Today’s positive news story is from Haverhill, Massachusetts.

At a McDonald’s in Massachusetts, a large number of customers received a complimentary meal thanks to a very generous stranger.

Stock photo / Canva

On Wednesday, at the McDonald’s on upper Main Street in Haverhill, a man quietly entered, handed the cashier a stack of money, and simply stated he wanted to cover everyone’s meals until the money was used up.

From 1:30 to 5:00 p.m., franchise owner David Yee and his daughter Christine Yee provided 356 free meals — all paid for by the unknown donor.

“At first, my manager started using the money to pay for meals, but then our staff decided to contact me,” Christine said. “I was initially doubtful and worried about the possibility of counterfeit money.” However, local police later confirmed that the money was authentic.

Christine mentioned that she had never witnessed something like it before.

“We often have drive-through customers offering to pay for the car behind them, but that’s usually just one order,” she told WHAV.

To commemorate the unexpected act of generosity, Christine invited McDonald’s popular purple mascot, Grimace, to the restaurant and designed special cards to give out with each free meal. The cards, adorned with red and yellow hearts, stated:

“You have just received a random act of kindness. An anonymous Haverhill resident has paid for your McDonald’s meal today. We hope this brightened your day. If you feel inspired, pay it forward in your own way to someone else.”

Inspired by the stranger’s selfless gesture, Christine and her father are also contributing to the Ronald McDonald House charity.

“We were given a wonderful opportunity to spread some kindness,” Christine said. “We hope that everyone who received a free meal today passes on that positive feeling by caring for others.”