kindness

A 7-year-old girl with autism in Brooklyn is safe after a quick-thinking neighbor intervened during a precarious situation. The young girl had crawled out of her window and was seen dancing and singing atop an air conditioner when she lost her balance and fell. Steve St. Bernard, a 52-year-old MTA bus driver, was waiting below with his arms ready to catch her. He successfully prevented what could have been a tragic accident. “I just prayed that I’d catch her,” St. Bernard recounted to the New York Daily News, explaining that he positioned himself directly underneath her as she fell.

A boy named Jamie Vautour, who uses a wheelchair, wanted to see his favorite band, Nickelback, in concert. Even though the bus workers in his town, Moncton, were on strike and not working, a kind person helped him out. This anonymous helper gave Jamie $200 to pay for a special ride that could fit his wheelchair and some extra money for souvenirs. Now, this same kind person has helped Jamie again! This time, they are sending him to see Bruce Springsteen, also known as “The Boss.” They paid for his tickets and transportation so he can enjoy the concert. Additionally, the concert is helping a local food shelter. This shelter is receiving donations because it is the official charity for Bruce Springsteen’s concert, just like it did for his concert in Toronto earlier this year.

In a moment of great need, the organization Mercy Chefs mobilized a retrofitted RV kitchen to provide hot meals to New Yorkers affected by Hurricane Sandy. “The demand there was overwhelming; I could set up six kitchens and still not meet everyone’s needs for a hot meal,” stated Gary LeBlanc, the founder of Mercy Chefs, two weeks ago. At the request of the Freeport mayor, the mobile kitchen was moved to Long Island to serve 1,000 individuals still residing in Nassau County emergency shelters, coinciding perfectly with the Thanksgiving holiday. In addition to feeding displaced families, LeBlanc’s team also offered meals to first responders and cleanup volunteers who worked tirelessly to restore affected neighborhoods. They began serving hot meals at the Freeport recreational center, with intents to provide a complete Thanksgiving feast on subsequently. Rev. Tina Baker from the Refuge Apostolic Church of Christ expressed gratitude, saying, “We asked ourselves how we could provide these families who have lost everything with a Thanksgiving meal. Mercy Chefs reached out and offered their help during this critical week. It’s truly a gift and a blessing!”

A tourist in Times Square witnessed a touching moment involving 25-year-old NYPD officer Lawrence DePrimo, who knelt on the cold sidewalk to speak with a homeless man with bare feet. Noticing blisters on the man’s feet, DePrimo inquired about his shoe size. He then entered a nearby Skechers store, where he purchased a pair of all-weather boots for $75, benefiting from a discount offered by the manager. According to the New York Times, the homeless man’s face lit up with joy upon receiving the boots. The moment was captured by Jennifer Foster, an Arizona sheriff’s office employee, who took the photo secretly as it reminded her of her father, also a police officer, who once helped a homeless person by buying them food. This incident underscores the idea that when we commit to being kind, we can find opportunities to show compassion in every situation.

Years ago, professional children’s performer Red Grammer faced a heartbreaking moment when his cherished Martin M-36 guitar was stolen from a baggage terminal after a delayed flight to LAX. Despite the passage of time, he continued to mourn the loss of the instrument, known for its “incredibly rich, sweet, and well-balanced tone.” Weeks turned into months; fate took an unexpected turn when Kyle Crabb unknowingly acquired the very same guitar. Upon bringing the guitar home, Crabb discovered a metal label inside the custom road case bearing the name “Red Grammer.” Trusting his instincts, he reached out to Grammer via email to inquire about the stolen guitar. In a post on Facebook, Grammer expressed his joy at the contact: “Imagine my excitement!” He shared that Crabb generously offered to return the guitar, acknowledging that while he loved it, it belonged to its rightful owner. Although Crabb felt regret over needing a guitar for himself, Red offered him his backup guitar along with some financial assistance to help ease the loss. Crabb eagerly accepted this offer. The two met in Seal Beach, California, where they exchanged instruments and Grammer had the opportunity to personally thank Crabb for reuniting him with his beloved guitar.

Scientists have recently explored the essence of human nature, leading to the conclusion that we are inherently good. This inquiry addresses a timeless question: Are humans naturally inclined to cooperate and assist others, even at a personal cost, or are we fundamentally selfish? Historically, thinkers like Augustine and Hobbes have argued that humans are born flawed and self-centered, while Rousseau posited that we are innately good and concerned for others. Recent scientific studies conducted by researchers from Harvard and Yale provide fresh insights into this debate. These studies involved a series of experiments with 2,068 participants, revealing that our instinctive response is often to cooperate rather than act selfishly. Participants who relied on their intuition—whether under time pressure or through priming—donated more to collective causes compared to those who reflected on their decisions. While these findings suggest a natural inclination toward cooperation, they raise further questions about whether this behavior is an intrinsic part of human nature or a result of social rewards. Cooperation can lead to social benefits, such as forming friendships and gaining social capital. Therefore, the researchers conducted additional studies to explore this dynamic. The overarching conclusion from these investigations is that while humans may not be strictly categorized as good or bad, our instinctive behaviors tend to favor cooperation over selfishness. This evidence does not definitively resolve the complexities of human nature but provides valuable insights into our tendencies. If human nature is defined by innate qualities, we might not fit neatly into categories of good or bad. However, if it is viewed as the sum of our automatic impulses, it appears that we are predominantly cooperative beings willing to contribute to the greater good, even at our own expense.

