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cracker barrel waitress in tears
Uplifting News

Waitress Blessed With $1,200 Tip

There are many mixed opinions when it comes to tipping. But the reality is that many servers rely on tips to make a decent living, working hard to ensure customer satisfaction with each and every meal.But even the best of servers don’t expect their patrons to go above and beyond like this group of diners did one day in Georgia.The Holiday Time Uplifting Story James Deal / FacebookIt was December, and Janet Ballard was working the lunch shift at Cracker Barrel. She had been at the chain for more than a decade, so it was business as usual for the server when a group of 12 came in to eat. It was not, however, a routine meal for the patrons who came in that day.You see, the group had come into the eatery with the intention of spreading generosity. They were a bunch of church-going friends who wanted to lift someone up ahead of the holidays, and they had hatched a plan.In what James Deal described in a Facebook post as the “1st Annual 100 dollar breakfast,” each of the 12 diners left Ballard a $100 tip at the end of the meal. In total, they pooled together $1,200 and put it in a card for their server.“I read the card, and it had scriptures on it, which let me know they were good people,” Ballard told Today. “They were very genuine individuals. They were total strangers.”The Surprise of a Lifetime Photo by Giorgio Trovato on Unsplash Ballard was shocked as she counted the money and was choked up by the time she reached $400. She couldn’t believe that these strangers had been so generous, and she grew more and more emotional as someone filmed her. “I don’t really like to cry with a camera in my face, but I didn’t even care at this point,” she recalled. “I had 12 total strangers saying, ‘Hey, we care enough about you because of how you made us feel while we were dining and we want to be a blessing to you and your family.'”According to Ballard, the money was an answer to her prayers. She had needed help paying her taxes and was stressed out about her car payment. With this money, she was able to pay down both.Paying It Forward Photo by Priscilla Du Preez 🇨🇦 on Unsplash Deal and the rest of the group wanted to share their moment of giving in order to inspire others to do the same. That’s why they posted it on Facebook, where many weighed in on how nice it was to see such generosity, especially so close to the holidays. But social media users weren’t the only ones who were inspired.Ballard was so touched that she decided to use some of the money to help uplift others as well. After work, she went out for lunch and “blessed” her server with a large tip. Then she treated herself to a pedicure and gave the manicurist a large tip before the appointment began.“Because of the gift of love and caring and sharing I’m able to not only be a better Janet, but I am able to be an example for people this time of year who don’t have hope,” she added to Today.It's That Time of Year - Do the Unexpected! Photo by Dominic Kurniawan Suryaputra on Unsplash Sometimes it’s just nice to see good people receive nice things, especially when it comes as a surprise. That’s one reason this story went viral and why so many people have responded to it. It’s an inspiring tale that reminds us to try and do something nice and unexpected for others in our own walks of life.It can be something small, like shoveling snow for a neighbor or baking someone you love a treat. Or it can be a larger, more organized thing, like a group of friends pooling extra money together for a life-changing gift to a stranger.Whatever you decide to do to uplift someone else, there’s no time like the present. With the holidays here, there are plenty of people out there who could use a little boost of joy.More from Goalcast:Shaq Visits His Favorite Restaurant With an Unusual Request – Then, He Shocks the Watchful Owner With a SurpriseExhausted Dad of 4 Doesn’t Notice a Stranger Watching Him Closely at Work – Is Shocked When He Finds This Note on a Bill Teen Waitress Loses Both Parents—Then She Gets a Surprise Tip That Changes Her Life

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

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

Man Crosses Paths With Fellow Uber Eats Delivery Driver - Their Conversation Reveals Something Shocking
Uplifting News

Man Crosses Paths With Fellow Uber Eats Delivery Driver - Their Conversation Reveals Something Shocking

