One day while working at a fast food restaurant, I noticed a woman had left her Louis Vuitton bag behind. After waiting 20 minutes and realizing she wasn’t coming back, I turned it in to the lost and found without even peeking inside. A month passed, and no one claimed it.

My manager eventually asked if I wanted it. Curious, I said yes. When I finally opened the bag, it was empty—except for a single receipt with a handwritten note: “To the girl who needed a new purse during the holidays.” The bag had cost $1,700. It wasn’t forgotten—it was left on purpose, a quiet act of kindness.

I started using the purse, and it made a difference in ways I didn’t expect. It gave me confidence during job interviews and helped me feel more polished during tough times. It wasn’t just a designer item; it became a small piece of hope.

I still have that bag. It reminds me of a stranger’s generosity and those early struggles. More than anything, it pushes me to pay it forward—because one thoughtful gesture truly can change someone’s day, or even their life.