In a heartwarming tale from Calgary, a homeless woman made headlines when she discovered a purse containing over $10,000 in cash and chose to return it to its rightful owners, an Edmonton couple. Living in a shelter at the time, she demonstrated remarkable honesty and integrity, which resonated deeply with the couple. They were so moved by her actions that they decided to reward her with $500 as a token of appreciation for her honesty. The story didn’t end there. Inspired by her selflessness, a fund was established at a local bank to help her transition out of homelessness. Donations poured in from across Canada, showcasing the generosity and compassion of strangers who wanted to support her. The overwhelming response allowed her to secure a new apartment, marking a turning point in her life. This incident goes a long way reminding us of the goodness that can exist in humanity, even amidst challenging circumstances. The woman’s choice to return the money did change her own life as well as inspired others to contribute positively to their community. It illustrates how small acts of honesty can lead to significant change, creating ripples of kindness that can uplift those in need. Her story resonates with many who have faced adversity, showing that integrity can pave the way for new beginnings.

An extraordinary incident recently highlighted the impact of a simple phone call on human lives. Thomas Buck, an 84-year-old man from Pennsylvania, found himself in a dire situation when he reached out for help. His plea was directed to a stranger, Ashley Yasick, a 27-year-old banker residing in Delray Beach, Florida. Buck’s voicemail, filled with distress and urgency, prompted Yasick to take action that would ultimately save his life. Upon checking her messages, Yasick discovered Buck’s voicemail and quickly recognized the gravity of the situation. The elderly man had been feeling unwell and was unable to reach anyone else for assistance. Understanding the potential consequences of inaction, Yasick decided to return his call, despite the distance between them—over 1,000 miles. This decision marked the beginning of an unexpected yet crucial connection between two strangers. During their conversation, Yasick learned about Buck’s health struggles and his inability to get help. She immediately contacted emergency services on his behalf, ensuring that he received the necessary medical attention. Her swift response demonstrated her kindness and showcased the power of human compassion in times of crisis. Buck was soon attended to by local authorities who arrived at his home, thanks to Yasick’s timely intervention. Saving a life can hinge on a single act of kindness. Yasick’s willingness to respond to a voicemail from someone she had never met illustrates how interconnected we all are, regardless of distance. In a world often characterized by disconnection, this incident stands out pointing to the positive effects that empathy and prompt action can have on our communities.

A seemingly mundane day took a miraculous turn when Sarah Darling accidentally dropped her engagement ring into the donation cup of Billy Ray Harris, a homeless man in Kansas City. Instead of keeping the valuable ring after discovering it, Harris chose to return it to its rightful owner. His decision was guided by a moral compass instilled in him by his grandfather, a pastor. This act of integrity sparked a wave of goodwill that resonated far beyond that moment, inspiring people around the world to donate to Harris, who turned down an offer of $4,000 from a jeweler for the ring. The impact of this single choice was powerful. Following his appearance on television to share his story, Harris was reunited with family members he had lost touch with for over 16 years. His siblings, who had feared he might be dead, were able to find him and reconnect. This emotional reunion was highlighted during an episode of the “Today” show, where Harris expressed his shock and joy at seeing his sisters again. The donations continued to pour in, ultimately exceeding $185,000, which transformed Harris’s life dramatically. With the funds raised, Harris was able to secure stable housing and purchase a car, marking a significant departure from his previous life on the streets. He described his new living situation as “living like a king” compared to his past experiences of homelessness. The community’s support provided him with financial stability as well as restored his sense of dignity and humanity. Speaking further on this, Harris acknowledged that the true reward was not just monetary; it was the reconnection with family and the chance to rebuild his life. Today, Billy Ray Harris stands as a good example to the power of kindness and integrity. His story has become an urban legend, reminding us that one good deed can lead to unexpected blessings and change lives in unimaginable ways. Sarah Darling’s initial loss turned into a narrative of hope and redemption, illustrating how compassion can ripple through communities and inspire others to act selflessly. As Harris himself said after reuniting with his family, “This is a big payoff,” emphasizing that love and connection are invaluable treasures that far outweigh material wealth

When a woman lost her bike and had no options to explore, she humorously attached a note to the lamppost pleading for the safe return of her beloved bike, stating, “Please return my bike; it will be frightened without its owner.” This 55-year-old Brighton resident was in for a delightful surprise when the thief, moved by her kind words, returned her cherished two-wheeler. Alongside the bike, he left a note that read “big fat SORRY,” assuring her that he had never mistreated it. The note was signed “The Reformed Bike Thief.” To top it off, she also received a new lock complete with keys, adding a touch of unexpected generosity to this peculiar turn of events. It is evident here that even the stoniest of hearts could be melted with a blend of politeness and kindness.