A simple act of kindness at a drive-thru window turned into an unexpected moment of goodwill Tuesday night, according to Madera police.

An officer had stopped at a local McDonald’s to pick up a meal for a child in need of dinner. But when the officer reached the window, they learned the order had already been paid for.

Police said it appeared the person who covered the cost believed they were buying a meal for an officer on duty. Instead, the purchase became a Happy Meal for a child who needed it.

In a brief account shared by the department, officials said the gesture stood out as a reminder that small, unseen acts of generosity still happen every day.

“To the person who did this, we thank you,” the department said.

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