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Womans Childhood Classmate Used to Pack Her Lunch - Years Later, Does Something Incredible to Honor Her
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Womans Childhood Classmate Used to Pack Her Lunch - Years Later, Does Something Incredible to Honor Her

*Featured image contains photo by olia danilevich and Oleksandr PAnyone who has ever experienced food insecurity knows that it never really leaves you. Those hunger pangs, even when they're long gone, linger, a phantom reminder of darker days.When Haley was in third grade, she knew those pangs well. Her family was struggling and there was never enough to eat. One of her classmates noticed and would pack an extra lunch for her. Her name was Gracie May.Although the two classmates lost touch after fourth grade, Haley never forgot her. Years later, Haley had a daughter...she named her "Gracelyn Marie" in honor of that little girl.How a Young Girl Made a Lasting ImpressionIn a TikTok video that is shattering hearts everywhere, Haley (@bby_hxxii) shares an emotional 7-second clip she simply captions "Angels are real."Set to the haunting lyrics, "I think of you all the time," from Alex Olsen's song, Someday I'll Get It, the video zooms in on Haley as she blows a kiss.“To that sweet girl in 3rd grade that would bring in an extra lunch box with food just for me, thank you so much. I named my daughter after you," Haley writes in the text overlay.Welp. It may be simple but boy, does it pack a punch. One commenter summed it up in 8 words:"'I named my daughter after you' I'm sobbing."The video has struck a nerve. In just a few days it's gone viral with over 2.8 million views, 630,000 likes, and more than 4800 comments.Its message has resonated with people all over the globe, a poignant reminder of the profound impact of kindness.Reaction to the Viral TikTokThousands of people took to the comment section, touched by Gracie's actions and the way Haley chose to honor her."Love how you honored her," wrote one commenter."Her mama was looking out for you," said another. "I hope she sees this. kindness always comes back," said a third.But in addition to all of the love, it also started a tsunami of goodness. People began sharing their own stories, hundreds of them. And if these doesn't restore your faith in humanity, nothing will.Here are just a few:"I had the same bday as one of my classmates and every year her mom did a big party in the classroom for her and my name would always be on the cake too." — Britney"When I was in 7th grade, a popular girl (never talked to her) heard that my mom couldn't afford Christmas for me that year. Her & her mom went Christmas shopping for me and brought me gifts to school. I will never forget that. I think of it often and hope she's well." — Ambria"My son noticed a quiet kid in his class w holes in his shoes/clothes. He came to school the next day w clothes he didn’t want. - the boy wears his new outfits daily & my son says he tells jokes now." — Alli"I remember a teacher that would call me to class before going home to give me 4 cans of raviolis for me and my 3 siblings. I never told her but she knew." — neener-neen"The boy that danced with me at the primary school dance when no else would ~ who passed away a few years later from cancer. Always in my heart." — Clarel892"My mom named me after the first friend she made when she moved to America." — L"I used to hate my smile until one girl told me she loved my side dimples. every time I smile I think of her to this day because she made me appreciate it instead of hating it." — Ana NjeriOne Small Act of Kindness Can Change Someone’s WorldAfter grade four, Haley moved from Texas to Arizona. It's been 13 years since she's seen Gracie but not a day goes by that she doesn't think about her. THAT is the power of kindness.To Gracie, it was probably just lunch. To Haley, it was the world. And she never forgot it. And now, neither will her daughter."To live rent free in someone's head for an act of kindness is something we should all strive for."More from Goalcast:Child Realizes Hungry Classmates Don’t Have Lunch – So He Makes an Unexpected Request to His Mom“Homeless” Man Insists on Paying for an Expensive Lunch at Restaurant – So the Server Tells Him a LieMom Has Perfect Response to Teacher Who Called Her Son’s Lunches ‘Disgusting’ – Then She Receives a Shocking Email

Man With Special Needs Continuously Goes up to a Buff Stranger at Gym - Firefighter Takes Secret Photos of His Response
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Man With Special Needs Continuously Goes up to a Buff Stranger at Gym - Firefighter Takes Secret Photos of His Response

