Teen’s Heartwarming Gesture Toward Toddler Surprises Mom, Goes Viral On Social Media [Photos]

An Indiana teen’s heartwarming gesture toward a toddler has warmed the hearts of people around the country. Apparently, Christmas came a little early for the mother and child when the teen decided to do a highly commendable deed.

In fact, the deed was so heartwarming that the little girl’s mother took to Facebook with details about the encounter, and now her post has gone viral. On Oct. 22, she posted a photo of her daughter and the young man. However, the story behind the heartwarming encounter is what caught the attention of the media and social media users nationwide.

According to Opposing Views, it all started in the toy department of a Target store in Lafayette, Indiana. Megan Shufflebarger and her two-year-old daughter Kinley were browsing in the toy section. As expected, the toddler’s eyes weren’t big enough to see all of the eye-catching toys, and she immediately pointed out a number of items she wanted.

With Christmas less than two months away, it’s not uncommon for most toddlers to make note of all the enticing toys. But Kinley’s purpose for toys was a little different. Apparently, her birthday is also coming up and there was one doll in particular that caught her eye. Then, what happened next was quite remarkable.

The young stranger, presumably a teenager, reportedly overheard the little girl’s hysterical conversation and approached them. The teen asked about the doll that caught her eye and she pointed it out. He and the little girl exchanged a laugh and he walked off with the doll. Of course, the seemingly awkward gesture took Shufflebarger aback.

“He asked her which one she picked out and she showed him and said yeah and I really lub dis one,” Shufflebarger said in the Facebook post. They chuckled and he walked off with the doll and said try to stay over here. I thought it was odd at first but was quickly distracted with more oohing and ahhing. Kinley asked where the dolly was she picked and I told her it would be okay there are more.”

Once the teen walked away with the doll, the little girl became upset and asked her mother where he’d gone. Of course, Shufflebarger didn’t know so she reassured her daughter there were more dolls. But, surprisingly, the young stranger did return with the doll — and a receipt. He gave the little girl the doll, wished her happy birthday, and turned the receipt over to her mother. Needless to say, Shufflebarger was shocked and had no reservations about letting the world know. She quickly pulled out her cell phone to snap a photo of the young man with her daughter so she could cherish the moment and share the experience with the world.

“My heart is about to explode,” she wrote with glee in the Facebook post. Shufflebarger explained what the young man’s gesture meant to her.

“Seriously. What a reminder to never lose faith in humanity and to be generous and pay it forward. To this generous young man, whoever you are, I hope you see this and more importantly, I hope you know what a good young man you are.”

According to WTSP, the touching Facebook post quickly caught the attention of Facebook users around the world. In less than a week, the post received over 70,000 shares and more than 100 comments from users who have commended the teen’s actions. Once the Facebook page went viral, it caught the attention of another Facebook account — Purdue University.

Purdue running back Tario Fuller is a genuinely GREAT guy. https://t.co/isIhCns3xi pic.twitter.com/AWlHLekVmY

— theScore (@theScore) October 23, 2015

The university shared the photo, commending the teen. It was later determined that he is actually a runningback for the university’s football team. His name is Tario Fuller II. Shufflebarger could only reiterate her and her daughter’s reaction to the kind gesture.

“This one act of kindness has likely generated thousands of smiles, softened many hearts and inspired others,” she said. “That in and of itself makes my heart full and happy…Maybe this will inspire and humble others to pay it forward more often.”

Even those who aren’t boilermaker fans can’t help but commend Fuller for his actions!

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10101109682704233&set=p.10101109682704233&type=3&theater

[Image via Facebook]