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8-Year-Old Keeps a Big Secret From His Mom for Months - The Truth Makes Her Sob
Uplifting News

8-Year-Old Keeps a Big Secret From His Mom for Months - The Truth Makes Her Sob

The best presents are the ones that surprise and mean something special to the recipient. Putting time and effort into curating the perfect thing can lead to downright joy, especially if the person you’re giving a gift to has no idea it’s coming.One eight-year-old boy nailed his holiday present to his mom this past Christmas for all those reasons and more. So naturally, the sweet story soon went viral on social media.An Unexpected GiftLast holiday season, a mom named Ruth Hagmann received a Christmas gift from her eight-year-old son, Hudson. In a video that has since gone viral on TikTok with thousands of views and comments, Hudson handed his mom a small gift.Inside was a pair of glasses and an American Girl tag. Hagmann immediately teared up and covered her face as Hudson went to retrieve the larger present: an American Girl doll named Molly.“It’s Molly! It’s my Molly!” the mother said in disbelief, wiping back tears as her family watched. As for Hudson, he was so excited for his mom to open the present that he could barely stand still. Apparently for good reason: this surprise was months in the making.A Lost Childhood RelicMonths before the Christmas exchange, Hudson told his mom he was scared of losing his favorite toy, a little crocheted ghost. He then asked her if she had ever lost a toy. She had indeed.Growing up, Hagmann had Molly. “I brought her everywhere. I was obsessed with her. I did everything with her,” the mom told Good Morning America. When she turned ten, her father died. Hagmann's family moved, and she lost the doll.“We moved around so much when I was little that I ended up losing Molly, and that made Hudson sooo sad to hear,” she shared on Instagram. For the rest of the year, Hudson continued to ask her about the doll.Secretly, though, Hudson had started planning the ultimate Christmas gift and had asked his family for help. They spent months looking online, but thanks to a 2021 re-release of The American Girl for its 35th anniversary, they were finally able to locate Molly. Everyone managed to keep the big secret for months.“After I stopped sobbing, I just was staring at him in awe, and I just kept saying, 'You have no idea what this means to me.' And he was just saying, 'I love you, Mommy, I love you, Mommy,'" Hagmann continued to GMA.“I think he just wants me to … feel like, I don't know, that I could have my favorite toy — and it was just so sweet. So, I just kept telling him how much I loved him and how thankful I am.”An Unforgettable ChristmasHagmann added that it was just so wild that her son cared enough to ask and to question her childhood in the first place, adding that he’s an “old soul” and a thoughtful kid. “It was just an amazing Christmas. It was one I’ll never forget,” she added.But things got even better. After the post went viral American Girl contacted Hagmann. They had seen the video and wanted to send the family to New York City to visit the American Girl doll café. They also offered to give Hudson any Mattel toy that he wanted.“He truly healed my inner child with this gift,” Hagmann added on Instagram. “I can’t believe how sweet he is.”Knowing Our ImpactThis story is so sweet because it goes to show you how much kids can surprise us and how the little things can make a big difference. Hudson was curious about his mom’s past and asked questions, showing that he cared and wanted to bring her some joy. And, he did it in the sweetest way possible.The action also reminds us that we, too, have the power to impact people we love in a positive way. By practicing active listening, asking questions, and taking the time to get to know one another, we can make a huge difference in each other’s lives — with or without a physical gift to match.More from Goalcast:11-Year-Old Returns All of His Christmas Presents – Surprises Everyone With What He Does With the $95Poor Student With “Nothing to Give” Surprises Teacher With an Unforgettable Christmas GiftTeacher Finds Out Parents Can’t Afford to Buy Their Kids Gifts – Gets a Second Job So All 50 of Them Receive Presents

Man Finds Out His Mom Secretly Disappears Every Christmas Eve - After She Passes Away, a Letter Revealing the Mystery Arrives
Uplifting News

Man Finds Out His Mom Secretly Disappears Every Christmas Eve - After She Passes Away, a Letter Revealing the Mystery Arrives

