, an online user named DENO 10K (whose real name is Dino) decided he wanted to see what would happen if he walked by a homeless man and “accidentally” dropped a $100 bill in front of him. In a video later shared on YouTube, you can see Dino walking by a man sitting on the sidewalk and letting a bill fall out of his pocket while he talks on the phone.As Dino leaves, the camera stays focused on the man. You can see him get up, grab the money, and look down the street. He calls after Dino a couple of times, but when Dino doesn’t respond, the man sits back down.After a while, when it’s clear Dino isn’t returning, the man gets up, puts on his backpack, and hops on his bike.An Unexpected DestinationDino and his friend follow the man as he heads to a Dollar Store. A short while later, he emerges with a big bag of items. As the guys in the car wonder what a person could spend $100 on at a Dollar Store, the homeless man gets back on his bike. Dino considers confronting him but decides to wait and see what happens.Not long after, they’re glad they did. The camera follows the man as he approaches another homeless man and drops off some hygiene supplies. Then, as the guys from the car watch in awe, the homeless man makes several other stops, helping others on the street with a few new items.Finally, after all the stops, the man returns to his spot beside the original building. That’s when Dino decides it’s time to meet this mystery man.A Surprise ConfrontationAt first, Dino plays dumb and asks the man if he’s seen the money. Surprisingly, the man admits to having picked it up right away. He also reveals that he spent it and can’t give it back.“I did, man, I did. I found it. Yeah man, I’m sorry man. I spent it,” he says. “I tried to holler at you but you kept going. You kept going. You don’t know how it is to be out here. I did try, God as my witness, I tried to give it back to you, but you kept going.”Dino asks the man’s name and discovers it’s Phil. At first, he keeps the bit going and says he’s thinking about calling the police.“Naw, I’m just kidding. I’m just messing with you. I ain’t calling the police,” he quickly adds. “I ain’t going to lie to you, I saw you pick the money up. I watched you this entire time. I saw where you went with the money, where you took it, and what you did with it.”A Turn of EventsAs Phil looks at Dino, completely confused, Dino continues.“What I wanted to say is what you did, that was phenomenal. You could have done anything you wanted with that money,” he says.Phil seems immediately grateful for the comment and tries to explain. “I know, but I’d rather help people in life,” he says. “Because I know how it is out there, man. A lot of people just pass you up. People act like they don’t give a damn,” he continues.“That’s how people just end up giving up on life. It takes one person to show a person that your life is worth something; that someone cares. Even if you don’t know them. Just one person can make a difference in life.”Phil then apologizes again for spending the money, but Dino waves him off and explains that he is doing a social experiment. How Phil paid it forward took him by surprise and inspired him. Then, he reaches into his pocket and gifts Phil $1,000.The man is stunned and thankful and explains how he didn’t have anywhere to sleep that night. “I've been doing so bad,” he says. He adds that he has family, but they’re in another state, and he doesn’t want them to see him like this.Dino then hands Phil another $1,000. “I hope that helps with whatever you’re trying to do,” he says. “Get yourself cleaned up, get you somewhere to stay, some food to eat. It’s people like you that I really appreciate. God bless.”The Importance of Paying It ForwardWhile we don’t know whether Phil ever reunited with his family (we hope he did!), we do know that he completely inspired Dino, Dino’s friend, and nearly a million other people who have since watched the heartwarming video.It just goes to show you that anyone can pay it forward, and paying it forward feels really darned good. That’s because one small action, like buying hygiene supplies for others who are in an equally bad — if not worse place than you — can lead to a ripple effect and spread goodness. It can also remind others that they are appreciated and that they matter.So buy that coffee for the person behind you in line at your local café. Donate old clothes to someone else who may need them. Leave a positive review the next time you buy something you love from a local shop or business. Or just let someone go in front of you the next time you’re in line.These small acts aren’t just a way to spread kindness and promote community: they’re also a way to remind others that we’re all human, and no matter what our position or circumstances in life, we all matter. More from Goalcast:Homeless Boy Who Has Nothing Begs on the Streets to Survive – Then, He Changes Two Lives With One Swift MoveHomeless Man Returns Stranger’s Lost Check Instead of Keeping It – Their Conversation Was About to Change His LifeStranger Secretly Follows Homeless Man After Giving Him $100 – Is Shocked to See What He Actually Does With the Money