Instagram account @bikingDC is putting a new twist on what it means to be an influencer. Instead of showing off flashy cars, expensive watches, or lavish vacations — account admin aka UberEats delivery driver, Joshua Cavallero has a different mission — and it's beautiful.During a routine pickup, Cavallero was shocked when he crossed paths with a fellow UberEats cyclist "grinding" on a broken foot.So he decided to help make his day — and his rent cheque!Who Is @bikingDC?With over 1M followers it's safe to say @bikingDC has an impressive reach, but not for the reason you think.The 26-year-old is, by all standards, just a regular guy. So how does he get so many people invested in his day-to-day life? His hook is simple really.It all started during the summer of 2022. With the help of his GoPro, @bikingDC has recorded over 400 videos sharing what his day looks like as a delivery cyclist in Washington, DC.His adventures around the city have made him somewhat of a local celebrity and have even spurred a series of copycats. But the main purpose of this account is to demonstrate and expose what it's really like in the customer service industry. Needless to say the days can be emotionally and physically demanding, but for one fellow cyclist, the seemingly "simple" job took a whole new toll on his body.He Was Going About His Business — Then It Turned PersonalDuring a routine pickup, Cavallero crossed paths with a fellow UberEats cyclist, Kevin Ross, 44. He struck up a conversation and it didn't take long for Cavallero to notice something was really wrong with this picture. "This guy is the definition of never giving up… I couldn’t believe that he was doing this."@bikingDCNot only was Kevin Ross riding a bike with backwards wheels but he had entered the restaurant propped up by a metal walker — and the reason is heartbreaking. A Car Crash Put Him in the Hospital for 2 WeeksRoss had a broken foot from injuries he had sustained weeks prior in a car accident. He spent two weeks in the hospital and accrued medical debt bills he couldn't come close to paying. To make matters worse his rent was overdue.It was an impossible situation with seemingly no solution.Time had already run out, so Ross did the only thing he could do. He turned on his UberEats deliveries, got on his bike with a broken foot, and pedalled to the next pickup. The very same day he met Cavallero he had planned to ask his neighbor for a loan to avoid eviction. But fate stepped in and what happened next was even better."I love how humble this guy was. He was talking about doing this like it was no big deal too."@bikingDCWatch the Viral Video Below: His Followers Raised Over $2,500The interaction was brief, but Cavallero was quick to make sure he grabbed Ross's CashApp username. Cavallero said he wanted to send him a "tip," but what he did instead was much more meaningful.Cavallero shared video on Instagram and TikTok with his followers and the exchange racked up millions of views. In his caption he gently nudged his audience in the direction of kindness.@bikingdc/ InstagramThe comments came pouring in...and so did the cash. The next time Ross checked his CashApp he couldn't believe his eyes. In a matter of minutes he had received over $2,500 — there must have been a mistake; but he was wrong, in the best way!Ross said he didn’t know at first where that money had come from. He didn’t know that Cavallero ran @bikingDC and posted his CashApp information along with the video of them meeting. When Ross finally saw Cavallero’s post, he read through hundreds of comments.“We Gave Our Money to the Right Guy”“Most of the comments were people showing me love,” Ross said. “I really, really appreciate the kindness of people. Not just the money. I went through all the comments and almost all of them are positive.”Once Ross found Cavallero's social media page, the UberEats cyclists were able to connect at a restaurant once again — but this time they weren't ordering to-go. Ross and Cavallero met up at a local Nando's. They caught up and as a gesture of good faith Ross insisted on paying for the meal. After much protesting, Cavallero let him.“I felt like I had to do something for him,” Ross told me. “He really helped me out and changed my life because I was struggling.”The Giving Kept Going!Cavallero posted the heartwarming follow-up video to his page, wrapping up this chapter with a sweet bow. He noted while his bike was still damaged, Ross planned to save up to repair the front rack. Within in hours a generous follower (@justalivingcaitlin) had donated one to Ross herself.Blessing Others Like We Want to Be Blessed“I used to want to be that guy who would get caught in a giveback video, where someone would walk up to me and be like, ‘Here’s $1,000 dollars!’” Cavallero shared with the Washington Post. Cavallero said he posted that video of Ross because he respected him. He also could relate to him. He himself started delivering for UberEats after he lost his job and needed to pay his bills.“I was so broke. I wanted someone to bless me. But it’s amazing to be able to be the person blessing people. Now, I’m the guy who can put someone’s CashApp out there with a sincere story and use my platform to get them back on their feet.”Cavallero's story is a great reminder that while we may not have the power to handout infinite cash to all those in need, we do have the power to bless others the way we want to be blessed, in ways both big and small.More from Goalcast:

16-Year-Old Becomes Homeless After Parents Ask Her to Move Out - Years Later, a Shocking Scene Changes Everything
Everyday Heroes

16-Year-Old Becomes Homeless After Parents Ask Her to Move Out - Years Later, a Shocking Scene Changes Everything