The holiday season is such a magical time. However, in the weeks ramping up to Christmas, it's no secret that things can get a little crazy — especially if you work in retail. Even though we swear every year we're going to get all our shopping done before December hits, most of us find ourselves scrambling at the last minute to tie it all together. God bless Homesense!But all the craziness is worth it when the special day arrives and we get to put the wrapping paper down and spend quality time with our loved ones. Christmas Eve and Christmas Day traditions look different in every household, but for this one family? Christmas Eve came with the strangest tradition of all. Every year, on Christmas Eve, their mother would vanish without explanation.Years later after her passing, her son discovered just what she'd been hiding.She Would Vanish For Hours On End on Christmas EveSue Dorroh / YouTubeSue Dorroh was the best mother, according to her son John Dorroh, 68. She was loving, considerate, and most of all, prepared. The kind of mother whose handbag doubled as a survival kit. Snacks, tissues, water; a flare gun to signal for help if stranded on a desert island!In fact, Sue was the kind of prepared most of us could only dream of being. While most holiday preppers tend to spring for Black Friday deals in order to get all their shopping done, Sue had a whole different strategy. This one mother knew her kids so well she would get their Christmas gifts in August!Which is why her son was suspicious when every year his organized and reliable mother would rush out the door on Christmas Eve. Without fail, Sue would would disappear in a flurry for several longs hours — without so much as an explanation.By the time she got back, amidst the holiday commotion her absence got swept under the rug. Until next year. One Christmas Eve, when his mother had disappeared as she always did, a young John even ventured to ask his father where it was she always went."I don't know. Probably shopping," John's father offered up dismissively. But John knew his mother better than that. When John protested, pointing out his mother always got her Christmas shopping done before Thanksgiving (like, way before) his father would casually shut down the conversation. "Maybe she forgot a few things," he'd say, before finding busy work to do. Leaving John scratching his head, until eventually he'd forget about the whole thing...that is, until the next year came around.ReminisceReminisce/ Vintage Holiday PhotoEventually John grew up and as life got busier and time moved faster, John's mother tragically passed away. That first Christmas Eve without her John would have traded anything to see her rushing out that door, because even though her whereabouts may have forever remained a mystery...his mother always came back. This year was different.After Sue passed away she left her family heartbroken and without much Christmas cheer. The holidays weren't the same without her. Then, an unexpected letter showed up at the front door. It's contents explained it all.A Mystery Letter Arrived on Christmas Eve — And It Wasn’t From SantaHandwritten by Maria / FacebookIt was from a former co-worker of Sue's. After decades of wondering just where his mother took off to, his questions would finally be answered. John discovered the secret his mother had been keeping...a special relationship with a whole other family.“Dear Johnny, I just wanted you to know how much my family and I appreciate what your mother has done for us for all of these years. Every year on Christmas Eve day your mom comes to my house dressed like Mrs. Claus and gives my kids a Christmas that we can’t afford to give them. She has given them shoes, shirts, jeans, toys, and candy. I know your heart is heavy and that you are missing Miss Sue. We do, too. We loved her and just wanted you to know what she has done for us. Love, Robert and Nellie and the kids.”Despite his mother's painful passing, this heartwarming letter reminded John that her spirit was more alive than ever.Sue and her former co-worker became friends during shifts at their factory job, manufacturing toilet lids in an assembly line. Robert, had very little money to spare during the holiday season and without having enough money for toys, this hardworking father didn't know how to make Christmas special for his kids. That's when Sue stepped in with her bright idea — and thus a magical holiday tradition was born. Every Christmas Eve Sue would dress up as Mrs. Claus and bring Robert and his family all kinds of gifts, toys, and clothing to spread the holiday cheer. It was a small sacrifice she made every year but in leaving her family for a few hours — Sue was able to make a powerful impact in another family's life. Even after her passing, they never forgot her generosity. Not only with both family's carry those special memories forever but John took extra care to share Sue's story and honor her memory in a special edition of Chicken Soup For The Soul.Do Good Deeds With Intention, Not for AttentionFlorida Memory / FlickrIn a world where social media often amplifies our need for validation, it's tempting to post everything we do. Sue's story is a gentle reminder that the impact of our actions extends far beyond the likes and shares. Sure, secrets aren't always as fun as praise. However, Sue's Christmas Eve tradition teaches us a profound lesson. Sometimes, performing acts of kindness quietly, without seeking acknowledgment or applause, becomes the most meaningful way to make a difference.Sue's intentional and anonymous generosity reminds us that the true spirit of giving lies in the joy it brings to others, not in the spotlight it places on the giver. As we navigate the holidays and beyond, may we strive to do good deeds with genuine intention, not for attention. We ma even discover the profound satisfaction that comes from making a difference in someone's life, even if it remains a secret. After all, sharing kindness selflessly makes its magic most potent, leaving a lasting impact that's more memorable than any applause or recognition.Good deeds speak louder when done from the heart.

Deputy Pulls Over Drivers for Minor Traffic Violations - But Instead of Tickets, He Has Something Else Up His Sleeve
Uplifting News

Deputy Pulls Over Drivers for Minor Traffic Violations - But Instead of Tickets, He Has Something Else Up His Sleeve

