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When the Stitt family was fundraising to purchase a wheelchair-accessible van for their 17-year-old son, Jake, who has cerebral palsy, they likely didn’t expect a music icon to intervene. However, Justin Timberlake, upon hearing about their crowdfunding campaign, chose to make their dream a reality by covering the cost of Jake’s custom-built van and arranging for its delivery. Tim Stitt shared that Timberlake was deeply moved by their story and wanted to help. “It was just a blessing to be able to speak to that gentleman and for him to be able to meet Jake and see what he needed,” he said. Timberlake revealed the surprise to Jake during a Zoom call, and shortly before Thanksgiving, a parade celebrated the van’s arrival at the Stitt home. The family, including Jake, was overjoyed, as the van not only represents a significant gift but also the independence it provides for Jake and his caregivers in Morristown. While the Stitts had already raised a considerable amount for the van, Timberlake’s generosity allows them to allocate those funds toward Jake’s future care and expenses. Tim Stitt expressed gratitude, stating, “God’s always provided for us and we keep our faith and we’re thankful every day. It is a true meaning to thanksgiving… It’s very humbling.” When the Universe blesses us with water, it is humane that we also give to those that are thirsty. Let’s stay kind always.

When Greg Smith frequently encountered a homeless woman, who greeted him with a warm “good morning” and well wishes without ever asking for anything, he felt compelled to act. He decided to share his lunch with her every Tuesday. As their friendship blossomed, Amy revealed a heartbreaking truth: she was unable to read. While Greg had the support of loving parents, Amy Joe had faced significant hardships throughout her life. This revelation inspired Greg not only to continue sharing meals but also to teach her how to read. Greg sought no recognition for his efforts; he simply wanted to make a positive impact on Amy’s life and motivate others to assist the homeless in their communities. His kindness extended beyond lunch; he took Amy grocery shopping, helped her buy new clothes, treated her to a stylish haircut, and even arranged for her to stay in a hotel. The moment Amy realized Greg was taking her to a hotel room, she was drowning in a pool of happiness and sincere gratitude to her benefactor, gasping and crying at the unexpected kindness. It becomes truly inspiring when people do things from a very selfless point, seeking no recognition nor feeling entitled to anything.

Darrin Hand was enjoying a break from work in downtown Oklahoma City when he stumbled upon a poignant scene. A homeless man sat on the sidewalk, his eyes weary and hopeful as he asked passersby for spare change. Darrin felt a familiar pang of empathy but continued on his way. However, his heart was stirred when he noticed a businesswoman approaching the man. She knelt beside him, offering half of her chicken wrap. Darrin watched as they began to converse, their laughter mingling with the sounds of the bustling city. The woman listened intently, her demeanor warm and inviting, as if they were old friends catching up over lunch. Darrin could see the man’s spirit brightening, the simple act of kindness igniting a spark of hope within him. The woman asked questions, showing genuine interest in his life, and for a brief moment, the barriers of society faded away. Darrin felt a sense of appreciation for this woman’s compassion. In a world often characterized by indifference, her actions were a reminder of the power of kindness. She treated the man not as a charity case but as a fellow human being deserving of respect and dignity. As Darrin returned to his office, he carried with him the image of their shared lunch—a small act with a deep reaching impact, inspiring him to consider how he could contribute to the world around him. This encounter would linger in his mind, a clear picture paint of the impact of simple human connection. May we embody the spirit of kindness as we go about our day-to-day activities, for, we may be giving someone hope to face life, and hopefully inspiring others too, to key into the frequency of a kind world.

The Long Table, a restaurant in Gloucestershire, England, has found a remarkable way to address two pressing issues facing the UK: food insecurity and food waste. By employing a “pay-as-you-can” model, The Long Table has been able to provide nutritious meals to those in need while reducing the environmental impact of food waste. Despite the challenges posed by rising food prices and the alarming rate of malnutrition, The Long Table has managed to employ 22 full-time and part-time staff. The restaurant’s success is rooted in its ethical approach to food sourcing and distribution. By rescuing food that would otherwise end up in landfills, The Long Table not only reduces waste but also minimizes the carbon emissions associated with food transportation and disposal. The Long Table’s business model is driven by a strong sense of community and a desire to ensure that everyone has access to great food and company. As Will North, the general manager, eloquently states, “We hold a space where we are all collectively trying to answer a question: what if everyone in our community had access to great food and people to eat it with?” The restaurant serves lunch five days a week, with the store open every morning for coffee and cake. Dinner is served on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings. The menu is based on the rescued produce from local suppliers, ensuring that the food is fresh, seasonal, and diverse. The Long Table’s approach is not about being pro-organic or anti-GM, but rather about prioritizing food that is good for both people and the planet. This model demonstrates the thoughtfulness of good-natured humans and the possibility to run a successful restaurant that prioritizes social and environmental responsibility over profit. If the willingness is there, a good number of problems bedeviling humanity could be addressed by applying a little KINDNESS.