Jessica Pearce knows the hardship of being homeless. Three days shy of her 16th birthday, her parents asked her to move out. Alone and living on the streets, her math teacher came to her rescue, helping her secure a place at a home for teenagers who were working to finish their education.Years later, it's an experience that's stayed with her. And now? She's taking that experience and making a profound difference in the lives of others experiencing homelessness. Coming Face-To-Face With Her City’s HomelessBack in 2016, at the age of 38, Jessica and her partner came face-to-face with Melbourne, Australia's homeless. Literally.Staying at a hotel over Christmas, the couple was shocked to find the nearby streets "lined with people sleeping on mattresses or on the ground.""I guess we felt shocked and I suppose a bit guilty — we didn't realise how bad the housing situation in Melbourne was," Jessica told ABC Radio Melbourne."I guess it just touched me and I thought that maybe there was something that we could do."Jessica PearceSo, the duo spent two nights wandering the streets, handing out $20 and $50 bills and getting to know each person's story. They even went so far as to invite one of the men they met, an estranged father of two, to stay with them, before putting him up at a motel for a month.But Jessica felt convicted to do more. Having just paid off her mortgage, she was considering buying an investment property in Melbourne. But why just buy one when you could buy four?Former Homeless Teen Buys Four Houses — Provides Free Accommodation for Families in NeedA successful business owner and mother of four, Jessica, inspired by her own brush with homelessness, decided it was time to pay it forward. Not one to sit around, she bought four houses within two weeks with the intent of providing safe and affordable housing for young people and families in need. But what started as a solo operation quickly turned into an incredible joint venture. One of the brokerage firms that helped her find the homes was so inspired by her act of philanthropy that they donated furniture.Jessica also enlisted the help of both a youth organization and a women's shelter. In an amazing full-circle moment, two of her houses are now being used to help teenagers just like her, who need a place to stay while they finish their education.The third home is allocated specifically for single mothers and the fourth is being used as transitional housing for people with children who are on a waiting list for long-term accommodation.This collaborative effort has turned Jessica's vision into a sustainable and impactful program that continues to make a lasting difference in the lives of those less fortunate.For Jessica, it's all about giving something back. “I have had good times and difficult times, but most of the time, I’ve been more fortunate than others. So it's now that I feel I am really able to give something back.”Jessica PearceAnd she hopes that others will be inspired to follow in her footsteps. How We Can Help the HomelessThe reality is that not everyone has the financial means to buy homes for the homeless. But that doesn't mean we can't make a difference. As the number of people experiencing homelessness continues to skyrocket, there are several ways we can help.Joining the fight against homelessness can take various forms, and individuals can make a meaningful impact through both direct and indirect means, including donating food, money, and various necessities to shelters and organizations, volunteering, and supporting affordable housing initiatives. The more people who step up to help those who are struggling in their communities, the closer we are to becoming a society where everyone has a place to call home.More from Goalcast:Homeless Family of 5 Lives in a Broken-Down Bus – Then a Stranger Makes an Offer That Sounds Like a “Cruel Joke” to ThemTeens Witness Homeless Man Crying in a Chick-fil-A – So They Go ShoppingCouple Passes by Homeless Man Who Has Lived on the Streets for 3 Years – Decide to Give Him a Christmas He’ll Never Forget

Masked Stranger Slips Out After Playing a Piano With DO NOT PLAY Sign - Antique Store Owner Tracks Him Down
Uplifting News

Masked Stranger Slips Out After Playing a Piano With DO NOT PLAY Sign - Antique Store Owner Tracks Him Down

