kindness

When the Whirlpool laundry brand heard about this hidden problem of chronic absenteeism o students due to laundry problems, it decided to break down this barrier to attendance by providing schools access to clean clothes—and it’s actually working. Embarking on its fifth year, the Care Counts laundry program has grown to support students in need across 18 U.S. cities, providing laundry machines for more than 38,000 students in 82 schools around the country. “New data this year continues to show the program has contributed to decreases in chronic absenteeism,” said Chelsey Whitehead, senior brand manager for Whirlpool. “And we are just getting started.” This year, for the first time, Care Counts is inviting schools that serve low-income families nationwide to apply for a laundry pair to bring this program to even more students. “We hope to make even more progress by expanding the program well beyond the footprint of our pilot program.” In analyzing the most recent data from the school, Whirlpool found more promising results: “We know every day counts. Getting students back in the classroom can make the difference between staying on course with their academic performance, or falling behind in a significant way,” said Dr. Richard Rende, a developmental psychologist, researcher and educator. “Since its inception, the program has contributed to decreases in chronic absenteeism and increases in grades and levels of self-esteem in at-risk students. The data indicates substantial promise for the program and at-risk students nationwide.” With research over the years showing the program has the greatest impact on high-risk elementary school students, the nationwide expansion will focus on qualified Title I elementary schools. Whirlpool is partnering with CSC Serviceworks, an industry leader in installation and service, to help more schools combat the laundry crisis. “This program is such an easy way to help solve a very difficult problem in our schools,” said Jo Carrigan, principal of Doull Elementary. “We’ve been lucky enough to be a part of the program to see the results firsthand, and I’m so happy that the program is opening applications because there are countless schools not just here in Denver—but all over the country that will benefit. Our new washer and dryer are an amazing resource for our students.” With the help of Dr. Rende, Whirlpool collects and analyzes anonymized laundry and school attendance data to prove that access to clean clothes improves attendance and more. At every point in time, we can always leverage kindness to improve on situations and get things done properly.

12-year-old Jonathan Jones recently experienced a life-changing moment when he tried on colorblind-corrective glasses for the first time during a science class at Lakeview High School in Cottonwood, Minnesota. This emotional event was captured on video and is now inspiring efforts to provide similar glasses to other colorblind students. Jonathan, a student of Principal Scott Hanson, shares a common struggle with color vision deficiency, making it difficult for him to distinguish colors, especially on the periodic table. The glasses he tried were EnChroma glasses, which Hanson had received as a Christmas gift years ago. He brought them to school as an educational tool for teaching genetics. Upon discovering Jonathan’s condition, Hanson invited him to try on the glasses, leading to a heartwarming reaction filled with joy and surprise. “I’ve been in education for 25 years, and seeing that reaction on his face—pure joy mixed with overwhelming happiness and sadness—was an incredible experience,” Hanson shared. Jonathan’s parents witnessed this significant moment and quickly set up a GoFundMe campaign to raise funds for his own pair of glasses, which typically cost around $270. Their initial goal was modest, but the campaign gained traction after Jonathan’s brother shared the video of his reaction on Twitter, resulting in over $29,000 raised. With the surplus funds, Jonathan’s family plans to collaborate with EnChroma to distribute glasses to other colorblind students who cannot afford them. EnChroma has also committed to donating a pair of glasses for every pair purchased through the fundraiser, amplifying their impact on the community. When humans unite in kindness to address issues, there’s hardly any situation that could not be improved on.

