The homeless often struggle to meet their most basic needs: food and water. It’s easy for many of us to take these essentials for granted, forgetting that some wonderful individuals around us wake up and go to sleep hungry and thirsty. One such person, Polly, entered a fast-food restaurant and asked for just a cup of water. However, the compassionate stranger behind her in line ensured she received much more.
“My night took an unexpected turn,” the stranger recounted. “After finishing my evening out, I found myself in the McDonald’s queue. I noticed the woman in front of me, who simply asked for a cup of hot water. To my disbelief, the staff member told her no. It was heartbreaking to see a clearly homeless woman denied such a basic human right by a multi-billion-pound company.”Feeling moved to intervene; the stranger approached Polly and asked her to order whatever she wanted. To their surprise, she only requested a single cheeseburger. Determined to ensure she wouldn’t go hungry, the stranger ordered as much food as they could carry.
“I couldn’t just leave her there,” he said. “She was so warm and lovely. So, I sat with her on the cold floor in the middle of winter and cried. It was disheartening to see people walk by, laughing instead of offering help. If you’re reading this and you’ve ever walked past someone in need, I want you to reflect on that”. As they spoke, the stranger was taken aback by Polly’s story and her intelligence. Despite having so little, she was full of life and enthusiasm.
The stranger invited Polly and her mate to their home, where they cooked enough food to last them for several nights and packed it into bags. Afterward, Polly and her friend enjoyed showers and brushed their teeth, expressing that they had never felt so appreciated in their lives. “I’m no saint,” the stranger admitted, “but this small act of kindness cost me about £20. I know that many people earn ten times that in a day”. The stranger stayed in touch with Polly, promising her that she would never go hungry or cold again and even provided her with blankets, pillows, and a backpack full of food.
If you see someone on the streets, don’t look down on them as if they’re nothing. You don’t know their story. If you encounter someone who appears hungry or thirsty, consider being a hero of compassion. Your small act of kindness can make a huge difference in another person’s life. If you can’t spare a coin or an act of kindness, at least remember to spare a little kind thought!