Christmas may be the most wonderful time of the year, but it also tends to be the most expensive. All those packages coming down the driveway? They're not from Santa's workshop. You've got Amazon and your credit card to thank for those. Between decking the halls, making the yuletide bright, and Santa Claus comin' to town, our bank accounts take a significant hit.But for some lucky folks in Monroe County, Georgia, their wallets were a little bit heavier, thanks to some unexpected Christmas cheer (and CASH) from an anonymous "Secret Santa" and his very unusual elves. Police Officer Swaps Out Tickets for CashIn 2015, an anonymous businessman wanted to give back to his community. So, he enlisted the Monroe County Sheriff's Office to help spread some Christmas cheer in the form of cold, hard cash.The "Secret Santa" donated $5400 and asked officers to swap out tickets for $100 bills for people who "looked like they might need it." "He felt like this was a good way to make everybody feel good about law enforcement and to give back to the community for Christmas," Monroe County Sheriff John Bittick explained. Deputy Timothy Campfield, aka Santa's Helper, was more than happy to be a part of it. "It's not every day you get to hand out cash instead of citations."Deputy Timothy CampfieldHe stopped motorists who might normally have been issued written warnings or tickets for minor infractions like driving with a burnt out brake light, and surprised them with the cash instead. A video shared by WMAZ News captured the heartwarming reactions of drivers, from their initial confusion and anxiety, to tears of relief and joy upon receiving the unexpected gift. "Oh, can I hug you?" asked Angel Scott, a mother of six who was feeling the stress of the holiday season. But she wasn't the only one feeling the love. Grandmother Renee Smith did too. "It's gonna help Christmas," she said. "We've only bought one gift for my grandson, and that's it. We haven't done anything else so far."And dad of two, William White, couldn't believe it. "Are you sure? I can't accept that. You aren't going to put your handcuffs on me are you?" "You were telling me that work has been a little slow," Campfield told him. "Instead of handing you a citation or writing you a ticket that's gonna cost you money, I'd like to give you this donation. Take it with you for your family." It’s the Gift That Keeps on GivingThe giving, however, didn't end there. After hearing about the 54 people that received bills instead of A bill, a second anonymous benefactor stepped up with an additional $5000 to spread even more holiday joy. And, for several years afterward, a "Secret Santa" mysteriously appeared every Christmas, providing a bigger and bigger stack of $100 bills. In 2018, the anonymous donation reached a whopping $9000."It makes you feel good. It makes you feel like you're actually doing something for them. You're helping them out, you really are. Just to be able to bring that joy to somebody, especially near the holidays, really makes you feel good as a person."Monroe County Deputy via WGXA NewsThe drivers may have received the cash, but for the police officers who got to be a part of the Secret Santa Missions, they received something even more valuable. They got to experience the pure joy of doing something good for someone else, at a time when they least expected it. Not all presents come in boxes. Sometimes they come in the gifts of time, or love, or generosity, or grace. And these gifts? Are priceless. More from Goalcast:Poor Student With “Nothing to Give” Surprises Teacher With an Unforgettable Christmas GiftCouple Passes by Homeless Man Who Has Lived on the Streets for 3 Years – Decide to Give Him a Christmas He’ll Never Forget11-Year-Old Returns All of His Christmas Presents – Surprises Everyone With What He Does With the $95

Man Makes a Promise to 11-Year-Old Neighbor - Keeps It Going For Over 20 Years for This Special Reason
Uplifting News

Man Makes a Promise to 11-Year-Old Neighbor - Keeps It Going For Over 20 Years for This Special Reason

For the past two decades and counting, Mike Witmer, 57, from Gaithersburg, Maryland, has kept his promise. Every year, he decks out his house in a spectacular display of holiday lights and decorations, and every year, folks ask, "Who's Kevin?"Because emblazoned across the garage roof, towering above the candy canes and reindeer, Santa Claus, and the wreaths, one very simple message stands out: "Hi Kevin." And while it's only 2 words, it packs a lifetime of meaning. So Who Is Kevin?In a viral Facebook post, Mike shares the heart-wrenching story behind the beautiful tribute.In the fall of 2002, Mike's 11-year-old neighbor, Kevin, was diagnosed with cancer. A friend of his daughter's, Kevin was "just a really cool kid...the kind of guy who loved to make people laugh." On Dec 23rd, doctors announced that after months of treatment, the tween was well enough to come home for Christmas. To celebrate, Mike decided to add a special shout-out to his already festive light display, spelling out "Get Well Kevin" above his garage door. "I was just trying to be a nice dad in the neighborhood," the father of two said. "It was such a small gesture."Small or not, Kevin LOVED it. He loved it so much, in fact, that he asked his mom, “Do you think Mr. Witmer will put my name in lights every year?” That's all it took. Tradition. Born.The following year, Mike painted the words "Hi Kevin" on scrap pieces of wood and hid them around his display.And then he did it again the next year. And the next. And the next. Making sure to never put them in the same place twice. "At one point I had a working Ferris wheel, I put the Hi on one chair and the Kevin on another, so it wasn’t always visible," Mike wrote on Facebook. "That year the family pulls up and he didn’t see his name, I was told he got out of the car and was like “HEY….?” About that time the Ferris wheel came back around and he saw his name, he smiled and got back into the family’s car."For 8 years, Mike continued the tradition, through Kevin's cancer, remission, and even after he went off to college.A Cancer Diagnosis and a Beautiful TributeKevin had just returned from his freshman year at the University of Maryland when he received the devastating news — the cancer was back. This time, it was unrelenting. Sadly, Kevin passed away in June 2010 at the age of 19.His parents asked Mike to speak at his funeral. "Afterwards, I invited everyone back to my house. I told them this year the tribute would be bigger and better, on the roof so Kevin could see. There wasn't a dry eye in the house," Mike said.That Christmas, Mike kept his word. "Hi Kevin" was bigger and brighter than ever, taking center stage on the roof of his garage, facing the sky "so he can see it from heaven."And 21 years after the tradition was first born, Mike is still at it. Despite the fact that Kevin's family no longer lives in the neighborhood. A Tradition Lives OnAs word of Mike's touching tribute to Kevin spread, people reached out to share the profound impact it's had on their own lives, especially those who have lost their own Kevins. "In the beginning my annual "Hi Kevin" was just a silly gesture to a really nice kid who had been through some tough times," Mike told AARP Magazine. "But it has been my honor to keep the salute going for his friends and family, and for anyone else who has a Kevin to remember."He has no plans of stopping anytime soon.And he hopes that, maybe, he can inspire others to do something kind for someone else. Because sometimes?"Sometimes it’s the smallest gestures that end up meaning the most."Mike WitmerMore from Goalcast:Teen With Cancer Invites Taylor Swift to His Prom but She Rejects It – Then She Does ThisYoung Boy Who Was Given Only a Year to Live After Being Diagnosed With Cancer as a Child Just Miraculously Celebrated His 30th BirthdayMom Who Spent Life Savings on Daughter’s Cancer Treatment Wins $2 Million Lottery Jackpot

