My McHero! Mother raises $40,000 for kind 16-year-old McDonald's employee after he paid for her children's meals when she forgot her wallet

 An Ohio mother raised tens of thousands of dollars for a 16-year-old McDonald's employee who paid for her food when she forgot her wallet at home and couldn't pay to feed her own three children. 

Brittany Reed had just left football practice on September 22 when two of her three children started crying, motivating her to stop at her local McDonald's in Waynesville for dinner.    

'We go through the drive through order food all three kids are now crying for one reason or the other (and) I go to pay,' the mother shared in a Facebook post that has been shared more than 550,000 times. 'I LEFT MY PURSE AT HOME.' 

+4

McDonald's employee Wyatt Jones paid for Brittany Reed's food after the mother realized she left her wallet at home

+4

Reed had stopped at the Waynesville, Ohio, location on September 22 after her children started crying

'Welp now I wanted to cry. I look at the young man with tears in my eyes just from being stressed and annoyed and say “hun I am so sorry but I have to cancel that order I left my purse at home when we went to football tonight."'

Reed shared that 'without hesitation' the employee - identified as 16-year-old Wyatt Jones - took out his own wallet and paid for the family's food.  

The mother continued: 'I was like "Wait, no hun it’s ok I will come back through," then he replies “no it’s totally fine, my pleasure”.'

+4

The mother (left) went home and got cash so that she could pay the employee for feeding her family

Reed said that she pleaded with Jones to go back home so she could get cash to pay for the food, only for Jones to reject any such offer from the mother.   

'I just want his parents to know how KIND & COMPASSIONATE your son was tonight! He made this stressed out momma pause for a moment and realize this is exactly what we parents are trying to do, raise great humans,' Reed declared. 'Well Wyatt sir, you are an amazing human!!!'

The mother did eventually get cash and return to the chain, paying for the food and more. She shared that Wyatt struggled taking the money but she insisted.  

+4

McDonald's held a ceremony honoring Jones, declaring October 7 'Wyatt Jones Day'

Reed concluded: 'Wyatt, do not let this world change your kind heart young man for its people like YOU that will change this world for the better!' 

Wyatt was celebrated by his local McDonald's and the mom, who raised more than $40,000 for the teen on a GoFundMe. Jones hopes to buy a car.

The company held a ceremony honoring Jones, declaring October 7 'Wyatt Jones Day,' WCPO reports.