A couple in Arkansas has depleted their savings and wedding fund to rescue a 10-month-old dog found injured by the roadside. Their dedication has sparked an outpouring of support, raising $39,000 in donations to cover the dog’s medical expenses and replenish their finances after they paid for emergency surgery. The story began on Halloween when Dylan MacCay saw a Facebook post about a Goldendoodle reportedly injured near his home. “She had been struck by a vehicle in a hit-and-run,” he recounted in a Facebook post. “It had been raining all day and she was wet. I gathered towels and blankets and sped to the location.” Upon arrival, he found the dog with her back legs bloodied and broken, unable to move. With the help of some strangers, he lifted her into his car and rushed her to the nearest emergency veterinary hospital. “Despite her life-threatening injuries, she did not whine or growl. She tried to crawl towards me and laid her head on my lap,” he shared. Later joined by his fiancée, Emily Roberts, MacCay learned at Greenbriar Animal Hospital that the dog had no microchip and that all expenses would fall on him. “In that moment, I decided I would do whatever was necessary to help this puppy. She deserved a chance at life,” he stated while setting up a GoFundMe campaign with Roberts to fund the dog’s care, naming her Acklin. The diagnosis revealed broken legs, a potential infection, and fleas. The following day, the veterinarian informed them that one leg would need amputation, while the other required specialized treatment at Mississippi State University—a 10-hour drive away—with costs already reaching $7,000. “We have pulled money from our wedding fund and our overall life savings to cover these medical expenses,” they wrote. “That being said, we are joyful and excited at the possibility of saving this wonderful girl and giving her the best life she could imagine.” Acklin’s surgery was ultimately successful, allowing her to keep both legs. In an update posted on November 11th, by which time their GoFundMe had exceeded its initial goal of $11,000, MacCay and Roberts reported that Acklin is beginning to bear weight on her legs and is starting physical rehabilitation. “Our sweet girl is able to get this much-deserved help because of all of you,” they expressed. “Her rehabilitation and therapy will be expensive, but we are working as hard as we can.”

A four-year-old girl, initially told by doctors that she would never walk, has astonished everyone by taking her first steps. Scottie Mae Blair was diagnosed as an infant with Angelman syndrome, a rare genetic disorder that leads to significant physical and cognitive challenges. Her parents were informed that she would likely be unable to walk, talk, read, or live independently. However, just a year later, they received surprising news from her medical team: Scottie Mae had been misdiagnosed. At two years old, she was correctly identified as having DUP15q syndrome, a related but less severe condition. This new diagnosis raised hopes that she could achieve developmental milestones sooner than expected. Her mother, Logan from Tucson, Arizona, expressed her joy at witnessing Scottie Mae’s first steps: “Seeing her take her first steps felt so good—like seeing all the work paying off.” While the family celebrated with cheers and excitement in the background, Logan found herself in tears of happiness. “Her sisters are going crazy; they are her biggest cheerleaders and want to see her succeed.” Scottie Mae’s journey has not been without challenges. She began experiencing seizures at just ten months old, which alerted her parents to potential health issues. Logan vividly remembers the day of Scottie Mae’s first seizure: “We went to the ER… She ended up having more than 100 just in that day.” After numerous tests and hospital visits, the family has learned to cherish small victories. Considering their initial diagnosis, Logan recalled how overwhelming it felt: “Everything seemed dark and I had it stuck in my head that she would not be able to accomplish these milestones.” Over time, they adapted to the challenges presented by Scottie Mae’s condition and found a rhythm in managing her care. With the new understanding of her condition, they recognized that it would take more time for Scottie Mae to develop compared to typically developing children. For the past three years, she has participated in four different types of therapy each week. Logan noted that having a supportive physical therapist who believes in Scottie Mae’s potential has made a huge difference in her progress. Thanks to medication, Scottie Mae’s seizures have become less frequent and are now under control. With the milestone of walking achieved, new possibilities have opened up for her family. “This changes everything!” Logan exclaimed. They look forward to the day when they can confidently let Scottie Mae walk independently.