An ordinary shift at the bar became an exercise in heroism for one bartender in South Africa recently. Tongai Matandirotya, who works at Brass Bell Restaurant near Cape Town left behind any thoughts of his own safety—and of the drink he was pouring for a customer—to dive into the cold Atlantic Ocean to rescue a mother and daughter swept off the pier by a rogue wave. It was a relatively calm day in the fishing village of Kalk Bay. Several people were walking by the window of Brass Bells looking out to the water. Then the scene changed dramatically. “I saw this wave come over the harbor and it covered the people, dragging them into the ocean. I immediately ran outside, undressed myself, and dived into the water because I saw a child go in as well. I have a very soft spot for kids, and my instinct just kicked in to see if I could help,” Matandirotya told News 24 Cape Town. 37-year-old Clair Gardiner and her 8-year-old daughter Arya van Hilten were two of the people swept away. Gardiner knew they were being pulled into the water as soon as the wave rushed over them, and she managed to wrap her arms around little Arya. By now Matandirotya had dropped the drink he was pouring, taken off his belt and jumped into the water—followed by a tourist unnamed by the news reports.  By then the ferocity of the waves, even just a few meters from shore, had pulled Gardiner and Arya apart; he used his belt to rescue Arya who wasn’t able to stay afloat by herself. “I recently went to the restaurant to thank him,” Gardiner told local news. “My daughter recognized him immediately, and we all embraced each other. We are so thankful to Tongai and the tourist man who risked their lives to save ours; we’ll forever be grateful to them.” Tongai noticed he had been badly scratched up by the concrete wall of the pier, but only after finishing his heroics, and reckoned the mostly-cosmetic damage wasn’t anything to worry about. When things like these happen, they reach down into the souls of people and rekindle the hope for humanity. May kindness continue to influence our every decision.

A young woman found herself in a life-threatening situation when she accidentally drove her Subaru Outback into the Atlantic Ocean. Eighteen-year-old Mia Samolinski mistakenly pressed the accelerator instead of the brake while pulling out of a parking spot at Patchogue Bay on Long Island. Seventeen-year-old Anthony Zhongor, a classmate of Samolinski, witnessed the incident and immediately jumped into action, diving into the water to rescue her. “I just heard a huge splash and saw everyone running toward the dock,” Zhongor recalled. Concerned for her safety as she struggled inside the sinking vehicle, he quickly shed his clothes and entered the chilly waters. “She was banging on the door and trying to break the window, which made me nervous,” he said. It’s crucial for drivers to understand that a vehicle’s doors and seatbelts may not function properly when submerged. Fortunately for Mia, she was able to escape through the back of the car, aided by Zhongor, who noticed that his weight shifted the vehicle’s angle, allowing her enough time to crawl to the back of the car and get free. They both swam to safety. Zhongor, set to graduate this year, will be heading off to South Carolina for Marines boot camp with the good graces of the Samolinskis, who spoke to a news outlet about their gratitude for Zhongor’s bravery. “The real hero of the day is Anthony, without a doubt. A car can be replaced, but my daughter is irreplaceable,” he stated, emphasizing the miraculous nature of the rescue. When one’s heart is naturally predisposed to kindness, it shortens the time for them to set up the saving gear as can be seen in what Anthony Zhongor did. In a world where you can be anything – be KIND.

