kindness

Coy Featherson, once a celebrated high school athlete and popular student, found himself homeless for the past two decades. In 1971, he was voted “Best All Around Guy” and earned a football scholarship to college, later working with rock legend Frank Zappa. However, a series of tragic events, including the loss of his brother and job, led to his downfall. Since then, he faced the harsh realities of life on the streets. Recently, Featherson’s story took a turn when a photograph of him with his belongings in a grocery cart appeared on the front page of the American-Statesman. This exposure shocked many, including Leea Mechling, a high school friend who immediately set out to find him in Austin, Texas. After four days of searching, she finally located him outside a church, where she embraced him and offered him a ride. Mechling’s efforts were just the beginning. Don Vanderburg, another former classmate, welcomed Featherson into his home, providing him with a mattress for the first time in years. His friends rallied together to help him get new clothes and shoes and assisted him in applying for social security benefits. They also launched a GoFundMe campaign that raised over $13,000 for more permanent housing. Patrick Judd, who initiated the GoFundMe page, expressed the collective sentiment of their group: “Coy is a smart guy with a real gift for art and music.” Their goal is not only to provide immediate assistance but also to show Featherson that he remains cherished and remembered by those who knew him well. Reflecting on the impact of the photo that reignited hope in his life, Featherson remarked that he had an inkling it would lead to something positive. His story goes a long way to paint in living colours the importance of friendship and the kindness that exists when we embrace each other.

Four American brothers visiting Ireland have returned home as heroes after rescuing a young girl and her father from drowning in the ocean. Eoghan, Walter, and Declan Butler, along with their brother-in-law Alex Thomson, traveled from Washington D.C. to attend their grandfather’s funeral. While enjoying a day at Portmarnock Beach, the brothers heard cries for help as a 6-year-old girl on a flotation device was swept out to sea by a strong current. Eoghan, Declan, and Alex immediately rushed into the water to save her, while Walter stayed on the beach to be ready for any CPR needs. The trio swam for about 25 minutes to reach the girl, who had drifted half a mile from shore—a daunting challenge even for these athletic young men. Upon reaching her, they took turns swimming back to shore with her flotation device, ensuring she remained safe. After successfully bringing the girl back to land, they discovered her father was still in the water, having donned a life vest in an attempt to help. Eoghan and Declan quickly re-entered the water to rescue him as well. The brothers felt immense relief after the rescue but were particularly moved when they met the girl’s mother the following day. Declan shared with The Washington Post, “Seeing her jump around, kiss her mom, that was actually amazing.” The incident took on an even deeper significance for the brothers; they realized they had saved the girl on the anniversary of their grandfather’s brother’s tragic drowning decades earlier. Walter reflected on this connection, stating it felt like a “godly, guardian angel kind of feeling.”

Chef Victor Tartenger, a renowned one-time holder of the Guinness World Record for the longest cook-a-thon, operates the Naira Victor Kitchen in Makurdi. Known for his culinary prowess, he has also garnered attention for his humanitarian efforts. Today, he showcased an extraordinary act of kindness that resonated with many in his community. While going about his daily routine in Makurdi, he encountered a young boy hawking fruits, which prompted a heartfelt response from the chef. Upon noticing the child lying helplessly on the ground at the Morden Market junction, Chef Victor felt compelled to intervene. He approached the boy and gently woke him up, inquiring about his situation. The child’s story was heart-wrenching; he explained that he had fallen ill and was unable to attend school. When asked why he was not in class during school hours, the boy revealed that he had been sent home due to unpaid school fees and a lack of textbooks. The child’s circumstances were dire; his mother was unwell and unable to provide for their needs. To support his family, he had taken on the task of selling bananas for an Igbo woman, hoping to earn some money to buy the necessary school supplies. The boy shared that for every 1,000 Naira he made from sales, only 100 Naira was his profit. This revelation struck a chord with Chef Victor, who decided to take action. After confirming the child’s story by contacting his mother, Chef Victor learned that the boy’s account was indeed true. Although he did not have sufficient funds on hand, Chef Victor generously gave the boy 3,500 Naira to help cover his textbook expenses and urged him to return home immediately. He also expressed his intention to visit the boy’s mother later that evening to offer further assistance. In a message shared on Facebook, Chef Victor encouraged others to reach out if they wished to help the child or connect with his mother. And in no time, a good number of persons indicated eagerness to assist in their own little ways too. Life is hard, times are daunting but if we continue in the spirit of kindness, then this too shall pass. His actions didn’t just provide immediate relief for the child but also inspired others in Makurdi to consider how they might contribute positively to those in need.