Poor Student With Nothing to Give Surprises Teacher With an Unforgettable Christmas Gift
Uplifting News

Poor Student With Nothing to Give Surprises Teacher With an Unforgettable Christmas Gift

'Tis the season of giving and for a lot of kids that means gifting their teachers a little something special. (Because teachers are SUPERHEROES and deserve allllllll the gifts).While the classic standbys like chocolate and coffee mugs are appreciated and treasured, one poor student came up with a gift for her teacher that'll go down in history as one of the "sweetest" gifts ever. (Get ready for your heart to explode.)A Poor Student's Unforgettable GiftRachel Uretsky-Pratt is a third-grade teacher for the Kennewick School District in Washington State. On the last day of school before the holiday break, many of her students gifted her "chocolates, sweet handmade notes, and some jewelry." However, it was one gift in particular that had such a profound effect on her that she decided to share it on Facebook.Her post went viral...for all the right reasons. "With it being the day before break and Christmas right around the corner, most teachers bring their kiddos something such as books or little treats and occasionally in return receive something from their students,” Rachel wrote on Facebook.“Today I received some chocolates, sweet handmade notes, some jewelry, but these Lucky Charm marshmallows stood out to me the most.”Rachel Uretsky-Pratt via FacebookA Student Sacrifices Her Lucky Charms MarshmallowsFor those of you who may not know, Lucky Charms are sugar-frosted oat cereal made palatable by chunks of dehydrated marshmallows.Rachel continued, "You see, 100% of my school is on free/reduced lunch. They also get free breakfast at school every day of the school week. This kiddo wanted to get me something so badly, but had nothing to give."So, rather than come to class empty-handed, the little girl decided to gift her teacher the most prized possession of the day, the marshmallows from her Lucky Charms (Because let's face it, when it comes to Lucky Charms being "magically delicious!" we all know they have the marshmallows to thank for that.)She painstakingly plucked each "pink heart, yellow moon, orange star, and green clover" out of her cereal one by one and wrapped them in the plastic packaging from her utensils. This child sacrificed something she loves to a teacher she most certainly loves. And her sweet sacrifice wasn't lost on Rachel."Everybody knows the marshmallows are the sweetest part," Rachel told the Washington Post.Those Who Have Little, Often Have the Most to GiveRachel ended her post with these words of wisdom, "Be grateful for what you have, and what others give you. It all truly comes from the deepest parts of their hearts."Rachel wasn't the only one touched by her student's creative and kind gesture. So were the hundreds of thousands of people who reacted and shared her post. It quickly went viral, making the rounds on social media and by news outlets. And although the original post is no longer available, thanks to the power of social media, it lives on.Clearly the story resonated and people came out in droves to share their own touching stories.One fellow teacher wrote: "When I worked in an elementary school a few years ago a little girl gave me three rubber bracelets as my Christmas gift. One was red, one green and one white. I had found out later that week that the police had been to her house over the weekend and discovered the living conditions weren’t good. This family had nothing. No beds for the kids to sleep in, no gifts for Christmas. The police department banded together to buy the kids beds, clothes and Christmas Gifts, but this little girl had nothing and still gave me something. It was the most meaningful gift I’ve ever received."Another teacher shared: "Other teachers/staff planned a day of celebration at school on my 50th birthday. My fifth/sixth grade students were all asked to being me 50 of something. One young lady brought me 50 little pieces of gravel. She had spent days looking for pretty small rocks, and I kept them much longer than any other gift I received I treasured them and my eyes are a little teary writing this many years later."*Sobs*Sometimes Receiving Is Better Than the GivingThis little girl's gift may not have been the most beautiful or the most expensive, but it was undoubtedly, the most priceless. While they say it's better to give than to receive, I think, in this case, the profound effect that this simple gift had on her teacher will last a lifetime. It can be so easy to get caught up in the materialistic side of the holidays. The more the merrier! The bigger the better! Yet, as one little girl proves, it isn't about the glitz and glam, or how much money we spend. What is truly precious and what ultimately means the most, are the gifts given from the heart.More from Goalcast:11-Year-Old Returns All of His Christmas Presents – Surprises Everyone With What He Does With the $95Retiring Teacher Left Stunned When Her Students – Past and Present – Surprised Her at Disney, Her Favorite PlaceThree Desperate Foster Children Are Told to Open Their Christmas Presents — The News They Receive Will Warm Your Heart

