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There's nothing more terrifying for a new mom than not being able to feed her baby. This nightmare became a reality for an Ohio mother who, after running out of breast milk in the middle of the night, found herself unable to feed her one-week-old newborn.Desperate, she turned to the police for help. And one kind-hearted officer delivered — free of charge.
Expecting mothers can't help but have secret expectations for their future little one. It's only human. You have this little soul inside you, kicking and growing until they are ready to come into the world. Pregnancy is filled with emotions! You picture their life. You wonder what they will look like and who they will be.
In the bustling streets of Kansas City, a tale of resilience and unwavering kindness unfolds, touching hearts across the nation.Meet Klynn Scales, a young girl whose childhood was marred by adversity and hardship. At just nine years old, she found herself thrust into the role of caretaker for her two younger brothers, stealing food from 7-Eleven to feed them and navigating a tumultuous home life overshadowed by neglect and her mother's battle with addiction.
The first time that Vacaville police officers came into contact with the three young boys, it was because their mother had called in to say she couldn’t find one of them. Rookie officer Isaac Stevens felt that more was going on, though, and so he decided to visit the woman and her sons and do a welfare check. The instant he stepped into the apartment, he realized he had made the right decision.“I was shocked that kids were living in conditions like this,” says Stevens, who describes the apartment as ‘filthy.’ The boys were only 2, 4, and 8 when Stevens visited them. And they were alone.Finding a Foster FamilyThe next step was to contact Child Welfare and try to find a foster family. Stevens knew he had to do it, but he also knew that it wasn’t a magic pill that would make all the boys’ problems go away. Like most places across the country, Solano County had a shortage of foster families. Would they be able to place the boys? Would the brothers be split apart?As fate would have it, one foster family on the list was a distant relation of the boys’ biological mother. James and Mae Lancaster said they would take the boys — all three of them.“We were 100% all in, right from the time we heard they needed a home," says James Lancaster. He and his wife Mae received the call in the middle of the night. They immediately made their way to the police station and were waiting outside on the steps when Stevens arrived with the boys.Keeping the Boys TogetherBoth James and Mae know firsthand the importance of a strong family bond and insisted on keeping the brothers together. James grew up in a disadvantaged, inner city neighborhood of San Francisco. His mom was a single parent, and James watched her struggle. “I felt a duty to these three kids,” he says. The Lancasters decided to become foster parents.Mae and James would not be new parents, though. They had lost a son more than a decade earlier. But now, new life was suddenly breathed back into their family.“They’ve given me…my life back,” says Mae. “It’s very rewarding, watching them grow, play sports and do good in school.”James echoes Mae’s sentiments and encourages others to consider becoming foster families. He’s proud to point out how far the boys have come since they found a stable, loving home with the Lancasters. He says the boys’ confidence has skyrocketed and that they’re happy.“At the end, we’re trying to raise good citizens, good people,” he emphasizes.Guest of HonorThat’s why, after fostering the boys for a time, the Lancasters were thrilled to officially adopt them. And who was at the top of the guest list for the ceremony? Officer Stevens, the very person whose gut instinct had led the boys to their new home, where they would thrive.The three brothers may have had a rocky start in life, but now they can relax and just be kids. The Lancasters say that their priority is spending time together as a family, and to that end, their plans include a trip to Disney — the happiest place on earth.More from Goalcast:Policeman Shows Up at School and Grills Confused Teen – Then Someone Grabs Him From BehindPolice Officer Catches Single Dad Shoplifting for His Son – Decides on a Surprising “Punishment”No One Shows Up to Boy’s Birthday Party TWO Years in a Row – Then Policemen Knock on His Door