In a remarkable turn of events, Georgina Laurie, a 60-year-old volunteer for the Samaritans, discovered that she had been working alongside the very man who had once guided her through a personal crisis. Seven years ago, Laurie faced overwhelming grief following the sudden death of her husband, Dennis. This loss, compounded by a prior stroke, plunged her into deep depression, leaving her feeling hopeless and unable to envision a future for herself. In a moment of desperation, Laurie reached out to the Samaritans, an organization dedicated to preventing suicide. Initially, she had no intention of calling; however, while rummaging through her bedside cabinet for a tissue, she stumbled upon a Samaritans card. With little hope but a desire to share her pain, she made the call. For an hour, she poured out her heart to the volunteer on the other end of the line, expressing her struggles and intentions without fear of judgment. The conversation took an unexpected turn when the volunteer gently pointed out how exhausting her situation must be. This simple acknowledgment resonated deeply with Laurie, prompting her to reconsider her decision. Feeling emotionally and physically drained made her question whether ending her life was truly the right choice. This pivotal moment marked the beginning of her journey toward healing and resilience. Inspired by this experience, Laurie decided to give back by becoming a volunteer herself at the Samaritans branch in Strood. Over the next few years, she not only contributed to the organization but also took on mentorship roles to guide new volunteers. It was during one of these shifts that she had a startling realization: Des McCarthy, her colleague and branch director, was the same person who had once helped her through that dark time. The revelation came as Laurie was training a mentee and overheard McCarthy use a phrase that mirrored his words during their initial call. The serendipitous nature of their connection left her in awe. After confiding in another volunteer at a birthday party later that evening, she finally shared this incredible story with McCarthy. Their intertwined paths paint the power of compassionate listening andt also how fate can weave together lives in unexpected ways.

Following ongoing inquiries from ABC News, the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) and the Queensland Department of Housing have taken decisive action by investigating a family’s circumstances. They have approved a disability-accessible home on the Gold Coast that includes 24-hour nursing assistance. This decision represents a significant advancement in ensuring families with special needs can access suitable living conditions. As the family prepares for their move, they are busy packing up their belongings. The mother, Ashlee, expressed her relief and excitement about the new home. “We can actually sit back and be parents, and not wear all the hats,” she said. This transition allows them to shift their focus from logistical challenges to celebrating important events, such as their daughter’s upcoming unicorn-themed birthday party at the end of July. The new home will provide a supportive environment tailored to their daughter’s needs, allowing for greater independence and comfort. With 24-hour nursing assistance available, the family can enjoy peace of mind knowing that professional care is readily accessible. This change not only enhances their quality of life but also fosters a nurturing atmosphere for their child. Overall, this development underscores the importance of accessible housing and support services for families navigating disabilities. It highlights how community advocacy and governmental support can lead to meaningful changes that improve lives. The family looks forward to making new memories in a space that accommodates their unique needs while allowing them to embrace their roles as parents fully.

Kimberly Gager, a 39-year-old single mother of three from San Antonio, Texas, has turned her shopping addiction into a lifeline for hurricane evacuees. With a remarkable knack for extreme couponing, Gager has managed to donate over $8,000 worth of toiletries and hygienic supplies to those affected by recent disasters. Her impressive skills have allowed her to reduce the costs of essential items like deodorant, toothbrushes, and diapers to approximately $4,000, showcasing how resourcefulness can have an impact on community support. For months, Gager had been hoarding supplies in her garage, initially sending boxes to universities and charities. However, the urgency of the situation prompted her to shift focus toward delivering these much-needed items directly to families in Texas and Florida. This change reflects her commitment as well as highlights the growing need for assistance in the wake of natural disasters. Gager’s efforts have reached dozens of families, providing them with essential hygienic supplies during a time of crisis. An Army veteran and dedicated government employee, Gager has also been fundraising through her personal PayPal page to sustain her charitable efforts. She emphasizes that as long as donations continue to flow in, she will keep purchasing supplies. “As long as the donations keep coming, I’ll keep buying,” she shared on Facebook, expressing gratitude towards retailers like Target and Walgreens for their exceptional support during her mission. This grassroots approach empowers her and also inspires others to contribute to relief efforts. Looking ahead, Gager plans to teach a class on extreme couponing once her delivery commitments ease. By sharing her knowledge and skills with others, she hopes to equip more individuals with the tools needed to make a difference in their communities.