Scared Mom Alone at Home Hears a Stranger Knock on the Door - What Security Camera Reveals Makes Her Chase After Him
Uplifting News

Scared Mom Alone at Home Hears a Stranger Knock on the Door - What Security Camera Reveals Makes Her Chase After Him

Teenagers can be unpredictable, especially teenage boys who are known for testing the limits and acting out. One young mother of two was expecting a negative experience when a young teen boy knocked on her door.Pleasant SurprisePhoto by EVG KowalievskaMelissa Vang was home alone with her two daughters when she heard an ominous knock at the door. Being a small woman at home alone, the visit frightened her. She ran to check the security cameras in her home and ensure her safety. Expecting to see a someone up to no good, she was surprised by what she saw.On her doorstep was a teenager she had never seen before, someone new to the neighborhood. The boy was waving an item at the security camera and when Melissa saw what it was, she was floored. The boy was holding up a wallet, complete with cards and $1,500 cash. He waved the wallet in front of the camera, set it down, and walked away. Melissa went to investigate. It was her husband’s wallet, still intact, without even a dollar bill missing. A Big Thank YouMelissa chased after the anonymous do-gooder to thank him. As it turns out, the boy, Tyler Opdyke, was passing out flyers in the neighborhood and saw the abandoned wallet in the driveway, where Melissa’s husband had accidentally dropped it. I’ve been raised in the Church all my life and I just felt this is not mine.- Tyler OpdykeFor Tyler, returning the wallet intact was the right thing to do, a no-brainer. On her end, Melissa was overcome with gratitude and though she forgot to give the boy a reward initially, she later tracked him down and blessed him for his kindness.Random Acts of KindnessYou never know what kind of day someone is having until you are in their shoes. What Tyler Opdyke did was one of the most compassionate things anyone can do for another person: Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. It is the golden rule after all!Treat others how you would like to be treated. More from Goalcast:Manager Finds His Employee Working Only in Socks – But Security Camera Footage Reveals the Entire TruthTeacher Goes Viral Online After His Interactions With His Students Is Caught on CameraHidden Cameras Catch a Homeless Man Finding $2,000 in the Street – No One Could Predict What the Footage Reveals Next

Teen Catches a Wallet Full of Money While Fishing Instead of Keeping It, He Releases It to Farmer Who Lost It
Uplifting News

Teen Catches a Wallet Full of Money While Fishing Instead of Keeping It, He Releases It to Farmer Who Lost It

When it comes to regaling people with their fishing conquests, fishermen (and women) are prone to exaggeration. Somehow, what was in actuality a tiny minnow becomes a great white shark. And while most "fish tales" aren't true, this one it seems, truly is the catch of a lifetime.The Catch of a LifetimePhoto by Lum3nDuring a recent family fishing expedition on the Lake of the Woods in Minnesota, 14-year-old Connor Halsa thought he'd snagged a big one."I thought I had a big fish, and I set the hook really hard," Connor told WDAY-TV.But as it turns out, it wasn't a wall-eye that he'd caught. It was a wall-et. And it was full of cash, $2000 to be exact. "My cousin opened the wallet up, and he said some words you probably shouldn’t say, and he showed everyone, and we took the money out and placed it all on the dashboard to let it dry out,” Connor said.Along with the thousands of dollars, the teens also discovered a business card with a phone number tucked inside the wallet.Despite the fact that $2,000 is a veritable fortune to a 14-year-old and most kids live by the "Finders Keepers" rule, Connor decided to put the card to good use. With the support of his parents, he called the number and eventually tracked down the owner, Jim Denney, a farmer from Iowa. Denney was shocked to learn of Connor's catch."The odds of ever finding or hooking a billfold in 20 feet of water — I don't think there's a number," Denney told WDAY-TV.If there is a number, it's astronomically small. For context, the Lake of the Woods is the sixth-largest lake in the U.S. and the 36th-largest in the world. It is over 70 miles long and wide, containing more than 14,552 islands and 65,000 miles of shoreline. So yeah, basically the same odds as finding a needle in a really really ginormous haystack.How $2,000 Ended Up on the End of a Fish HookAccording to Denney, he was on a fishing trip at the Lake of the Woods the previous summer when his wallet, unfortunately, went swimming with the fishes.He didn't realize he had lost it until he tried to pay his final bill at the resort he was staying at. "They had to float me the money for the whole deal,” Denney said. “That’s the (worst) feeling I ever had, didn’t have a penny on me.”He thought the money was lost forever, a casualty of sea (or in this case, lake).But thanks to Connor's catch of a lifetime, the farmer and his money were reunited. The grateful farmer recently ventured out to Moorhead, Minnesota to connect with Connor and the Halsa family, but not before offering the money up as a cash reward. Connor refused to take it. "To meet people like that, who are that honest, I tried to get them to take the money, and they wouldn't do it," Denney said.Instead, Denney gifted Connor with a personalized cooler and took the entire family out for dinner. "I would take Connor for a grandson any day and I would fight for him any day," Denney said of the teen.As for Connor, he said he was just doing the right thing. "Be nice to everyone and give back. We didn't work hard for the money, he did. It was his money," Connor added.It's no secret that teens tend to get a bad rap. Society loves to villainize the youth. But as this 14-year-old proves, integrity and honesty are still very much alive in the next generation -- and that's no fish tale. More from Goalcast:Three Kids Find Wallet Stuffed With $700 and Return It – Little Did They Know What Was Coming Next61-Year-Old Accidentally Leaves Her Wallet at a Walmart Parking Lot – One Teen Drives Miles Just to Return It to Her11-Year-Old Returns Lost Wallet to Owners Despite Being Poor – Little Did He Know What Was Coming Next

