19-year-old wins $500,000 in lottery, gives it to his parents

One teen struck gold while playing the lottery in Lansing, Michigan, but instead of using the money to buy lavish gifts for himself, he decided to give most of the winnings to his parents.

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The Lansing State Journal reported that the 19-year-old won $500,000 playing Michigan's Golden Wild Time scratch-off game after buying the ticket at a Sunoco gas station. He immediately decided to help out his parents by giving them the money, according to Michigan State Lottery officials.

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The Michigan state lottery website said the winner wanted to remain anonymous.

“I’m going to keep about $5,000 for myself to invest, and I’m going to give the rest to my parents,” said the teen. “My parents have done so much for my sister and me, helping them takes a big weight off of their shoulders and mine.”

He said he’s glad he can help alleviate some of his parents’ financial burdens.

“It’s just incredible,” he said. “I can’t get the smile off my face.”

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