Sometimes, when you’re working out at the gym, you just want to do your own thing. After all, when you’re lifting weights and focusing on your reps, having someone come over for a casual chat can be all kinds of distracting.So when one man showed incredible patience and kindness to a stranger with special needs who kept approaching him during his workout one day, it caught the attention of a firefighter. The firefighter was so touched by what he witnessed that he shared the story online, where it went viral.A Workout InterruptedA firefighter named Ricky Derouen was getting his workout in at Planet Fitness in Pascagoula, Mississippi, one day when he noticed a man in an orange shirt doing his own workout. It wasn’t the workout that grabbed Derouen’s attention but the fact that a second man, later identified as Derek Medjesk, kept approaching him.“A special needs man constantly approached him about 10 different times in a 45-minute time span with handshakes, hugs, questions and interactions,” Derouen recalled in a social media post, as per Yahoo News.“Not only did this man smile, laugh, give him workout advice multiple times and joke back with him while getting in his own workout, but he didn’t care who was watching while doing it.”Derouen was so touched that he began taking secret photos of the interaction, knowing he wanted to call attention to the kindness he was seeing.“His patience, compassion and friendliness was next-level admirable,” Derouen continued.A Memorable DayWhen Derouen got home, he shared the story online with the purpose of others recognizing the man in the orange shirt and sharing some love for how he treated Medjesk.“Towards the end of the workout, the special needs man approached me, pointed to the man in the orange shirt, and said, ‘That’s my friend,’ with a huge smile on his face,” Derouen continued in his post.“The pics aren’t the best, but they were the best creeper pics I could take at the time, and this guy deserves recognition. The world needs more people like this man in the orange shirt, well done, sir.”After several news outlets picked up the story and hundreds of thousands of others shared it wide on Facebook, the man in the orange shirt was identified as David Samuel.Later, Samuel confirmed to The Sun Herald that he and Medjesk formed a friendship that day, and they have since worked out together. Samuel has shied away from the spotlight following the recognition, but he did tell the publication that the post going viral has been a nice boost.“The best part is where all those people speak positive things,” Samuel said. “[The response] is a blessing.” Always Be KindWho knows what kind of mood Samuel was in that day at the gym or how he really felt about being interrupted by someone else during his workout. At the end of the day, he led with kindness, and it made a big difference in Medjesk’s life.Not only that, but a beautiful friendship emerged from it, and the pair inspired thousands of other people in the process. It’s a nice reminder that it’s always important to be kind to others, no matter the circumstances.After all, we never really know what other people are going through, or when we might need unexpected kindness in return.More from Goalcast:Stranger Gives Woman Advice About Her Toxic Relationship – Receives an Unexpected Email From Her 6 Years LaterWoman Does 26 Random Acts of Kindness for Each Life Lost in School Shooting — Ripple Effects of This Generosity Still FeltWaitress Brings Firefighters to Tears With Her Selfless Gesture – They Pay Back Her Kindness in an Incredible Way

Stressed Mom Dining Out With Kids Notices Stranger - Little Did She Know, It Wouldnt Be the Last Time She Heard of Her
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Stressed Mom Dining Out With Kids Notices Stranger - Little Did She Know, It Wouldnt Be the Last Time She Heard of Her