Brothers Wanted Drinks but the Shopkeeper Wasnt in the Store - What They Did Is a Lesson for All Parents
Uplifting News

Brothers Wanted Drinks but the Shopkeeper Wasnt in the Store - What They Did Is a Lesson for All Parents

Two brothers went out shopping one day to grab some drinks, but when they got to the store the shopkeeper wasn't there.Instead of turning around and going home, the boys went and got their drinks — and in doing so, they went viral.Why? Because of the integrity and respect they showed the shop owner.Two Teas, PleaseIn a video posted by South China Morning Post, two boys walked into the store and telegraphed to the security camera the 20 yuan ($3) banknote they had to pay for their drinks. Then, they went and got their drinks — a couple of teas — before the older boy headed back to the cash register to take his change.The boy was so polite that he even shut the fence on the way out.Commenters Applauded the Boys and Their ParentsThe YouTube video now has more than 6 million views. In the comments, users applauded the boys and their parents.One wrote: "They're responsible citizens even at such a young age. One day they'll grow out to be hard working and honest adults hope they'll achieve great success and happiness in their life. So proud of them.♡"Another said: "Credit goes to their parents for upbringing sensible kids <3.""Wow.. respect to their parents. they really know how to raise kids," wrote another commenter.Doing the Right Thing Deserves ApplauseBeing a good parent doesn't necessarily translate to having good, responsible kids, but teaching them to be respectful can certainly help.Still, all the credit goes to these boys. They could have easily run in and out with the drinks while covering their faces from the security camera. But they did the right thing, which is sometimes harder to do than the wrong thing.More from Goalcast:Homeless Man Returns Lost Wallet, Gets Rewarded For His Integrity By 12-Year-Old GirlMan Leaves Valuable Possession in the Bathroom by Mistake – Then, an 8-Year-Old Saves the DayTeen Low on Cash Finds $135,000 in a Bag at an ATM – His Next Move Is a Reminder to All Parents

Teen Low on Cash Finds $135,000 in a Bag at an ATM - His Next Move Is a Reminder to All Parents
Uplifting News

Teen Low on Cash Finds $135,000 in a Bag at an ATM - His Next Move Is a Reminder to All Parents

