NAPERVILLE, IL — Derek Paulson, 41, of Naperville confirmed Monday that he is, in his own estimation, a giving man, citing a consistent record of rounding up to the nearest dollar at grocery checkouts, gas stations, and at least one Arby's.

Paulson, who has donated an estimated $4.17 to various children's hospital foundations over the past calendar year, described his giving philosophy as “spontaneous” and “Spirit-led,” noting that he rarely hesitates more than two seconds before pressing ‘Yes’ on the PIN pad. “I don’t make a big deal out of it,” said Paulson, who has mentioned it four times this week.

His wife, Carla Paulson, 39, confirmed the donations are real but noted the family also maintains three unused gym memberships totaling $187 per month. “He’s very generous,” she said, in a tone that did not resolve.

“I figure every little bit helps. And at the end of the day, I slept fine,” said Paulson, who has not reviewed his monthly discretionary spending since October.”

Economists were unable to locate Derek Paulson in their models. A cashier at the Jewel-Osco on Route 59, who asked to remain anonymous, said Mr. Paulson always makes the same face after pressing ‘Yes’—a brief, satisfied nod—“like he just finished a triathlon.”

At press time, Paulson had declined a $25-per-month recurring donation to the same charity, selecting instead the one-time round-up option for 37 cents, which he described as “more flexible given where we are right now.”