*Featured image contains photo by Keira BurtonDining out with small children can be a stressful experience. While it's important to teach kids how to act in public (not to mention parents need to get out of the house and live life too), the reality is that it often comes with its fair share of chaos and unpredictability. Not only do you worry about how your kids are going to behave, but you also stress about how other restaurant-goers are going to react to your children. For one frazzled mom in Australia, a fellow diner's response to her two young kids left her on the verge of tears...but for all the RIGHT reasons. Stressed-Out Mom Apologizes for Kids Making NoiseMom Tyne, her husband, and their two sons, aged three and 18 months, were on a weekend getaway to the Sunshine Coast. It was a chance to relax, have fun, and spend quality time together. But for Tyne, grabbing breakfast at a cafe before heading to the Sea Life Aquarium felt anything but relaxing. As any parent of toddlers can relate, you hope for the best but prepare yourself for the worst. As the family waited for their meals, she noticed a woman sitting at a nearby table reading a book. Tyne's alarm bells immediately started ringing. Worried that her boys would disturb the woman by being anything BUT peaceful and quiet (because, kids) Tyne decided to try to diffuse the situation before it reached catastrophic levels. "I immediately apologized to the lovely lady sitting near us as she had a book and [I] was afraid the boys wouldn't be too peaceful." Tyne via the Facebook group, "The Kindness Pandemic""We were chatting for a little and then she left after her breakfast,” the mom added. Little did she know it wasn't the last she would hear from the stranger. Stranger Leaves a Heartwarming NoteWhen the family got up to pay their bill, they were shocked to learn it had already been covered. Not only was it paid for, but in its place was a handwritten note. It read:"It was such a pleasure sharing my brekkie space with you. Please keep doing what you’re doing. You’ve got a beautiful family. Hopefully, you can splurge a little more at Sea Life today. Love Em.”It was from the stranger Tyne had felt compelled to apologize to. Instead of being upset with Tyne for having children being just that, children, she encouraged the mom to keep up the great parenting. Having the tab covered was nice, but it was the note that really meant the most to Tyne. While the message was simple, it packed a powerful punch. "I almost cried. She paid for us... And her kind words were what I needed to hear.”Tyne via FacebookTyne was so grateful for the heartwarming gesture that she decided to share about it on social media in the hopes of tracking Em down.“If you are Em staying in Mooloolaba for work and went to a quirky local that’s your favourite — you are an amazing soul.” she wrote.“Thank you, thank you. We will pay it forward,” she added. The Difference a Kind Word Can MakeBeing a parent isn't easy, especially when kids are young. It takes a lot of hard work, perseverance, and teaching them how to function in the real world. If we want children to grow up into responsible, self-sufficient caring adults that positively contribute to society, they can't be raised in a vacuum. So yup, that means they do have to go out in public. Unfortunately, however, when parents do venture out with their kids they often feel judged rather than supported. This is why Tyne was so apprehensive about her fellow diner's response in the restaurant.The fact that the stranger reacted the way that she did is heartening. It didn't just make a positive impact in Tyne's life, it's also a great reminder for us as well. Because sometimes? Parents just need some encouragement. So the next time you're out and about and you see a parent trying their best, take a moment to let them know that you see them and they're doing a great job. Chances are, they really need to hear it. More from Goalcast:Shocked Mom Finds Dozens of Notes In Her Daughter’s Drawers – Realizes Her Husband Has Given ThemWoman Finds a Note Left by a Stranger on a Train – And It May Have Saved Her LifeProud Military Mom Leaves Work for the Day – Finds a Note From a Stranger That Brings Her to Tears

Stranger Approaches Woman in a Store - Hands Her Something That Completely Shocks Her
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Stranger Approaches Woman in a Store - Hands Her Something That Completely Shocks Her

Hard times can fall on anyone, no matter how hard they work or how much they’ve sacrificed. We never know when an injury, illness, or unexpected expense can suddenly change our lives. That’s why, no matter what kind of situation we find ourselves in, we should always try and help others.One woman reminded the world of this recently when she went out of her way to help a stranger despite being in a tough situation herself. Not only did the woman warm hearts around the world, but she inspired them to give back, too.A Routine Shopping TripA woman named Dina was at a department store one day grabbing a few items when a stranger approached her. He apologized for interrupting her but explained that he was starting a job at a restaurant in a few days and he needed to purchase a specific pair of shoes. But, he had no money and needed help paying for them.Dina asked the man how much the shoes were and said she had a couple of extra dollars on her. She then reached into her wallet, pulled out the few bills she had, and handed them over.The man introduced himself as Jimmy and asked Dina what she did. “I was in nursing for 31 years,” she said, adding her favorite part of the job was when her patients were able to be discharged and finally go home to their loved ones.The Ultimate SurpriseJust as Dina was about to continue her shopping trip, Jimmy handed her the shoes.“What if I told you these shoes were for you?” he asked, handing them over. At first, Dina looked confused, but then Jimmy revealed the big surprise: There was $500 stuffed inside.“Are you serious?” she responded, a look of awe on her face.“Yes, because you were being awesome to a stranger. I don’t need your help, I just wanted to bless you today,” he explained. “You’re a sweetheart. Is this going to help?”Dina explained that her car needed repairs, and her husband had hurt his back. They weren’t sure how they were going to fix it, so the money was a huge blessing.“I carpooled with one of our neighbors,” Dina said. “It’s hard being 60 and being on a fixed income.”Inspiring a CommunityDina didn’t realize the Jimmy she was speaking with was social media celebrity Jimmy Darts, who is known for making a positive impact in communities and spreading joy through random acts of kindness. He was so touched by Dina that he decided to start a GoFundMe for her.As her story spread, more people responded to the kind lady who was willing to give a stranger a few extra dollars even though she didn’t have much herself. Before long, Jimmy had raised more than $21,000 for her.He later surprised her with the news and captured her reaction in the video.“Are you serious? Are you serious?” she said. “Oh, you don’t know… I might be able to get a new jacket. Who are these people?” she added, fighting back tears.We’re All in This TogetherDina’s story reminds us that no matter where we are in life, it’s always important to help each other out. We never really know what someone else is going through, so helping when we can and leading with kindness is always a good idea. Sometimes, there’s someone who needs our help more.So donate a few extra bucks to a charity the next time you’re prompted at a checkout. Or bring over a little treat to a neighbor or friend. If someone looks like they’re having a rough day at a coffee line, maybe grab their tab. Or, if someone you know is struggling, ask yourself what you can do to help.At the end of the day we all go through hard things, but it’s the small acts that can make a big difference in our lives. Remembering that we’re all in this together and that everyone deserves kindness will only result in a happier place for everyone.More from Goalcast:Poor Student With “Nothing to Give” Surprises Teacher With an Unforgettable Christmas GiftSingle Mom Gives Stranger $7 for Christmas – Then, He Leads Her to the Parking Lot Where His “Special Friend” Was WaitingHomeless Man Tells Stranger It’s His Daughter’s Birthday – Instead of Walking Away, He Helps Plan a Surprise Party

