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'I Almost Cried': Man Returns Wallet He Found In Road

March 21, 2025

In Wyandotte, Michigan, a young man took the time to return a wallet filled with cash and personal information that he discovered in the middle of the street.

While running errands on Monday morning, 26-year-old realtor Donnie Hanson noticed the wallet lying in the road and didn’t hesitate to pick it up.

Donnie Hanson / WXYZ-TV Detroit

Michelle Johnson was initially puzzled when she checked her home security footage and saw an unfamiliar face at her front door.

“He held up a wallet into our camera,” Johnson recalled.

After Hanson left, Johnson discovered the wallet carefully tucked behind her porch decor to keep it safe from passersby. She was deeply moved by the gesture, especially when she realized it contained nearly $100 in cash—her son’s hard-earned tips from working at the Detroit Symphony Orchestra over the weekend.

"He works down at the Detroit Symphony Orchestra and made tips on Sunday, I believe it was, and that was all of the tips he had made," Johnson shared.

Hanson’s decision to return the wallet was inspired by his own experience. He recalled losing his wallet in the past, but no one had ever returned it to him. Determined to offer the kindness he never received, he made sure Johnson’s son got everything back, cash and cards included.

The simple but powerful act left a lasting impact on the family.

"I almost cried; I know that sounds silly, but it was nice," Johnson said. "It makes you feel good and it makes people, our family included, just want to pay it forward."

As an elementary school teacher, Johnson says she sees valuable life lessons in Hanson’s selfless deed.

“You might not realize what something small does for someone else, but even the smallest act of kindness goes a long way," she added.

Watch the video below.