A remarkable woman from Texas, Alyse Ogletree, has achieved a Guinness World Record for her extraordinary generosity, donating an impressive 2,645.58 liters (approximately 700 gallons) of breastmilk. This accomplishment surpasses her previous record set in 2014 after the birth of her son, Kyle, in 2010. Initially, Alyse learned about the possibility of donating excess breastmilk when nurses noticed her overproduction and suggested she share it with mothers who faced challenges breastfeeding. In an interview with Guinness World Records, Alyse expressed that donating milk has become a vital part of her life. “I have a big heart,” she stated, acknowledging that while she cannot continuously provide financial support due to family obligations, donating milk allowed her to give back meaningfully. Reflecting on her journey, she recalled, “I was overproducing and throwing away milk, unaware that overproduction was unique and that other mothers struggled.” After Kyle’s birth and during his hospital stay, she began filling the nurses’ freezer with her surplus milk when a nurse prompted her to consider donation. Throughout her breastfeeding journey, Alyse has donated a total of 414 gallons (1,569.79 liters) to the Mothers’ Milk Bank of North Texas after Kyle finished nursing. Following the births of her two younger sons, Kage (12) and Kory (7), she donated an additional 528 gallons (2,000 liters) to another milk bank called Tiny Treasures and to friends in need. Although these later donations are not included in her Guinness record, they underscore her commitment to helping others. According to the Mothers’ Milk Bank of North Texas, each liter of breastmilk can nourish up to 11 premature infants. Based on this statistic, Alyse’s donations potentially provided nourishment for around 350,000 newborns across Texas. Shaina Stanks, the director of the milk bank, expressed their astonishment at Alyse’s contributions, describing them as a litmus indicator to her exceptional generosity and compassion. While medical professionals are unsure why Alyse produces such an abundant supply of milk, she attributes her success to a well-balanced diet and proper hydration.

A generous act unfolded in a Colorado music store when a good Samaritan noticed a boy’s deep admiration for a particular guitar. The boy, Fallon, frequently visited J.B. Hart Music Co. in Grand Junction, expressing his desire to play “the Pantera guitar,” a model famously associated with the late guitarist Dimebag Darrell of the heavy metal band Pantera. As noted by the music store, Fallon, who has Williams Syndrome, possesses a remarkable passion for music and dreams of owning this iconic instrument. Eight months prior to the gift, another customer at the store was moved by Fallon’s enthusiasm while he played the guitar. This individual decided to purchase the $800 Dean “Dimebag” Darrell ML Guitar as an anonymous gift for Fallon, asking the store to present it to him when he next visited. However, due to his family’s relocation to Texas, Fallon did not return to the shop for several months. When they eventually made their way back to Colorado, they were met with a heartwarming surprise. Upon entering the store, Fallon’s mother was overwhelmed with emotion as they unveiled the guitar that had been waiting for him. The joy on Fallon’s face was palpable, marking a special moment that resonated deeply with everyone present. The music store captured this sentiment perfectly in their Facebook post, highlighting that “there are still good people in this world.” This act of kindness brought happiness to Fallon and his family as well as drew attention from the remaining members of Pantera. The story took another exciting turn when Pantera’s band manager reached out to Fallon’s family with news that band members Philip Anselmo and Rex Brown would be sending him a special care package. This connection further enriched the experience for Fallon, whose admiration for Dimebag Darrell’s music had inspired his dreams. When we are committed to the welfare of others, only then do we begin to see the beauty of life in its full glare.