Couple Passes by Homeless Man Who Has Lived on the Streets for 3 Years - Decide to Give Him a Christmas Hell Never Forget
Uplifting News

Couple Passes by Homeless Man Who Has Lived on the Streets for 3 Years - Decide to Give Him a Christmas Hell Never Forget

Floyd Carter spent three long years calling the streets of Washington, D.C. home. After falling on hard times, the veteran spent most of his days in front of the Whole Foods on P St., NW, and his nights wherever he could. “You’ve got nowhere to go. You’re sneaking on people’s porches, going into abandoned cars, or buildings [just] to lie down,” Carter told ABC7 News.Despite having a housing voucher — a government-issued voucher that assists very low-income families and people with disabilities in paying for safe and affordable private housing — Carter was unable to secure a roof over his head. That is until two D.C. lawyers showed up with the ultimate gift. How Two Strangers Stepped in to HelpFloyd was on his "last leg, about to give up," when two "angels in disguise" walked into his life and changed it forever. While most people would go out of their way to ignore him, Erik and Rachel Cox aren't like most people. Instead of walking past him pretending he didn't exist, they struck up a conversation and spent a few minutes getting to know him and his story. “He told us he had a housing voucher and waited for months and months, but was unable to get his foot in the door or respect when he tried to get an apartment,” the Coxes said. “We then looked at ourselves and thought, that’s not right, let’s see what we can do.”The duo got to work.The problem with the housing voucher is that participants are responsible for finding a suitable housing unit of their choice where the owner agrees to rent under the program. But unfortunately, when it comes to the homeless, the stigma is real. It's difficult to find landlords willing to take people off the streets. Without a fixed address, you don't have I.D. Without I.D., you can't get a job. It's a vicious circle. To make matters worse, the Coxes discovered that Carter had "become a ghost in a bureaucratic system." The only way he could get a place was to pony up the money for application fees and a security deposit.Money he didn't have. But luckily for him, the Coxes did. Exchanging Christmas Gifts for Christmas JoyRather than spend money on Christmas gifts for each other, the couple decided to play Santa Claus. They used $1300 towards an apartment for Carter.Just weeks after first meeting him, Erik and Rachel were helping their new friend move into his very own apartment. It was a day Carter never thought would come. "They seen something in me that nobody else seen."Floyd CarterNot only did they gift him a home, but they gave him something even more invaluable — hope. “I learned that there are some caring people in this world,” Carter said. “They made this the best Christmas I probably could ever have.”And to make it even greater, thanks to having an address and I.D., he was well on his way to getting a job. All thanks to the kindness of strangers.Spirit of GivingDuring a season often marked by material exchange, the Coxes exemplified the true spirit of giving — exchanging Christmas gifts for the joy of literally changing someone's life. Because of their generosity towards a complete stranger, they were able to take one man off the streets and put him on the road to a successful future.While not all of us can afford $1300, we can afford to rethink our own reactions when we see people struggling. A kind word, a smile, and an acknowledgment of our fellow human beings can go a long way. And just imagine the impact we could have if we were willing to give up even one of our Christmas gifts, in exchange for making someone else's life just a little bit brighter. More from Goalcast:11-Year-Old Returns All of His Christmas Presents – Surprises Everyone With What He Does With the $95A Stranger’s Christmas Card Saved This Soldier’s Life – 48 Years Later, He Finally Meets His AngelHomeless Student Nurse Couch Surfs to Survive–but Christmas Came Early When She Wins $6M Home in Lottery

11-Year-Old Returns All of His Christmas Presents - Surprises Everyone With What He Does With the $95
Uplifting News

11-Year-Old Returns All of His Christmas Presents - Surprises Everyone With What He Does With the $95

