And now for the uplifting palate cleanser of the week.

In January, Twitchy told you about Michael Garcia, the Houston waiter who refused to serve a customer who insulted Milo Castillo, a five-year-old boy with Down syndrome. After he overheard the man say, “Special needs children need to be special somewhere else,” Garcia told him, “I’m sorry, I can’t serve you.”

Hero~>Michael Garcia , the waiter who refused service to ppl who complained about Milo eating in same restaurant. pic.twitter.com/QHHwjBnl — Little B*&%H (@sassylassee) February 6, 2013

The heartwarming story didn’t end there.

@KHOULily Nice follow-up story on the waiter & special needs boy! Great way to start my day. Pls tell your producer "THUMBS UP". — Sandie Philips (@sandyspiritwind) February 7, 2013

Garcia’s story lit up social media and letters, money and gifts poured in from all over the world, including “a box with Star Wars t-shirts and toys … with a handwritten note from Lucas Films.” Garcia says all of it is going to Milo and his classmates at the Rise School of Houston, a school that serves children with and without developmental disabilities.

“I couldn’t keep one penny of it,” Garcia explained. “It wouldn’t be right. I’ve really taken a look at myself and it’s really changed me.”

Garcia presented gift cards and a check for $1,145 to the school, and the students honored their hero with a celebration.

this brought tears to my eyes! #Houston waiter honored for helping special needs child http://t.co/3muQASFW — karanolson (@karanolsoncnn) February 8, 2013

Awesome story:) Waiter who stood up for special needs child called a hero. http://t.co/BgTjAZaL via @mySA — Kathleen Petty (@kmpetty) February 8, 2013

https://twitter.com/PhilipCortezTX/status/300281595473039360

“@kylejack: The waiter who stood up for the Down's Syndrome kid just keeps getting better. http://t.co/dkPusx1H This is a good human being. — michael (@mgaspard71) February 7, 2013

Michael and Milo just got few gifts from LucasFilm Ltd. http://t.co/DOpyPCcN — Laurenzo's (@Laurenzos4412) February 6, 2013

I posted a new photo to Facebook http://t.co/ZosQ6waq — Laurenzo's (@Laurenzos4412) February 6, 2013

What’s next for Garcia? He’s still working at Laurenzo’s restaurant and says he’d like to volunteer at the Rise School.