A 17-year-old named Adrian Rodriguez from San Diego made headlines for his remarkable act of honesty after finding a purse in a grocery store parking lot in Chula Vista, California. Two weeks ago, Adrian discovered the green handbag left behind at Ralph’s and chose to return it directly to the owner, Eliana Martin, rather than turning it in at the store. Although Eliana was not home at the time, Adrian left the purse with her roommates, and the incident was captured on their home’s surveillance camera, which later helped identify him as the good Samaritan.
Eliana and her friend Melina Marquez were so impressed by Adrian’s actions that they decided to track him down to express their gratitude. Marquez shared her astonishment upon seeing the footage of Adrian ringing the doorbell with the purse in hand. She remarked on how important it is for young people to embody such values and even stated her hope that her own son would grow up to be like him. When Adrian was finally able to meet them, he expressed that he did not expect any recognition or reward for his actions, simply believing it was the right thing to do.
In a heartwarming twist, Marquez organized a GoFundMe campaign to reward Adrian for his integrity, which quickly gained traction. The community rallied around him, and within a short period, over 764 donors contributed, raising more than $17,000. This overwhelming support highlights not only Adrian’s character but also the appreciation for kindness in today’s world, as noted by Marquez when she said every parent hopes their children grow up to be like him.