This photo of a McDonald’s employee is going viral for the sweetest reason

When Chicago resident Destiny Carreno stopped at McDonald’s last week, she was planning on just grabbing some food after work. But what she got was much, much more than that: she witnessed a beautiful act of kindness. Destiny took to Facebook to post a picture of a McDonald’s employee standing over a patron in a wheelchair, and the photograph has been going totally viral for the most wonderful reason.

Destiny started her post by explaining that, as she was waiting in line, “an elderly handicapped gentleman wheeled himself over to the cashier in front of [her].” He appeared to suffer from quadriplegia, which Destiny’s uncle also has, she explained.

“The man politely tried to ask the cashier something and it took him a few tries before either of us could understand he was saying ‘Help meplease,’” she wrote. “Neither of us knew what help he needed, and the cashier suggested a few things before he figured out the gentleman needed help cutting and eating his meal. To be honest, I thought the cashier wasn’t going to help, especially during rush hour in downtown Chicago, but to my shock, he shut down his register and disappeared from view.”

But the employee wasn’t trying to get out of assisting the patron, Destiny explained — he was washing his hands and getting gloves on. “The cashier came out from the kitchen, sat down, and began cutting the man’s meal and helped him eat,” Destiny continued. “At that point, the tears started to gather in my eyes. My heart was so appreciative for what he did. I couldn’t contain my emotions in the crowded restaurant.”

Destiny was entirely moved by the encounter. “Seeing this today brought tears to my eyes,” she wrote. “Compassion has NOT gone out of style. . .This employee, who put everything on hold for this man, went above and beyond his [responsibilities] to help this handicapped customer out. That was the kindest and most humble thing I had ever seen.”

The owner of the chain, Rod Lubeznik, said in a statement that McDonald’s is incredibly proud of the employee, whose name is Kenny and who was reportedly recognized during a ceremony yesterday. “It’s a true testament to who Kenny is, and a reminder to us all that one seemingly small act of kindness can touch the hearts of so many,” Lubeznik said in the statement, according to NBC Chicago.

Destiny’s post has since been shared almost 300,000 times, and it’s easy to see why. It only takes one little act to change the life of one person — and swell the hearts of thousands.

(Image via Facebook)

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