Netizens have praised a Xinjiang shop owner for patiently picking hats for a sick child and giving one hat to the child for free.

According to CCTV News, the touching story happened in a children's clothing store in Hotan prefecture of Xinjiang on Dec 31, the first day of the New Year holiday. The shop owner, surnamed Liu, was busy working at his shop when he noticed a woman with a small child standing in front of a shelf filled with hats for a long time. The child looked pale and his mother seemed hesitant to pick one of the hats.

Liu later talked with the mother to see if she needed any help. After learning that the child is undergoing chemotherapy treatment, Liu immediately decided to give them a hat for free.

Liu then carefully put different hats on the child until the child chose his favorite one. The mother repeatedly expressed her gratitude to Liu.

"It's heartbreaking to see such a small kid struggling with the disease. It must have cost his family a lot of money. The hat is not worth much. I just hope it will bring warmth to them."

Liu, a 39-year-old army veteran, was a native of Zhengzhou, Henan province. He came to Xinjiang and joined the army in 2003. After retiring from the military, Liu and his wife opened a shop selling children's clothing in Xinjiang. The couple has donated clothing worth 20,000 yuan ($2,900) to local children from poor families.

"I just want to try my best to help others, and that's what I'm supposed to do," Liu said.