College Student Buys Homeless Man a Cup of Tea - Soon It Turns Into $400,000
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College Student Buys Homeless Man a Cup of Tea - Soon It Turns Into $400,000

Sanai Graden is a firm believer that everything happens for a reason. So, when the 21-year-old UC Berkeley college student stumbled across a homeless man in Washington, D.C. asking for a cup of tea, she took it in stride and chalked it up to being in the right place at the right time.And now? Thanks to that chance encounter, the man she calls "Unc" has been given a new lease on life...and a GoFundMe worth over $400,000. A Chance Encounter and a Cup of TeaGraden, who loves making TikTok videos, was randomly vlogging a trip to the grocery store when Unc (whose real name is Alonzo) approached her asking for a cup of hot tea. With the camera still rolling, she invited him to walk with her to Trader Joe's. Along the way, the two strangers got talking and Alonzo gradually opened up about his troubled circumstances. He told Graden that he was homeless, has no family, and was diagnosed with prostate cancer. What began as a request for hot tea turned into a "five-hour journey." Graden helped Alonzo refill his pain medication at two different CVS pharmacies, bought him tea at Starbucks, and even put him up in a hotel room for the night with money to buy food and a promise that Graden would find him again. But she still wanted to do more for him. She posted a video documenting their time together on TikTok. "It was crazy because I was going to get my groceries delivered and I decided to go on a walk," she tells Alonzo in the video. "And you were so nice, all you asked for was tea...I'm glad that you allowed me to help you and you were so kind to me and I really hope everything gets better for you."At the end of the video, Graden told her followers that she wanted to start a GoFundMe for him. She meant it. TikTok Video Goes Viral and a Gofundme Campaign Is BornHer video went viral. Insanely viral. It's garnered over 33 MILLION VIEWS and more than 5 million likes. But people didn't just open their hearts to "Unc," they also opened their wallets. Graden did start a GoFundMe and it currently sits at over $400,000 with more than 27,000 people donating. “I’m definitely a firm believer that everything happens for a reason and God put me at that place at the right time. I mean, I never document helping somebody, so the one time I was innocently just vlogging and then this all happened,” she shared in a follow-up TikTok. “It’s all a part of God’s plan.”Graden's first order of business was getting Alonzo off the streets. She set him up at a hotel and took him shopping for new clothes at Target. She is also working on helping him get I.D., find permanent housing, and figure out his healthcare. She plans to have the money put into a trust so that it can be managed properly. "I want to help make sure Alonzo receives the best possible care, and so I’m looking into every option to support his well-being, and also keeping in touch with him throughout this process," she wrote in an update on the GoFundMe.One Good Turn Deserves Another People were so impressed by Graden's willingness to change a stranger's life that they decided to start their own GoFund campaign to raise money for her college education. It currently sits at $24,000.However, this feel-good story isn't without controversy. Based on recent news reports, it seems that Alonzo has a checkered past, including a criminal history. Graden addressed the news on TikTok and said that doesn't change anything for her. "I understand the importance of second chances." Sanai GradenShe continued, "If anybody knows what it feels like to need a second chance, it would be me. No one knows this but when I applied to UC Berkeley my senior year of high school I got denied. It was hard for me but I took what I learned from that situation and then I ended up getting accepted a year later."“They gave me a second chance,” she said. “Also, you know, the man that is being portrayed in the media right now is not the man I met. The man that I met is very kind, down-to-earth, sweet, and super, super grateful.” The Power of Kindness Is Life-ChangingIn fact, Graden's whole experience with Alonzo has inspired her to start her own nonprofit. And it's all about giving second chances."This is the start of something great."Senai GradenOftentimes we think that what we do doesn't really matter. That one person can't make a difference. We underestimate the impact that one simple act of kindness can make. And yet, all it took was one small gesture of goodwill to completely change not only Alonzo's life but Graden's as well. And there's no greater proof of the power of kindness than that. More from Goalcast:Diner Owner Finds Out Homeless People Are Begging His Customers for Money – The Way He Handled It Goes Viral16-Year-Old Becomes Homeless After Parents Ask Her to Move Out – Years Later, a Shocking Scene Changes EverythingHomeless Family of 5 Lives in a Broken-Down Bus – Then a Stranger Makes an Offer That Sounds Like a “Cruel Joke” to Them