Ask any kid and they'll tell you, Christmas really IS the most wonderful time of the year. The lights! The tree! The food! And let's not forget about the presents.Kids spend hours pouring over their Christmas lists, curating the perfect gifts. After all, it's a chance for them to finally net the things they’ve been pining for all year long.But one young boy decided to give it all up, trading his gifts for cash. And prepare yourself, your heart is about to grow three sizes too big. Why an 11-Year-Old Boy Gave Up His Christmas GiftsPhoto by George DolgikhBack in 2015, just days before Christmas, 11-year-old Joseph Martin carefully packed up his presents underneath the Christmas tree and asked his grandmother, Kim Taylor, for help in returning them to the store. His reason? He wanted to give the money to her best friend's family."I wanted to help my grandma out and she's one of my friends." Joseph Martin via WKRC That friend was Katrina Luck. At just 48 years old, Luck suffered a massive heart attack on Thanksgiving day. After being in a coma for nearly a month, her family removed her from life support on December 22. Without life insurance and struggling to pay for funeral expenses, Luck's family set up a GoFundMe page. They hoped to raise $4,000 to give their mother a "beautiful homegoing.""Ms.Katrina was a loving mother, grandmother, sister, daughter, aunt, and friend. She cherished her family," Lenikka Howell wrote. "Taking care of her mother was one of her top priorities. When you would see Katrina you would see her with a beautiful smile. Helping people and taking care of her family is what she loved to do most." Joseph was one of the very first people to donate — $95, the sum total of his Christmas gifts. How a Boy’s Selfless Act Inspired OthersInspired by her grandson's generosity, Taylor decided to get in on the action. She also returned a gift, a Coach purse from her daughter worth $150. Joseph's actions not only touched the heart of his grandmother but also gave comfort to the grieving family, including Luck's daughter, Kynisha Lewis."It was touching to me. It was something nice to do. Because he is 11. He's a child. You'll never know if some kids would have did that," Lewis said.After his story was featured on the local news, donations to the fund skyrocketed. Strangers came forward, wanting to repay the boy for his kindness. They offered to send him Christmas presents in lieu of the ones he gave up. An offer Joseph refused. In an update on the GoFundMe, Howell wrote:"Many people have contacted me wanting to send Joseph Martin Christmas presents...Joseph doesn't want any presents, for people just to make a donation." Despite insisting on no gifts, people sent them anyway. Howell added a further update a few days later, writing:"On behalf of Joseph Martins family, the family extends their appreciation of kind words and gifts. Joseph truly wanted to help his grandmother's best friend (Katrina Luck) and what better way to express his love, by doing what he did. Joseph will be donating the gifts he receives to children who are less fortunate." This kid is on Santa's nice list FOR LIFE.The Gift of GivingOftentimes, we get caught up in the hustle and bustle of the holiday season. We go to great lengths to make everything merry and bright. We trim the tree, deck the halls, and shop 'til we drop. But in all the chaos and commotion, one 11-year-old's quiet sacrifice reminds us all of the true spirit of the season. At a time in his life when receiving usually overrides giving, he willingly sacrificed his own joy in an incredible act of pure, selfless love. "I'm just proud of him. I am really touched by it," his grandmother said. "But he also wanted to let kids know that Christmas is not all about receiving. Christmas is also about giving."It's a reminder we can all carry with us, not just at Christmas time but throughout the entire year. More from Goalcast:10-Year-Old Doesn’t Have Any Money to Pay For His Beloved Uncle’s Funeral – So He Decides to Sell All His ToysHundreds of Jeep Enthusiasts Make 9-Year-Old’s Wish a Reality by Escorting Her Father’s Funeral ProcessionWoman Tragically Loses Her Grandson in Accident – But His Friends Start Showing Up at Her House Every Week for Breakfast

A Stranger's Christmas Card Saved This Soldier's Life 48 Years Later, He Finally Meets His Angel
Everyday Heroes

A Stranger's Christmas Card Saved This Soldier's Life 48 Years Later, He Finally Meets His Angel

It was Christmas Day 1970. Thousands of miles from home, in the midst of the Vietnam War, 23-year-old Army helicopter sniper, John Metzler, took a quiet moment to open up a Christmas card.Addressed simply to "Dear Serviceman" the letter was written by a 12-year-old girl. A stranger. But that didn't matter. What mattered was her message. A message he desperately needed to hear and one that he would carry with him for the next 48 years.The Simple Message a Vietnam Soldier Desperately NeededDonna Caye Ludemann Sica was in sixth grade at the St. Mark’s Lutheran Church and School when she, along with her classmates, completed a school project for the American servicemen fighting in the war overseas. They each wrote a letter to an unknown soldier. Hers simply read in part:"I want to give my sincere thanks for going over to war to fight for us. The class hopes that you will be able to come home even if it's for the holidaies [sic]. We hope that some day all the wars will stop and everyone will be in peace."She signed it, "Your friend, Donna Caye."Little did she know that those words of gratitude would be the fuel that kept Metzler going in an otherwise deeply divisive, brutal, and thankless war. "When you got up in the morning you always wondered whether you would see the sun go down at night."John MetzlerBy the time Metzler received the letter in 1970, the war in Vietnam had been raging for 15 years. Public sentiment had turned and the anti-war movement had gained momentum. As the seemingly endless war dragged on and casualties mounted, many soldiers felt a growing sense of disillusionment, abandonment, and betrayal.The fact that someone took the time to acknowledge his service to his country was life-giving.A Reunion Five Decades in the Making@WFMY News 2/YouTubeThe letter meant so much to Metzler that he held onto it long after the war was over, keeping it tucked behind a picture on a shelf in his home in Wendell, Idaho, where it sat for nearly five decades.“Fact is I think it means more today than it did when I got it,” the Army veteran told CBS News.He never forgot Donna Caye. And 48 years after receiving the letter, he asked his family to help him track her down so he could finally meet her. Without his knowing, his family found her living across the country in Florida. Donna Caye had no idea of the impact her words had on that young soldier so many years earlier. But she never forgot writing them. “I remember writing the letter,” she said. “I was amazed that I could have the opportunity to write to a serviceman and maybe make his life a little simpler for a couple of minutes.”She gladly agreed to fly to Idaho for a surprise reunion. It was about as emotional as you would expect it to be."You're real. You're real," Metzler said as he hugged her, choking back tears."I'm real," Donna Caye responded.And after a lifetime of waiting, Metzler finally got the opportunity to say the words he'd been wanting to say, "Thank you."Words MatterDonna Caye's Christmas letter was so much more than just a mere piece of paper. For a little girl, it was a heartfelt expression of gratitude to a stranger battling for her freedom a world away. For Metzler? It was a lifeline that got him through some unimaginable tough times. So often, we think our words don't matter. But the reality is, that words DO matter. What we say? Matters. Saying "Thank you" is one of the easiest things to say, but sometimes, it's also one of the hardest. We often overlook the profound impact these seemingly small words can have. But as Metzler proves, sometimes it's the smallest words that really do echo for a lifetime. MORE FROM GOALCAST