Jose Nuñez Romaniz, a criminal justice student, visited an ATM after trying to buy some socks for his grandfather and realizing he was low on cash. When Jose got to the ATM to make a deposit, he made a wild discovery. Next to the machine was a bag filled with cash. It turns out the bag contained $135,000!Stumbling Into Something BigAt first, Jose didn't know what it all meant or what actions he should take. “When I first saw it, I kind of stared at it for a few seconds, not knowing what to do,” Jose told the New York Times. "I was very shocked. I’ve never seen so much money."Jose Nuñez RomanizHe wasn’t sure if he had stumbled upon a crime scene and was now in trouble, or would become a hostage, or if it was some sort of mistake. Thinking quickly, he called the police.Jose found out that there wasn't a crime in process, but the bag had accidentally been left behind by a worker who was filling the ATM.“This money could have made an incredible amount of difference in his life if he went down the other path, but he chose the integrity path and did the right thing,” Officer Simon Drobik, a spokesman for the Albuquerque police told CNN.A Community Hero That could have been the end of it, but then this young man got an amazing reward. The teen was called a "community hero" by Officer Drobik. The mayor and police chief also held a ceremony to officially thank him!Local businesses joined in on the celebration by showering him with gift cards from local restaurants, season tickets for University of New Mexico football, a $500 scholarship, and even a bunch of sports gear.His mother was super proud too. "She called me and almost started crying… She told me I did the right thing and that she was proud of me."Jose Nuñez RomanizDoing the Right ThingJose remembers that when he was staring at the money, waiting for the police to arrive, he heard the lessons his mother and father had taught him when he was growing up in his head. "My parents always taught me to work for my own. Stolen money would never last you any time."Jose Nuñez RomanizWhen Jose came across that bag of cash, he could have easily taken the money with him and used it to provide him and his family a comfortable life. However, he chose to do the right thing, which gave him a sense of satisfaction. Additionally, his actions led him to receive the admiration of others, which is rewarding in itself. More from Goalcast:10-Year-Old Doesn’t Have Any Money to Pay For His Beloved Uncle’s Funeral – So He Decides to Sell All His ToysThree Kids Find Wallet Stuffed With $700 and Return It – Little Did They Know What Was Coming Next42-Year-Old Finds Pouch With $10,000 on a Bench – Waits Over Three Hours for Owner to ReturnAct with integrity Doing the right thing can present limitless rewards.

Black Employee Is Fired After He Stands Up to His Racist Boss - Outraged Co-workers Have the Best Response
Uplifting News

Black Employee Is Fired After He Stands Up to His Racist Boss - Outraged Co-workers Have the Best Response

It's a fact that good jobs are tough to find, especially for Black men. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, they represent the biggest jobless segment at 12.2%.You can bet oil-change worker DeWayne Wren knew this working at East End Xpress Lube in Illinois. But no amount of money was worth the hell he went through. Yet it would only get worse when he went to his boss about it.Why a Black Employee Was Fired by a Racist Husband and WifePhoto by Nicola BartsThat's because it was his boss East End Xpress owner Paul Beeler, along with his wife Marcia, who constantly abused Wren with racist insults. Per the Atlanta Black Star, Wren recalled one time when things got really personal and Beeler called him derogatory names.When Wren confronted Beeler in his office about it, he refused to apologize, saying that it was his shop and he can do as he wants. Then, as a final insult, Wren was fired for having the gall to speak up. What's worse is that his white co-workers who also complained kept their jobs. Little did his racist bosses know at the time, but they were about to get a double dose of karma. How Co-workers Stepped Up for a FriendPhoto by Nick FewingsWhen word of Wren's firing got around, four of his co-workers quit in protest, leaving only one mechanic at the shop. All of them, like Ethan Hess, expressed outrage as their motivation.“They fired Wren because he was Black and they did not want to own up to it,” he told the Riverfront Times.Samuel Sargent another former employee, recalled Beeler making racist comments several times. In an angry text to Marcia Beeler, he shamed her and defended Wren.“This is the 21st century, you and Paul should be better than to be saying racial slurs towards, around, or behind anyone even more importantly my good friend DeWayne who I know is a hard worker,” he wrote.“I do not stand for that and will not let it happen to my friends.”Neither Paul nor Marcia Beeler replied to any requests for comment. At this point, probably the less they say the better. How Co-workers Proved That Friends Stick Up for Each OtherPhoto by Alexander SuhorucovAmong best friend quotes, one from Hellen Keller reads, "Walking with a friend in the dark is better than walking alone in the light." In DeWayne Wren's darkest moment, four of his friends stepped up to walk with him.Yes, in this case, it meant leaving a job and going into the unknown. I'm sure it wasn't easy for Hess, Sargent, or the other two. Yet is their integrity worth cashing cheques from racists? While you can't blame someone who has no motivation to stay but also no option to leave, you can surely salute those who took a stand and left.Doing what's right isn't always doing what's easy; it's the force that pushes the sun through the clouds.