Mom Visits Store to Buy Diapers for Her Baby - Finds a Letter That Shocks Her
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Mom Visits Store to Buy Diapers for Her Baby - Finds a Letter That Shocks Her

*Featured image contains photo by Craig AdderleyWhat happens is so shocking, that she goes online in a frantic attempt to find out who is behind it.The Crushing Cost of ParenthoodPhoto by Nicola BartsRaising a child is pricey business, and the cost is only rising.As per CBS, "The cost of raising a child from birth to age 17 will set you back by about $310,000." It's pushed more and more families into homelessness. One of the biggest infant expenses is diapers -- and lots of them. So when Brisbane native Michelle Patricia Bennett is strolling down the aisle at Woolworth's to buy some for her baby one day, she's price-watching. After all, she doesn't want any surprises. Fast forward a couple of days later. Bennett recalls that she was "having a day at home just trying to catch up on the mountains of housework," when a surprise is exactly what she gets. A Stunning Surprise From Aisle 5Photo by Eduardo SoaresThat's because, as she opens up the box of diapers, she discovers something else inside. It's a five-dollar bill -- with a note. What it reads gives her the motivation to share her experience online and it quickly goes viral.Bennett's post is titled 'My Wealthy Wednesday.' "To the kind person that has done this, thank you!!! It is such a wonderful gesture and certainly brought a smile to my face," she writes.She includes a picture of the note which reads:If you having a tough day, I thought maybe I can brighten it up with this little surprise. Go buy a coffee or a scratch ticket. Practice some self-care today. Always remember you are much loved and you are amazing :)Bennett continues, "I'll definitely get a coffee or a scratchy soon."The story had the internet gushing with awestruck comments. "Oh, that's so sweet," posted one woman. "So nice of someone to do such a thing. Lovely little surprise -- a little bit of kindness goes a long way.""This is absolutely beautiful," added another. How a Mother Reminds Us That the Small Things MatterIt doesn't take an economist to know that it's not just parents who are feeling the financial crunch. Per Business Insider, "bankruptcies, foreclosures, and other money problems like car repossessions and loan defaults" have consumer stress levels the highest in four years. While the struggle is real, it's no match for kindness. Among the quotes on kindness, one by Abraham Lincoln reads, " Kindness is the only service that will stand the storm of life and not wash out." It might be a little legal leniency for a single mother, making a waitress's wish come true or repaying a treasured teacher. No matter the situation, through all of life's waves and ripples, kindness endures. Let's all keep that close to heart the next time we're in a bind.More from Goalcast:Single Mom’s Biggest Fear Is Regarding Her 14-Year-Old Son – So His Teacher Makes Her an OfferSingle Mom’s Driveway Is “Stolen” in Broad Daylight – Then a Stranger Makes an Offer She Can’t RefuseBoy Suddenly Goes Missing During Routine Walmart Trip – His Mom Finds Him in an Unlikely Place

Woman Finds a Note Left by a Stranger on a Train - And It May Have Saved Her Life
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Woman Finds a Note Left by a Stranger on a Train - And It May Have Saved Her Life

