What the big man did was a good thing. But I think the wiser thing would have been to pay for the cough syrup then try to find out where they live. Follow them if necessary. Then report them to the local Children's Services. I can't speak for all areas, but in my county, Children's Services are very thorough investigating--and acting on-- allegations of neglect. Those poeple should have that child taken away from them, as you can bet this type of neglect is an every-day situation for her or him.