Shaquille O’Neal, known for his generosity, transformed into “Shaq-a-Claus” one December, spreading joy to low-income students during the Christmas season. On a podcast with Gary Vaynerchuk, he shared that he purchased 1,000 PlayStation 5 consoles, another 1,000 Nintendo Switches, and an undisclosed number of bicycles, all of which were delivered to children in Georgia. Reflecting on his upbringing, O’Neal stated, “My father was a drill sergeant, my mother just was a hard-working woman. They had little, but they taught me the value of giving back and helping those in need.” He recounted his recent visit to an elementary school in McDonough, Georgia, where the sight of happy children receiving gifts brought him immense joy. “Kids were crying, kids were happy. And that’s what it’s all about,” he remarked. In addition to his efforts in Georgia, O’Neal collaborated with various organizations like Tonka and ‘Pepsi Stronger Together’ to distribute toys and meals to schools in Las Vegas. His foundation also opened a new basketball court where kids can try on his shoes for fun. This is part of his ongoing “Shaq to School” initiative, which provides school supplies annually to 5,000 children in need. O’Neal emphasized the connection he shares with children: “Kids gravitate to me because I am the simple gateway. When kids see me, they say, ‘I can relate to Shaq; he’s silly.’” His commitment to philanthropy has been well-documented throughout his career. In one notable instance, after hearing about a young man struggling to pay for his wife’s engagement ring, O’Neal stepped in and covered the balance himself. He also helped a woman whose car had crashed in Florida and surprised the family of a 12-year-old boy paralyzed by gunfire by purchasing them a wheelchair-accessible home. O’Neal’s own childhood experiences shaped his giving nature; when he was unable to find shoes that fit, a local cobbler provided him with a free pair. In gratitude, O’Neal has since bought over 2,000 pairs of shoes for himself and for children facing similar challenges today. May our experiences cause us to have hearts that radiate kindness.

A man noticed the sign and felt compelled to enter the charity shop. He often enjoyed browsing through such places, as they were known for hiding unexpected treasures. Recently, a worker had been in his home, admiring the cafetière he owned. The worker expressed a desire to purchase one for his family but was unable to find an affordable option, leaving him somewhat disappointed. That encounter had taken place four months prior. Now, while exploring the charity shop, he stumbled upon a cafetière that was even better than his own. It was second-hand but in perfect condition and offered at a very reasonable price. He decided to buy it as a gift for the worker. He anticipated that the worker would likely return to do more jobs for him in the future. However, even if that didn’t happen, he knew that the worker’s brother was employed by a friend of his, making it possible to pass on the gift regardless. He was confident that the recipient would be delighted by this thoughtful gesture.

Sometime ago students in Western Pennsylvania experienced a snow day on Monday, but rather than staying indoors or engaging in indoor workouts, members of a high school football team were directed by their coach to assist their neighbors. Coach Brian DeLallo from Bethel Park High School, located near Pittsburgh, announced via Twitter that the scheduled weightlifting session was canceled due to the severe weather. Instead, he encouraged the students to “find an elderly or disabled neighbor and shovel their driveway… that’s our Monday workout.” He also instructed them not to accept any payment for their efforts. By mid-morning, over 27 athletes had begun sending photos to the coach, with some reporting they were already on their sixth driveway. One student shared that his elderly neighbors insisted on giving a donation despite the non-payment directive. Braedon Del Duca, a junior on the team, expressed enthusiasm about the initiative: “What better workout than shoveling driveways? It’s just nice getting out here, helping out the community, just helping out others that need help,” he said while working alongside teammate Colton Pfeuffer. Del Duca added, “We’d love to do it for everybody that we can.”

Some time ago, a local individual purchased a pair of school shoes for a 15-year-old boy who often loiters with friends at a nearby shopping mall, where they engage in low-level begging for change. This group of boys had dropped out of school following the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. While the individual typically refrains from giving them money, they do take the time to converse and occasionally offer small jobs, such as cleaning sidewalks, in exchange for payment. This approach allows the boys to earn money for food while maintaining their dignity. For two years, this angel of a man had been encouraging the boy to return to school and had previously promised assistance if he showed genuine interest. After a period of doubt regarding the boy’s commitment, he unexpectedly announced that he had re-enrolled in school but was unable to attend without a uniform and black shoes. In response, this kindhearted man accompanied him to a store and purchased a new pair of shoes immediately. Since that day, the boy has not been seen on the streets, leading the individual to hope that he is now attending school regularly. Reflecting on the past month, this kind soul realized that aside from buying those shoes, little else stood out in their memory. They expressed concern that as time passes, they might forget this year of their life as well. However, they felt certain that they would remember this small act of kindness—buying shoes for a child in hopes of helping him step toward a better future.