*Featured image contains photo by Genine Alyssa Pedreno-Andrada and hermaionLiving with mental illness is no joke. Every day can be a battle and sometimes it's all a person can do to make it through another day.No one knows this struggle more than Tiktoker, Lauren (@3angelfac3), who has borderline personality disorder (BPD).Some days are significantly worse than others and on one particularly bad day, Lauren was hitting rock bottom. That is, until she discovered a sticky note left by a random stranger. Written on it were seven simple words. To someone else, they may have just been words. To Lauren, they were a lifeline. The Simple Note a Stranger Left BehindAccording to the Mayo Clinic, individuals with BPD often struggle with regulating their emotions, leading to intense and fluctuating feelings that can last for hours or days. Additionally, research has found that approximately 75% of people with BPD will make at least one suicide attempt in their lifetime, and many will make multiple suicide attempts.In a now-viral Tiktok with over 725,000 views, Lauren shares that she was experiencing a "really bad BPD episode" when she boarded a train at Manchester Oxford Road Station in the U.K. Accompanied by the sobering soundbite of Billie Eilish telling Gayle King, "I don't want to be dark, but I genuinely didn't think I'd make it to 17," Lauren explains that she discovered the yellow Post-It when she opened up a fold-out table. Emblazoned across it were the words, "Be somebody nobody thought you could be," followed by a happy face.A twist on the quote by motivational guru, Tony Robbins, "Become someone nobody thought you could be - EVEN YOU!!" the words may be simple, but their impact was not. "When I unfolded the table to put my drink on it, the note instantly put a smile on my face," Lauren said.The words were exactly what she needed at that time.The Post-it Note Left a Permanent ImpressionNot only did the inspiring message put a smile on her face, but it made a lasting impression — literally. Lauren had it turned into a tattoo — a permanent reminder she'll carry with her forever. Nearly a year after discovering the note, she's still on a mission to find the person who wrote it so she can thank them. She posted about it on TikTok in the hopes that it will finally reach the stranger who made such a huge impact with something so small."Whoever and wherever you are, thank you. I needed to hear it. Your act of kindness meant so much to me. It's with me forever now."Lauren via TikTokPaying It ForwardThe act of kindness made such a profound impact that Lauren started leaving her own inspiring messages in random places. Calling her kindness initiative, the Safe Space, she creates small parcels containing a bouquet of paper roses and her own message of hope:"You deserve the love you keep trying to give everyone else." "I wanted to continue its legacy by leaving my own parcels in random locations for random people to find," she captioned in a follow-up TikTok. She leaves them on park benches, in building alcoves, and yes, even on trains. For now, the stranger who left the note remains a mystery. And whoever it was likely has no idea of the impact their small random act of kindness made on Lauren. But it just goes to show, that words? Really do have power. And while too many times it's the negative ones that affect us the most, positive words can wield just as much power. Sometimes even more. More from Goalcast:Proud Military Mom Leaves Work for the Day – Finds a Note From a Stranger That Brings Her to TearsWoman Wakes Up to Husband’s Dirty Dishes in the Sink – Instead of Cleaning Up, He Left Her a Note With 3 WordsMan Sees a Couple Staring at Him and His Son at Cracker Barrel – He Finds Out Why in the Note They Give Him

Doorbell Camera Catches Delivery Drivers Throwing Packages - The Homeowners Response Is Shocking
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Doorbell Camera Catches Delivery Drivers Throwing Packages - The Homeowners Response Is Shocking