Man Finds Out His Sister Has a Five Figure Student Loan Debt - Has a Secret Plan For 2 Years and Uncovers It on Christmas Morning
Uplifting News

Man Finds Out His Sister Has a Five Figure Student Loan Debt - Has a Secret Plan For 2 Years and Uncovers It on Christmas Morning

In the realm of college athletics, Anthony Leal, the dynamic point guard for the Indiana Hoosiers, isn't just making headlines for his skills on the court. His recent heartwarming gesture is stealing the spotlight, showing us that sometimes, the greatest victories are scored off the basketball court.How One Young Man Brought His Elder Sister to TearsAnthony, a business major at Indiana University, didn't hesitate when he learned about his sister Lauren's daunting student loans. Determined to alleviate the financial burden she was shouldering, he decided to leverage the newfound opportunity provided by the NCAA.In 2021, the NCAA opened the door for college athletes to earn endorsement money. Anthony, known for his intelligence as well as his athleticism, saw this as a chance to make a significant impact off the court. Rather than splurging on himself, he made a selfless decision —t o save every bit of his endorsement money for two years to surprise Lauren with the ultimate Christmas gift.On Christmas day, Anthony unfolded his plan to Lauren, revealing his intention to pay off her five-figure student debt. He shared the emotional moment on Twitter, capturing the raw reactions of Lauren, their mother, and grandmother — all moved to tears by this unexpected act of kindness.The emotional surprise wasn't entirely a secret. Anthony had confided in his father about his plan back in 2021. "I’m on scholarships so I don’t necessarily need the money, so I decided to try to use that to help my sister," Anthony explained. For him, the joy of lightening his sister's load far outweighed any personal gain.The Ultimate Surprise on Christmas MorningLauren, who had been working two jobs to tackle her student loans, was utterly surprised when her brother presented this gift of freedom. Having planned to assess her debt after her birthday, graduation, and Christmas — all crammed into a single month — she hadn't yet faced the staggering reality of her financial situation. Anthony, however, had already shouldered that burden for her.Expressing her gratitude, Lauren described the overwhelming feeling of freedom: "I can go full steam ahead in my future and what I want to accomplish, what I want to do, without having that just weighing me down and holding me back. So it’s just, it’s surreal. It’s incredible." Anthony, ever humble, doesn't expect anything in return from Lauren. He believes in the power of paying it forward, confident that his sister will carry this spirit of generosity into her own journey.For the Leal family, this Christmas wasn't just about festive decorations and exchanging gifts; it was about the profound love and sacrifice that binds them. As Anthony succinctly put it, "It was a good little way to finish off Christmas morning. I was happy to put a smile on their faces."In a world often dominated by competition, Anthony Leal reminds us that true champions extend their victories far beyond the scoreboard, leaving an indelible mark on the lives of those they love.More from Goalcast:Southern Church Notice That Kids in Their Community Are Going Hungry at School — So They Pay Off Lunch Debt for the Whole CommunityTeen Works Hard to Pay For Her Dream College – Gives Her Entire Savings to Her Mom Instead After Finding Out She’s in DebtStruggling Waitress Works to Pay Off Debt – Millionaire Customer Gives Her $20K and Pays Her Tuition Instead

Teacher Asks Her Low Income Students to Submit Christmas Wishes - What She Reads Breaks Her Heart
Uplifting News

Teacher Asks Her Low Income Students to Submit Christmas Wishes - What She Reads Breaks Her Heart