Antique stores can have a reputation for being stuffy stores with uptight owners. "Don't touch that" or "you break it, you buy it!"Well, one Massachusetts antique store owner is adding his own spin to that narrative.He vowed to track down a mystery man after he ignored a "DO NOT PLAY" sign and gave the whole store a shocking and unsolicited performance!His Simple Impromptu Performance Shook the RoomIt was a seemingly regular day at ReMARKable Cleanouts when shop owner, Mark Waters heard the familiar beat of Journey's iconic Don't Stop Believin' play throughout the store. "He started playing and the place lit up!"Mark Waters, OwnerThe special antique piece specifically had a "DO NOT PLAY" sign displayed on the top of instrument. Waters, who runs the family-owned business knew the piano was delicate and had the potential to be damaged by un-serious customers.But when the mysterious young man — who would later be identified as John Thomas Archer — asked one of the shop girls if he could play a song on the piano and she gave him a shot (and he totally scored)!Customers were so impressed by the play-by-ear performance, one person even managed to get the whole thing on camera. Watch The Mystery Piano Player's Performance Below:Even though the crowd went wild (or as wild as you can go, when you're in an antique store), the young man didn't stay for an encore. He quietly packed up and slipped out the door before store owner Mark Waters could get his contact information.Thankfully, the third-party footage would be key in tracking him down, which is just what this antique store owner planned to do.The Search for the Mystery Piano PlayerReMARKable Cleanouts/FacebookWith virtually no leads, Waters did the only thing he could think to do. He turned to his local community for help — and the internet did not disappoint!He quickly posted the video of the mystery player on his Facebook page. He asked if anyone could help identify the young masked man. He had a special surprise for him!The mystery piano player was found by Julie McDonald at WBZ Channel 4 who interviewed him on the newscast three days later!He Taught Himself How to Play-By-EarCredit: Renee ThomasThe mystery piano player was identified as 23-year-old college student, John Thomas Archer.The Northeastern University student told WBZ he saw the clip of himself playing on a local news station. Truthfully, he felt compelled to respond to make sure he wasn’t in trouble.Thankfully, he couldn't have been more wrong!"My girlfriend sent me a text that the media was looking for me," he said. "I didn't know so many people would be affected by watching me play. I am just baffled."John Thomas ArcherArcher told WBZ that he was just an "amateur" musician. The "Journey" hit was the first song he ever learned to impressively play-by-ear (without sheet music).Even though he loved to play, he couldn't afford to have a piano at home. Instead he made-do with a portable keyboard. So Waters brought him in again, and gave him the timeless gift of music — literally.Returning for an Encore!ReMARKable Cleanouts/FacebookUpon request, Archer returned to the store the next day. True to his words, antique store owner Mark Waters personally gifted the impressive Steinway piano."[John] went into tears and it brought tears to my eyes. It was one of those feel good moments."Mark Waters“I love playing piano. I love when I’m pressing down on the keys,” Archer told WBZ. “It’s more about my emotions and my feelings. As long as people still feel the joy out of my music, I’m happy.” Archer celebrated the win by giving a sweet performance of All of Me by John Legend.“I’m a helper. A giver. I like to give. When I give to you and you smile, that makes me feel good. If you can make somebody else happy, bring a little joy in their heart," Waters, who has owned the store for a decade, told WBZ. “That’s what life’s about.”Giving for Giving’s Sake"I just wish there was more stories like this with everyone opening their hearts," Waters told Good Morning America. "I'd like to donate something every day if it brought people into a good mood."Sure, we may not all have an antique Steinway piano lying around. But what's meaningful to one person is different than what's meaningful to another. Yes, this antique store owner had a gift that would "rock" this musicians world (pun intended), but each and every one of us have a gift that would totally rock someone else's.Mark Water's story is a poignant reminder that we all have something we're holding onto that we can afford to let go — free of charge. Giving for giving's sake is the gift that keeps on giving — did we say 'giving' too many times?!

Teen and His Friends Find $50,000 Stuffed in Envelopes on the Road - What They Did Next Left One Person in Disbelief
Uplifting News

Teen and His Friends Find $50,000 Stuffed in Envelopes on the Road - What They Did Next Left One Person in Disbelief

