Henry Matthews trembled as the collection basket meandered through the crowded pews at New Birth Baptist Church on Sunday morning. He shuddered as his 3-year-old, Andrue, tugged at his pants, squealing "Daddy! Daddy!"

Bishop Victor T. Curry shared Matthews' story, which he had read in The Miami Herald that morning, with about 12,000 members of the mega-church's congregation. Matthews works as a full-time Miami-Dade school paraprofessional but earns only about $12,500 a year, living far below the poverty line.

The scrounging for bus fare, his work with disabled kids and his devotion to his youngest son struck a chord that led the congregation to take up a collection for Matthews, raising $14,000 on the spot.

Curry himself began the outpouring by writing a check for $5,000. One church member gave Matthews a car, a 1992 Lexus, so he wouldn't have to take long bus rides to and from Jose de Diego Middle School in Wynwood.

"We want to match your yearly salary," Curry told him.

By the end of the service, the congregation had easily surpassed it.

"I just can't believe the generosity and kindness I've received," Matthews said later. "The reality hasn't sunk in yet."

On Tuesday night, Matthews went back to New Birth to accept donation checks.

"I don't know, I just couldn't imagine anyone doing that," said Matthews, who had not asked for help.

He was supposed to be there around 6 p.m. But he ended up running nearly two hours late because a friend never showed up to give him a ride to New Birth.

"I guess this won't be happening again anytime soon," joked Matthews.

At New Birth, members say they're just happy Matthews is part of their family.

"We were moved to help Henry because he's a man that faces adversity, but he's doing a great work," said Patricia King, a church administrator. "We're happy that he's in our family and a part of the body of Christ."

The generosity was not exclusive to New Birth. Dozens of Miami Herald readers called or sent e-mail messages this week with heartfelt offers of money, bus passes and toys for Matthews' kids. One person wanted to provide the fixings for a Thanksgiving dinner.

Among those touched by Matthews' story were Lynn Buoniconti and her husband, Nick, a Miami Dolphins Hall of Fame linebacker. She wrote:

"I would like to do something for him. . . . Here is someone trying to make a difference. Is this man really as compassionate as he seems?"

Matthews says he'll first get some clothes for little Andrue and his three older brothers, then send some of the money and gifts to the New Birth's youth ministry.

"There's a lot of kids that need help," he said.

"The money and gifts could go a long way in this community."