More and more people have turned to online shopping because, let's face it, who doesn't love one-click shopping and the convenience of not having to step foot in the store? And while YOU may be excited about your package...your delivery driver? Maybe not so much. For one homeowner in Stone Mountain, Georgia who goes by @orangeking26 (OKQ) on social media, he seems to have hit the jackpot when it comes to disgruntled delivery drivers. But instead of getting "fed up" with FedEx and UPS employees carelessly chucking his packages onto his porch, OKQ decided to fight back...with kindness. Caught in the ActFor OKQ, having his packages tossed around isn't just a random, isolated event. And he has the doorbell camera footage to prove it.He shared a couple of video clips of the offending behavior on his social media channels, including TikTok and Instagram, where they quickly went viral, collectively garnering millions of views.Now, granted, their actions could be due to any number of contributing factors, including the fact that his house appears to be at the end of a very long, steep driveway and that he asks them to deposit the packages in a complicated-looking lock box on his porch. Never mind that maybe they're just having really, REALLY bad days.Like this guy obviously was...Regardless of the why, OKQ decided to address the situation head-on. Instead of getting angry, he decided to view the problem more humanely. After recognizing that the delivery people were probably exhausted from the heat and work, he came up with a solution. It worked. “Pretty much UPS has been throwing my packages when they deliver them and seeming very frustrated at delivering my packages," he said. "So instead of fighting fire with fire, I decided to do something nice for them and be more understanding of the situation at hand — and it worked."Fighting Fire With Water (And Snacks)OKQ decided to fill up a cooler with ice, water, and crackers and leave it on the front porch with a note written on the outside edges of the lid saying, "Snacks. Ice Water. Please take one. Thank you!!! 4 your hard work."Then he watched and waited.It didn't take long for him to see that showing empathy and compassion really can go a long way in flipping the narrative.A series of clips that he captured shows multiple drivers accepting the thoughtful gift, and taking more care when delivering packages (including one of the UPS drivers who was originally caught on tape throwing packages.) One even took the time to turn to the camera to say, "Thank you." (Shout out to Amazon!)Response to the Man’s Solution Was DividedCommenters were conflicted. Many of them didn't agree with OKQ's solution, citing the fact that they felt that snacks shouldn't be a requirement for someone "doing their job in a professional manner."However, others disagreed. Including both the Amazon delivery person seen in the video and a U.S. postal worker."Thank you guys, I’m the Amazon guy I appreciate you guys and thankful for the snacks. I take care of your packages as if they were my own.""I work for the USPS and leaving snacks really does make our hour. I will curse you for buying 40 pounds of cat litter. But then you hit me with a Gatorade and candy bar. We are good."And one commenter summed it up best when she wrote, "I like that your solution was compassion. That really speaks to what kind of person you are. Healed individuals remove self from other people’s frustrations and realize that it has nothing to do with themselves and everything to do with what the other person is dealing with to make them lash out like this."Compassion? Always wins.OKQ's solution has worked so well that it's since gotten an upgrade. He now offers a variety of snacks including various potato chips, pretzels, cookies, and candy. The Transformative Power of KindnessDespite the critics, there is a lot to be said for choosing to be kind even in the face of hostility. OKQ easily could have taken a different road. He could have retaliated with anger, or in his own words, fought "fire with fire."Instead, a simple gesture of understanding and compassion made a world of difference. It's a great reminder that a little kindness can go a long way in making the journey a bit easier for everyone. More from Goalcast:FedEx Always Notices One Boy on Her Route – Decides to Leave Him Something at His House When He’s Not ThereWoman Hears FedEx Driver at the Door While Her Fiancé Is Away – Is Shocked When She Catches Him Doing ThisBride Finds Out Something About Her Fiancé and Cancels the Wedding – Decides Not to Let the $15K Reception Go to Waste

Woman Takes Brother With Autism to McDonalds - One Employees Behavior Towards Him Goes Viral
Uplifting News

Woman Takes Brother With Autism to McDonalds - One Employees Behavior Towards Him Goes Viral

Sometimes it’s the small things in life that make a big difference. You never really know what someone else is going through, so when you lead with kindness and try to spread happiness in your corner of the world, it can impact others in a way you didn’t even think was possible. That’s what happened when a McDonald’s employee served a boy with autism and his sister one day, and went the extra mile to ensure the boy had a good experience. The next thing the server knew, he was flooded with praise. A Special Visit One day a woman named Katie Deyes took her 16-year-old autistic brother, Alex, to eat at the McDonald’s in their neighborhood of North Wales, UK. It turned out Alex had been there the day before with his caregiver, and the young man at the counter, Aled, recognized him. “The carer told us how Aled had encouraged Alex to order his own food and find the right money to hand over without rushing him,” Deyes wrote in a Facebook post. She then explained that during her visit, Aled remembered that her brother didn’t drink his fruit shoot out of the bottle, so he gave him an empty cup. He also came over to the table and offered to swap out the Happy Meal toy, since Alex had received the same one the day before. “My brother loves collecting these toys, so getting an extra, new one was really exciting for him,” she continued. When Deyes and her brother had finished eating, Aled also took time to say goodbye, which went a long way with Alex. A Lasting Impression The whole visit was a success, which meant a lot to Deyes. She explained in the post how taking Alex out could be a difficult task and the family usually opted for the drive-through as a result. Because of the service Aled had provided this time, however, the family had an exceptional time. “He was feeling really happy and has asked if we can go back again to sit in and I believe that’s because Aled was so friendly towards him! I know Alex, myself and all of his family and [his] carer really appreciate how he was treated and looked after,” she wrote. “Aled made it fun and easy for us both to go in and for Alex to enjoy his meal without any funny looks or comments. Aled is a credit to the McDonald's team (and McDonald's as a whole), and I felt he deserved a mention and massive thank you,” she continued. The post quickly went viral and even McDonald’s took note. “We are delighted with the consideration and thoughtfulness Aled has shown to Katie and her brother Alex,” a spokesperson told the Mirror. Walking in Someone Else’s Shoes When you have a family member or friend with autism, things other people take for granted can be challenging and difficult. That’s why it means so much when you try to do something routine, like going out for a meal, and are met with patience and kindness by the people providing the service. It’s a nice reminder that we never really know what someone else’s experience is, but by trying to put ourselves in their shoes and treat them the way we want to be treated, we can do our part to make our corner of the world a better place. You never know how much that kindness may mean to a person or how it can make their corner of the world a better place, too. More from Goalcast: Little Girl With Autism Tries to Blow Out Stranger’s Birthday Candles — His Reaction Goes Viral 8-Year-Old With Autism Has Hard Moment at School – Principal Does Something Shocking That Goes Viral Little Boy With Autism Fails Test – So His Teacher Writes Him a Letter That “Broke” His Mom