In a plotline that could rival the heartwarming scenes of a holiday movie, three young men in Weber County, Utah, stumbled upon a modern-day treasure trove that wasn't filled with gold coins but something equally precious — envelopes brimming with cash, casually scattered in the middle of the road.What Some Teens Found on the RoadPhoto by Karolina GrabowskaPicture this: a West Haven intersection, a box in the road, and envelopes that, upon closer inspection, contained an astonishing total of $45,000 to $50,000. Rhett and his friends, almost feeling like they'd walked into a movie set, discovered this unexpected windfall. Rhett humorously recalled the moment, saying, “We didn’t know until I kicked one of them and money flew out.”Now, here's where the story could have taken a cinematic turn toward a heist-like adventure. But these young men had something extraordinary: integrity.Facing a dilemma that would test the principles of anyone, they decided to do the right thing. Rhett shared, “The first reaction was like, well, let’s get this to the right person.” He then added with a hint of regret, “Then after we’re like, dang, could have done a lot with that.”In a unanimous and swift decision, they chose honesty over a life-changing amount of money. In a world where such choices are not always guaranteed, their actions were like a breath of fresh air.The owner of the lost money, who had reported it missing, was notified of its recovery. Can you imagine the relief and gratitude he must have felt? Rhett's mom Lori Hickman certainly couldn't stop beaming about it!How a Group of Teens Proved the Importance of IntegrityWhen the owner got his money back, his reaction was a mix of disbelief and immense gratitude. He planned to meet these young men personally to express his thanks and offer a well-deserved reward.This added layer of warmth elevated an already touching story. The narrative of these three young men serves as a powerful reminder of the impact of good choices and moral courage.In a moment that could have steered them down a different path, they demonstrated an admirable level of responsibility and ethics. Their actions become an inspiration, showcasing that even when faced with considerable temptation, the right course of action is possible.Their decision to return the money, despite the myriad ways it could have benefited them, is a shining example of values that truly matter. This story reassures us that there's still a considerable amount of good in this world.These three young men embody the goodness in people. Their choice to do the right thing, despite the temptation, is not just heartening; it reinforces the belief that integrity and honesty are still cherished values in today’s world. It’s a story that doesn't just warm the heart; it solidifies the understanding that, yes, there is still a whole lot of good in this world.More from Goalcast:Woman Notices a Long Line of Hungry Customers at Whataburger – Their Interaction With Deaf Cashier Goes ViralTeen Low on Cash Finds $135,000 in a Bag at an ATM – His Next Move Is a Reminder to All Parents91-Year-Old Great-Grandmother Can Finally Retire Her Cashier Job – All Because She Took Matters Into Her Own Hands

After Spending More Than 20 Years in Prison, Ex-convict Turned Franchise Owner Is Paying It Forward
Success Stories

After Spending More Than 20 Years in Prison, Ex-convict Turned Franchise Owner Is Paying It Forward

Sajad Shakoor may be living the American Dream, but for a lot of years, he was living a nightmare. Sentenced to life in prison at just 23 years old, his future was bleak.But then he got a second chance. And now? He's using his second chance and giving it to others. Sajad Shakoor’s Road to the American Dream Was Paved With Cell BlocksSajad was a senior in high school when he first saw the inside of a prison cell's walls. He spent the next four years in and out of jail until two robbery felonies and one fistfight later, he was sentenced to life.A victim of California’s since-amended "3 Strikes Law," it didn't matter that his third conviction should have been a misdemeanor. According to the law at the time, it was three strikes and you're out! (Or rather, in — for life). "I was in prison most of my life, over 20 years," Sajad told CBS News. "I went in when I was in high school. I went in for a third strike. My third strike was instigating a fist fight and this was a law where if you had two previous felonies, your third one no matter what it was, it would give you a life sentence."Despite the odds being stacked against him, Sajad refused to just give up. During his 21 years in San Quentin State Prison, he worked with California Senator Dave Cortese to change the 3 Strikes Law — so that a life sentence is only imposed if all three felonies are "serious" or "violent." He also completed his GED, earned his BA, started his Ph.D., and discovered a new passion for cooking. "I always loved to cook, but I became more proficient in San Quentin. I worked in the chow hall, and I learned I had a passion for cooking and education," he said.And in 2013, two decades after he walked through the prison gates, he finally walked out a free man, thanks to significant changes he helped bring about to the law that initially put him there.After More Than 20 Years in Prison, Sajad Shakoor Seizes His Second Chance and Doesn’t Let GoOnce out of prison, Sajad decided to continue working on his Ph.D. in education. He also found a job as a cook at a restaurant called Falafel Corner in Fremont, California. His cooking was so good that three years later, his manager asked him to partner with him on a new location. It was just the beginning. Sajad eventually bought out his old manager and in just five short years, he expanded the Falafel Corner into a successful franchise with 40 locations across California.Sajad credits his Mexican and Pakistani roots for his success, along with a few tricks he picked up in prison."One of the specialties and what I was known for and the reason why I have it on my menu here was the quesadilla," Sajad told CBS News. "We couldn't get cheese in prison so I used to have to make my own cheese. We'd bring back milk from the kitchen and get kitchen hats and hair nets and strain the cheese through there and let it dry."Whatever it is, it's definitely working. Falafel Corner is one of the world's largest restaurant brands (at least, according to its website). And the ex-convict turned business owner even received the Certificate of Congressional Recognition honoring small businesses.Paying It ForwardNot only has the now-50-something Sajad achieved the American Dream, but he's using his story to change the lives of others just like him. He purposefully looks for people who are looking for a second chance to own each shop."My franchise attorney... he said 'Man, you are the most unfranchise-like franchise I've ever seen in my life," Sajad said. "The fact is, I'm pulling from the bottom -- those guys need a hand. And at the end of the day, they're going to be more appreciative (of) this opportunity."He also has some good advice for people who may be feeling like their pasts define their futures. "You know, regardless of your past, just focus on your future," he continued. "Have good intentions for people and things will turn around for you. That's the story of my life. I turned my life around, I've come back and now I'm giving back. You do that, and all these doors will open up for you."For this inspiring ex-convict, that's 40 doors...and counting. More from Goalcast:Guard Refuses to Back Down Even After Prison Forbids Her From Taking Care of Inmate’s Baby – Her Kindness Gets Her FiredShe Was Born in Prison and Then Raised by a Single Dad – Years Later, She’s Going to Harvard on a Full ScholarshipInnocent Man Is Sent to Prison for a Crime He Did NOT Commit – 40 Years Later, He’s Alive to Tell His Story