A kind, honest mechanic can be invaluable, especially in a small country town of just under five-and-a-half thousand people. In this case, a local mechanic’s skills saved the day and provided a wheelchair-bound child with the vacation of a lifetime. Nine-year-old Cooper Greenwood from Sydney has Aicardi-Goutières Syndrome, a rare condition akin to cerebral palsy. While enjoying an outback adventure around Northwest Australia’s Kimberly region in a motorhome, his electric wheelchair broke down. This chair was essential for Cooper, allowing him the freedom to explore and enjoy life. Without it, his mother noted, he became frustrated and withdrawn. Determined not to let the breakdown ruin their trip, Cooper adapted by hitching rides with his dad in a special backpack. As the family prepared for the next leg of their journey, they turned to social media, seeking help in the small town of Kununurra, Western Australia. They asked if anyone could repair sophisticated electric wheelchairs. Fortunately, someone recommended Mick Scott, a local mechanic. “When they brought it in, I took a quick look and saw the size of the chair. I thought it must belong to a really young fella,” Mr. Scott recounted to ABC News. He quickly assessed the situation and realized the urgency of the repair. Mr. Scott got to work immediately, diagnosing the issues with the wheelchair’s electrical system. He meticulously repaired the wiring and replaced a damaged battery, ensuring that Cooper’s chair would be safe and functional. Within a few hours, he had the wheelchair back in working order. When the Greenwoods returned to pick up the chair, Cooper’s face lit up with joy. His mother expressed immense gratitude, saying, “Mick didn’t just fix a wheelchair; he restored Cooper’s independence and happiness. ” With the wheelchair repaired, the Greenwood family was able to continue their adventure through the breathtaking landscapes of the Kimberly region. Cooper was thrilled to regain his mobility, exploring the beautiful surroundings and participating in activities he had missed while the chair was out of commission. This is no doubt a heartwarming reminder of the impact a kind mechanic can have on a family’s life. Thanks to Mick Scott’s quick thinking and expertise, Cooper was able to enjoy the vacation of a lifetime, proving that sometimes, heroes come in the form of skilled tradespeople who care deeply about their community.

The owner of this flipped pickup truck has one of his dogs to thank for saving his life, after a loss of control in the mountains of Oregon saw him turn over into a ravine. Injured, but alive after his crash on US Forest Service Road 39, one of Brandon Garrett’s four dogs ran 4 miles to get help. According to a statement from the Baker County Sheriff’s Office, the dog managed to negotiate 4 miles of wilderness and trails to make its way back to a campsite where some of Garrett’s family had been staying. He hadn’t returned to camp that night, so they were already worried and on edge, and the appearance of the dog covered in cuts from broken glass confirmed their fears. Meanwhile, Garrett was able to crawl approximately one hundred yards from the vehicle, where he spent the night on dry ground. The rest of the party continued to search for him, and family members located his vehicle on the morning of June 3rd, calling emergency services at this time. Members of the Baker County Search and Rescue Ropes Team set up their rescue equipment and began the difficult task of reaching Garrett. With help from the Forest Services’ chainsaws which cleared their path to him, they loaded and secured him in a rescue basket. He was connected to a highline rope system and pulled across the ravine, where he was transferred to medical personnel who in turn transported him to the Life Flight helicopter for airlift to a regional hospital. His three other dogs were all unharmed. With all their experience performing rescues in searches in the mountains, the rescue service members said that without Garrett’s dog, there was a very good chance he would not have been found. It’s a harrowing reminder that not all heroes wear capes, or clothes at all—some have fur and bark. This makes me reflect: if dogs can demonstrate such remarkable empathy and kindness, then it is our responsibility as humans to embody and promote greater compassion and kindness in our own lives.

England has recently been shaken by a series of riots, vandalism, and violence, with some incidents specifically targeting the Muslim community. However, one man’s actions have gone viral on social media, demonstrating that such reprehensible behavior is not representative of the broader society in Jolly Olde England. Last Tuesday, a mosque in Southport was tragically set ablaze, but local bricklayer Tony Hill has earned the title of “legend” for his tireless efforts to help the community rebuild. Working under the sweltering sun, Hill laid bricks with remarkable speed and efficiency, embodying the spirit of resilience. In a viral video clip shared on X, Hill can be seen laboring intensely, sweat pouring down his face as he mixes mortar and explains his motivations. His words, slightly edited for clarity, reflect a deep commitment to his community: “We spoke to the company we work for, and the [other building crews] were coming down, so we just joined them. And yeah, just try and get it done before someone comes back. ” He continued, emphasizing the importance of community safety: “We just really want to get this up so that the community is safe. It’s just a community, isn’t it? You can tell by… just looking at everyone here, it’s quite diverse. ” The mosque’s destruction followed a tragic incident where three young women were stabbed to death on Monday. The riots in Southport were fueled by a surge of misinformation circulating on social media, particularly a false claim that the perpetrator was a migrant from a majority Muslim country on the MI6 watchlist, as reported by the London Economic. Despite the racial tensions surrounding the events, Hill maintained a generous and diplomatic stance. When asked if he had a message for those responsible for the mosque’s destruction, he responded with empathy: “Get your facts straight before you start doing stuff. Facebook’s a dangerous thing.” His words serve as a reminder of the importance of truth and understanding in times of turmoil. May we always stick to the kindness, truth and sincerity that unite us while we work tirelessly to silence the voice of disharmony.