The kindness of children can leave a lasting impression, as Matt Busbice, 42, experienced firsthand. Busbice, who owns the sporting goods store BuckFeather in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, shared his story with CBS News. Despite his financial success, it was a simple gesture—a $1 bill from a 9-year-old boy—that made Busbice feel wealthier than ever. “I haven’t felt this hopeful about humanity in a long time,” he said.

A month ago, the fire alarm in Busbice’s condo complex went off one morning. With no fire in sight, he decided to grab coffee while he was already outside. Upon arriving at the coffee shop, he realized he hadn’t yet said his morning prayer, so he stepped to a quiet spot on the patio to pray. As he finished, a young boy approached him with a fist clenched. Expecting an altercation, Busbice was instead met with a surprise—9-year-old Kelvin Ellis Jr. opened his hand to reveal a dollar bill. “If you’re homeless, here’s a dollar,” the boy said, explaining that he had always wanted to help someone in need and saw this as his chance.

Ellis Jr. had earned that dollar through good grades. Moved by the boy’s selflessness, Busbice invited him for a snack and chatted with his father. He promised to stay in touch and later treated the boy to a 40-second shopping spree at his store, where Ellis Jr. picked out various items, including a new bike. While the boy appreciated the gifts, he made it clear that giving the dollar to someone in need had brought him greater joy. “When you give something away, it feels like you’ve received so much more,” he said.

Reflecting on the experience, Busbice shared his belief in the power of giving: “When you give, you end up receiving more in return. I didn’t understand that as a child, but if we can spread that message, it could change everything.”