Ah, Christmas. For some of us, it really is the most wonderful time of year! But for so many others it can be a cruel reminder of what little they have and how there's not enough to go around.Whether we like it or not, Christmas is a holiday with two sides. On one end of the spectrum there's chestnuts roasting on an open fire, Jack Frost nipping at your nose, and multiple trips to Home Sense for overpriced festive decor. On the other end of the spectrum? Well Christmas "cheer" looks a little different.For thousands of Las Vegas High School Students, waking up on Christmas morning would look really different — and no, it isn't wasn't because they'd have to trade snowmen for sandmen!She Read Their Christmas Wishlist — And the Wishes Are HeartbreakingEvery year, Cheri Guy, an English teacher at Desert Pines High School, gladly participates in a school wide program called "Wishmas." "Wishmas" is exactly what it sounds like. A Christmas Wish List every student is welcome to add one item to. The only requirement? That the student share why that particular gift is important to them.“We have a lot of kids who are in the foster system, we have a lot of kids who are living in poverty. These kids are facing enormous stress outside of the classroom," she said.When Ms. Guy — one of the teacher's in charge of the Wishmas initiative — looked at the list for the first time, her students' simple wishes broke her heart. Their reason for why they wanted these gifts, brought her to tears. "One of the kids asked for a grocery store gift card."What's even more devastating? This anonymous student wasn't the only teen looking to secure his next meal. One student asked for a Wing Stop gift card because "it will give me free food for the day." Similarly, another student asked for a bag of Taki chips "so I wouldn't get hungry." One kid asked for peanut M&Ms. Another student wrote they wished for a pair of black slippers "so my feet won't get cold." One Student Just Wanted a Physics Textbook — He Dreamed Of Becoming an Astrophysicist“A few of the seniors are asking for a yearbook because they can’t afford it. One kid asked for help paying for their cap and gown for graduation,” Cheri Guy shared. “We have a student who asked for a textbook called Lectures on Physics because he wants to be an astrophysicist.” As they say, the list goes on and on — and with 3,000 students at Desert Pines High School? The list really goes on.Certain students dreamed bigger than others — and it's beautiful. Ms. Guy shared one teenager was shooting for the stars! Even though he knew it was unlikely, he wished for a guitar because he loved playing but couldn't afford his own. However, one kid dreamed bigger than all the rest. And his wish changed everything.When Ms. Guy read one student's wish, she couldn't take it anymore. "I wish for all the wishes to come true." First she broke down in tears. Then, she picked herself up and took action. She was going to give it her all, to make this wish come true.To pull it all off, she'd need a Santa-size miracle. So she did the only thing she could think of — she shared her story on the internet. To her utter shock, this is what happened.She Took to TikTok to Ask For Help — The Response Was Overwhelming All it took was one TikTok clip and the anonymous heroes of the internet did the rest. Yes, good people exist and they're closer than you think...sometimes it just takes a speech with heart and the click of a button! After feeling completely helpless to meet this impossible challenge on her own, Ms. Guy took to TikTok (@attagirlguy) to share a 3 minute video of exactly what she was up against."I work in a school of over 3,000 kids. There's no way I could do it all, right?"In her emotional video, Ms. Guy's passion is undeniable. This is a woman who has devoted her life to these children and after reading out just a handful of the thousands of simple Christmas wishes, she asked for others to join her in helping make them come true!"Maybe spread this around. Maybe we could do something to try and make these things happen. Because there's no way even all the teachers if we picked one student we couldn't cover everything. There's so many students and they don't want a lot."The Donations Came Pouring In — She Received More Help Than She Ever Could Have ImaginedThey may not have been elves in workshops, but hundreds of strangers showed up in the most unimaginable way possible. Within a matter of days, Ms. Guy had more gifts than she could carry — literally. Amazon deliveries and handmade care packages were mailed in from all over the world! On one particular day Ms. Guy took six trips to the post office filling her car with all the gifts students were being sent.How One Teacher Is Making a DifferenceMs. Guy is no stranger to the struggles that come with being a modern day educator. There's of course, the the abysmal pay; teachers starting salary is around $48,000 and it's a hot topic in the USA. There is the total lack of resources; hundreds of teachers across the country have spoken out about how they are in constant need of supplies. One teacher even went viral for enlisting the help of her sorority sisters to buy glue sticks for her kids!Ms. Guy in particular is fighting an uphill battle. She teaches in a specific program called "Jaguar Academy: within Desert Pines High School." The students in Jaguar Academy are considered at risk youth who aren't meeting academic or social expectations.As always, for these neglected kids and students from low income homes, the poverty cycle (and the danger that comes with it) is almost impossible to get out of. Guy says some of her kids are "on probation for one tiny mistake."But the random acts of kindness from strangers has the power to change that narrative. “One of the most incredible things about Wishmas is these kids are realizing that they are loved — and not just by the staff at school, but by strangers around the country (who) care about them and believe in them,” Guy says. There’s a sign hanging in Guy’s classroom that says “One Person Can Change a World.”“It used to say, ‘One person can change the world,’ but I changed it to ‘a world,’ because it’s not about changing the whole world. That’s what overwhelms us,” she says. “But if you can just think about, ‘What can I do for one person?’ That’s changing a world — and if we could all do that? Just imagine what our society would turn into.”One Person Can Change a WorldSometimes it's easy to forget that "privilege" comes in many forms. Sure, privilege can look like Kim Kardashian flying around the world in private jets...but it can also look like having a roof over our head, a loving parent, and not stressing about where our next meal is coming from.Reading the Christmas "wishes" of over 950 students at Desert Pines High School — it's clear they don't have these simple luxuries. We could all use a reminder that it's better to give than to get and the best gift we can give ourselves is to give generously. There's still a few items left on Ms. Guy's Amazon Wishlist! If this story inspired you, and you want to do your part, check out the link or see if there are any local initiatives that need your help this holiday season!Donations are accepted until Dec. 15th, 2023.More from Goalcast:Teacher in Poor District Needs School Supplies — So Her Sorority Sisters Help in Epic WayElderly Man Heartbroken Every Christmas After the Passing of His Wife — Then, He Receives Something Shocking in the MailRich Actor Finds Little Boy in Dumpster and Invites Him Over to Her House for Christmas – He Ends Up Completely Changing Her Life