Stranger Overhears Teen Laughing at Elderly Man Crying in the Bathroom - Teaches Him an Important Lesson
Uplifting News

Stranger Overhears Teen Laughing at Elderly Man Crying in the Bathroom - Teaches Him an Important Lesson

*Featured image contains photo by Ivan SamkovIn the ordinary hum of a lunch break, Marcus Pass from Cookeville, Tennessee found himself becoming an unexpected beacon of hope for an elderly man in need. What started as a casual lunch at Zaxby's turned into a remarkable act of kindness that illuminated the compassionate side of humanity.Why a Teen Laughed at a Struggling Elderly ManPhoto by Helena LopesAs Marcus savored his meal, the resonance of a teenager's laughter caught his attention. The young person was jesting about an old man grappling with the challenge of rising from a toilet. Marcus, sensing an opportunity to make a difference, didn't hesitate. He decided to investigate the situation himself.Entering the bathroom, Marcus heard the faint sound of the elderly man's tears. Concerned, he inquired about the man's well-being. The old gentleman explained his struggle — he couldn't stand due to weak legs, and his cane was left by the door.Marcus, displaying remarkable empathy, swiftly took charge. He instructed the elderly man to open the door, helping him rise and kindly pulling up his pants. During this simple yet profound act, Marcus noticed the Vietnam Veteran hat adorning the man's head. Gratitude was exchanged in the form of a heartfelt hug, and the elderly man, now 69, expressed that this was one of the most embarrassing moments of his life.Acknowledging the significance of the encounter, Marcus didn't stop at assisting the veteran. He walked the elderly man to the lobby and orchestrated an apology from the teenager who had earlier found amusement in the situation.How One Man Taught a Teenager a Lesson on EmpathyIn a poignant Facebook post recounting the incident, Marcus left readers with a powerful reflection: "Getting old is inevitable, but being a complete a**hole to a stranger is not."Life often surprises us with unexpected challenges, and in those moments, a stranger's kindness can be a guiding light. For the elderly war veteran, what began as his most humiliating moment transformed into a testament to human compassion, thanks to Marcus's intervention. Imagine the alternate scenario — what if Marcus had chosen not to extend his hand?Beyond assisting the elderly man, Marcus's actions held another layer of significance. By teaching a young person a lesson on the importance of empathy and respect, he sowed seeds of compassion that could reverberate through generations.Though a year has passed since Marcus's act of kindness, the resonance of his story on Facebook is a testament to the enduring impact of a simple, humane gesture. With over 102,000 likes and more than 46,000 shares, Marcus's narrative continues to inspire, reminding us that in the tapestry of life, compassion and decency can ripple far beyond the moment of action.More from Goalcast:Elderly Man Passes Away – Then, His Daughter Shows Up Clutching a Bag at His Neigbor’s HouseCouple Shops at Target When Their Toddler Yells at an Elderly Man Passing By – His Response Wasn’t What They Were ExpectingConfused City Workers Observe an Elderly Man Sitting in His Car – When They Find Out Why, They Secretly Start Doing This