A police officer in Texas reportedly bought groceries for a child alone in a parking lot after learning that he and his family were having financial troubles.

According to a Facebook post by the Austin Police Department, officer James Riley was working in central west Austin on June 3 when a citizen alerted him to a young boy walking home by himself in a parking lot. The boy had reportedly walked to the store alone to get snacks for a younger sibling, prompting Riley to give him a ride home.

“Once inside the residence, he found out that the family was going through difficult financial times,” the post said. “He took it upon himself to go to H-E-B (supermarket) and bought a basket full of groceries and snacks that the boys would be able to fix without turning on the gas stove. He also got some things that a parent would be able to cook for them.”

How do you protect your children from predators? Join Nancy Grace and a team of world-class experts for the online course ‘Justice Nation: Crime Stops Here’.

In addition to offering the family a helping hand, Austin police said that Riley also talked to the children about the dangers of leaving home without an adult.

The popular Facebook post concluded with the police department lauding Riley for his selfless actions.

“He showed true heart with this act of kindness and is just one example of how our officers work to make Austin a safe community.”

Join Nancy Grace for her new online video series designed to help you protect what you love most – your children.

[Featured image: Austin Police Department/Facebook]