Teens Witness Homeless Man Crying in a Chick-fil-A - So They Go Shopping
Uplifting News

Teens Witness Homeless Man Crying in a Chick-fil-A - So They Go Shopping

Teens sometimes have a bad reputation for being self-involved or uncaring. But every day, countless teens around the world remind us that they aren’t just kind, generous, and thoughtful — they’re also the world leaders of tomorrow.Perhaps that’s why a video of three teens helping out a homeless man down on his luck has inspired so many other people. Because when it comes to being socially aware and caring for fellow human beings, these teens could teach some adults a thing or two.A Man Down on His LuckOne night shortly after Christmas a few years ago, teens Ryan Cook, Joshua Mechell, and Alberto Montiel were hanging out and eating at a Chick-fil-A in Texas. As they enjoyed one another’s company, they noticed a man sitting in the restaurant by himself, counting change and crying.“He had a worn bible on the table with a picture of Jesus and some change he was counting,” Cook recalled in a Facebook post. “The staff said he came in all the time but didn’t bother anyone or ask for handouts except when he is looking for water for his dog, Sock.”It was that selfless act, a man who would only ask for something for his dog, that really resonated with the boys. They knew they wanted to help.”“People were telling us how he never asks for handouts,” Cook added to InsideEdition, as per Yahoo News. “We saw him crying, and we saw him struggling to buy a meal. So I decided to buy him a gift card.”Springing Into ActionThe boys purchased gift cards to Chick-fil-A but didn’t stop there. They ensured the man, Eddie, would wait at the restaurant, and then they headed over to Dick’s Sporting Goods. There, they pooled their money to buy a coat, three shirts, a beanie, and a first aid kit.Their action also inspired the store manager, who chipped in $20 toward the purchase and donated the display merchandise.“Once we got back, I took this video,” Cook explained, posting the video to Facebook. “After we gave him the stuff, he said, ‘This is almost like Christmas because I didn't get anything for Christmas this year.’ And I said, ‘Just think of it as a late Christmas present.’”To InsideEdition, Cook added that it felt really good to give.“It was an awesome experience. He quickly got out of his chair. He was so excited and happy to see something new in his life,” he said.Cook also revealed that he and his friends kept in touch with Eddie, and they were saving to get him a motel room and a nice meal for Super Bowl Sunday.Spreading the MessageInitially, the teens didn’t think about posting the video or the photo they took on social media. After all, they just wanted to help Eddie and to be good people. However, they also realized they had a powerful message to share, and maybe they could do more good by showing everyone how much their act had meant to the man.“Just setting an example for everyone else,” Cook wrote in his post. “Be selfless and do good for others, then the world would be a better place for everyone. Felt the need to post this to inform others to do better not to gain anything from it.”“We just want to make the world a better place to live in, and we want to inspire people to make a difference,” Mechell added to InsideEdition.Setting the Right ExampleThis story is so heartwarming because it sheds teens in a positive light while also inspiring us to do good, selfless things as well. Just because someone is struggling or doesn’t have a home doesn’t mean they aren’t people.Sometimes, doing your part means stopping and getting to know someone who seems alone. Perhaps it means donating to a food bank or giving your time to a worthy cause. Maybe it just means keeping an eye out to see how you can help others when given the opportunity. Or perhaps it means stopping and asking how you can give the next time you face a situation in which you may have previously walked away. As Cook himself said, being selfless and doing good for others just makes the world a better place.More from Goalcast:Teen Catches a Wallet Full of Money While Fishing — Instead of Keeping It, He Releases It to Farmer Who Lost ItTeens Notice Attractive Woman Whisper 2 Words From the Car Next to Them – Immediately Realize Something Is WrongTeens Approach Elderly Man When They Think No One Is Watching – Little Did They Know What Would Happen Next

Man Gives His 6-Year-Old $600 to Go on a Shopping Spree - Little Did He Know His Son Had Other Plans With the Money
Uplifting News

Man Gives His 6-Year-Old $600 to Go on a Shopping Spree - Little Did He Know His Son Had Other Plans With the Money

Parents don’t always know what their kids are going to do when they get out there in the world by themselves. All they can do is hope that they did a good job instilling values and teaching their kids how to leave their corner of the world a better place.In that case, the parents of a six-year-old boy named Bailey must be especially proud after he traded in a bagful of toys for the chance to help someone else.A Wonderful SurpriseIn May 2020, popular social media stars Paul Klein and Paul Wood shared a remarkable video to their Facebook page, Woody & Kleiny. In it, they brought Wood’s six-year-old son, Bailey, to London and offered him $600 to buy anything he wanted from Hamleys, the city’s oldest toy store. They told the kid he had 30 minutes to pick out anything he wanted: Toys, games, sporting equipment. It was a dream come true for the child.“Let’s do this!” he shouted excitedly before running into the store and checking out all kinds of cool things.“He’s going to go for whatever’s the biggest,” the duo speculated, saying that kids have no concept of money and that they were curious what he would actually put in his bag.An Unexpected TwistAs Bailey filled his orange shopping bag with coveted items, a look came over his face. Suddenly he started putting things back.“I’m taking all this off,” he said, restocking shelves. “I don’t care.”Once everything was put back, Bailey headed outside and asked for some of the money, saying he knew what he wanted to spend it on. He then led the cameras down the streets and put the money in the cup of a homeless man with a sign."Daddy always buys me toys and he needed it more than I did because he hasn’t got a house."Bailey Wood“I feel happy,” he told the camera. “Lots of people don’t have that much money so like, I just want to give it all away… Daddy always buys me toys and he needed it more than I did because he hasn’t got a house.”Heartwarming ReactionsAs Bailey walked back toward the store, he explained that he realized all of a sudden that the money would be good for that man, plain and simple. Back in front of the store, Bailey told his dad what he did and why. Suddenly, his dad was fighting back tears.“Well this is going to be a good video,” Wood joked, choking back tears and hugging his son. “I’m proud of you.”Wood wasn’t the only one who was touched. The comments section quickly filled with people who were equally inspired by the actions of this little man.“You must have been the proudest parent ever that day. Absolutely wonderful, selfless thing to do,” wrote one person.“What an amazing young man you are raising! Total credit to how he is being raised, you should be so proud of him as he should be of himself. Just made my day watching this,” wrote someone else.Faith in the Next GenerationIf you’ve ever wondered whether the world will be in good hands with the next generation, this video is the only answer you need. Kids are capable of all kinds of great things, even when we least expect it.It’s a nice reminder that if we do our best and try to be good people, our kids will hopefully see our examples and follow suit. So donate that extra dollar to someone who needs it, give time to a charity or a worthy cause, and remember that we all have a story, no matter what our current circumstances may be.Children see everything, even when you think they’re not paying attention. By modeling the behavior we hope them to have, one day your kids may just surprise you the way Bailey surprised his dad.More from Goalcast:Parents Find Out Their 9-Year-Old Son Has Given $15 to His Teacher – The Reason Why Brings Them to Tears9-Year-Old Boy Gives $1000 Bike He Just Won To His Friend Who Didn’t Have One8-Year-Old Girl Visits Walmart With Her Mother – The Next Day, an Employee Calls Her an “Angel” for This Reason

4-Year-Old Boy Accidentally Calls 911 - Shares Something With the Police Officers That Has Them Coming Back
Uplifting News

4-Year-Old Boy Accidentally Calls 911 - Shares Something With the Police Officers That Has Them Coming Back

Anyone with a kid knows how much they love to play with cell phones. After all, they see grown ups using their devices all the time (and yes sometimes for a social media addiction), so why shouldn’t they get a turn? Well, as many parents have discovered over the years, the likelihood of your kid accidentally dialing 911 if they do get a hold of your cell phone is pretty likely.New Jersey mom Rasheeda Paige was reminded of this in February after her four-year-old son Justice Tucker started to play with her phone because his tablet died. She was in the middle of studying for her master's degree so she asked him to wait patiently for five minutes while it charged. Of course, he grabbed her phone in the meantime without her realizing it.According to Paige, Justice tried to unlock the device but it accidentally called the police instead. When he realized what happened, he gave the phone to his mom. “I told them, ‘I apologize, it was my son who was trying to use my phone,’" Paige explained to Fox News outlets.As per New Jersey protocols, officers Vicky Teator and Matt Salvatore still came to the house and spoke with Rasheeda and Justice. They quickly assessed there was no emergency, but according to bodycam footage that was later released to NBC News, Justice was tugging on his mom’s sleeve with something pretty important to say.He plays Officer Tucker around the house just about every day.Rasheeda Paige“It was the cutest thing, he’s tapping her on the shoulder, tapping. And just saying, I want to ask her a question,” Teator later explained.“For his birthday he wants a police car,” Paige translated for her son, explaining he was upset that his own police power wheels were no longer working. “He wants to be a cop when he gets older,” she later added in the NBC report. Why Officers Showed Up to a Little Boy’s House With a Sweet SurpriseAfter the officers wrapped up the visit, they got in their cruiser and drove straight to the store. According to the NBC report, Teator, a seven-year vet with the force, has a four-year-old of her own at home, and meeting Justice motivated her to do something kind for him.The officers purchased a replacement car and put it together at the station in time for Justice’s fifth birthday. And when the officers knocked on the door again, they had a little laugh. “I could hear the parents saying, ‘Did he call again? Did he take my phone this time?’ the dad said,” Teator recalled.Although it’s not our usual call for service, our officers were more than happy to help out and put a smile on his face.Sayreville Police DepartmentOf course, there was no call, just a big old birthday celebration. The officers had some of their co-workers come by and flash their lights, and then they unrolled the new, decked-out car for Justice.“Officers Vicky Teator and Matt Salvatore responded to an unknown 911 call from a child. Upon arrival, they met this little guy, named Justice, who told the officers how much he loved the police and was upset that his toy police car had broken. He then told them he wanted a new toy police car for his upcoming birthday next week,” the department later shared on Facebook.“The officers took it upon themselves to get him a new toy police car for his birthday and also got to snag this photo with him. Although it’s not our usual call for service, our officers were more than happy to help out and put a smile on his face.”How One Thoughtful Gift Completely Turned a Kid’s Day AroundAccording to Paige, Justice was scared when he realized he had called the police. But the way they reacted instead built a strong and positive impression on the kid that will probably last a lifetime.“Thanks to the officers, a scared four-year-old child quickly turned into a happy kid,” Paige commented on the department’s Facebook post. “He was so excited to tell her about his upcoming birthday and told her he wanted a new police car to replace the one he just broke. To his surprise, the officers returned with a new police car. Justice said they are the best, just like Santa. Sayreville Police Department is awesome. Thank you again.”How Two Strangers Proved the Importance of CommunityAs Paige notes in the NBC interview, police officers aren’t just there for emergency calls -- they’re also there for the community. And doesn’t that serve as a nice reminder to all of us to maybe consider participating a little bit more in our communities, too?After all, you don’t have to be an officer to do something nice for someone in your neighborhood. Maybe the next time you’re shoveling snow or raking leaves, do your neighbor’s lawn or driveway as well. Pay for the coffees behind you at the drive-in tomorrow morning. Or show up with a small but unexpected gift for someone random in your life.These small but kind gestures don’t just make someone else’s day. They also leave an impressionable mark that passes on the act of giving. Because if you can reach out and touch someone in an unexpected way after hearing this story, someone else may be motivated to do the same.More from Goalcast:Police Spot Woman in Freezing Cold Holding Balloons - What They Do Next is PricelessCop Finds Out Nobody Showed Up To 9-Year-Old’s Birthday Party – Steps In With Best Response