*Featured image contains photo by nappyMany people are going through a tough time right now. Grocery prices and the general cost of living are on the rise, and it can be hard to make ends meet. It’s a relatable feeling for many, but for some, the current market has them feeling downright desperate.Sometimes, when you’re backed into a corner, you’re forced to do things you wouldn’t otherwise do. That’s where compassion, understanding, and empathy can make a big difference. And that’s exactly what one man was met with when he was caught shoplifting one day in London, Kentucky.Responding to the SceneOne day, police officer Justin Roby was called to a supermarket where a man had been caught shoplifting. According to the officer, the suspect was a single dad who had been trying to pocket some formula for his six-month-old son.At that moment, Roby knew it wouldn’t feel right to arrest the man. Taking him away from his livelihood and his child by arresting him wouldn’t do anything to correct the problem. If anything, it might make it worse. Roby knew he couldn’t approach the situation in a rigid manner.“As a police officer, it's not black and white for us,” Roby told a CBS affiliate, as per CBS News. “There's a lot of gray. And you have to cipher through everything, and you really need to figure out the whole story.”Finding the Gray AreaAt that moment, Roby decided to put himself in the father’s shoes. “What if me and my son, what if this was us,” he explained. So, he bought the formula himself and handed it to the man.However, Roby also had a chat with the father and explained that he had help and options. He cited several organizations and people, including the police department, that were there to help if he had trouble getting food for his family again.“I think when [a lot of people] look at us, they see just the uniform and just the car, just the tools that we have on our belt,” Roby continued. “But behind the uniform, I'm a human being, and I'm a person out in this community just like any of them. I have a little boy. I'm a father just like that gentleman was.”Helping One Another When Things Get ToughRoby himself reiterated that there are humans behind the badges, but this story is also a great reminder to all of us that there are real people struggling behind these stories. Many people are working hard to put food on the table for themselves and their families.A study released just last year revealed that 25% of U.S. adults sometimes don’t get enough to eat, a number that has increased from only a year earlier. Grocery bills have increased 20% in the past two years, and rents have increased 13%. That means that many of us need help.So, if you’re in a position to give it, perhaps this story will inspire you to make a difference in your community. Call up your local food bank and see what items they need. Ask if they need volunteers. Or start your own food drive in your neighborhood for others who may be struggling.At the end of the day no one should go hungry. So, if we can make a small difference by buying an extra bag of formula or a few boxes of pasta, now’s the time to do so.More from Goalcast:Police Officer Spots Woman and Her Kids in Jail – Does Something Without Informing His Own PrecinctLonely 87-Year-Old Woman Calls for Help While Cooking Dinner – Police Officers Respond in the Best WayPoor 12-Year-Old Is Caught Shoplifting Shoes at Store – Police Officer Has a Unique Response to the Situation
The police officer tells them to follow him. They do, and their lives will be forever changed.A Shocking Police Station ScenePhoto by Francois OlwagePolice officers like Brian Russell have pretty much seen it all. At least that's what the 25 year veteran of the Butler County, Ohio force thought.But one evening when he saw someone, it prompted him to do something they don't teach at the academy. He even made sure to be discreet about it. However, all the details are eventually made public when the other person posts them online. When they do, it causes an uproar both on social media and the precinct.What One Police Officer Saw in the LobbyThere they were, sprawled out in the jail lobby. When the officers see them, they do what they can. One thing is for sure: the unexpected visitors don't have much time. When Russell catches wind of their story, he goes off script, telling them to get up and follow him to his police cruiser. They pack in as he calmly drives them to...Walmart.Wait, what?That's because Russell isn't driving a felon but a family. It's Tierra Gray and her two young sons, Zaire and Shawn. As per the Daily Mail, they had been sleeping in the Butler County jail lobby after Gray had been evicted after missing one rent payment. "I never thought I'd go through that, I mean, to that point. That right there was my breaking point," recalls Gray.They were staying with friends and family, however when that ran out, they turned up in the lobby as a last resort. Police officers provided them blankets and let them stay that night. That's when Russell decides to dispatch his brand of social justice.How a Kind Cop Helped a Family in NeedPhoto by Tierra MallorcaWith the motivation to take action, Russell takes the Grays to Walmart to buy the boys new shoes and clothes. Then, when unable to find them a shelter, he puts them up for 10 days at a local Comfort Inn -- all on his dime."The kids shouldn't be sleeping in a jail lobby. The kids shouldn't be sleeping under a bridge," Russell tells Inside Edition. Yet, that only buys the family a few days before they face the same dire fate of being in the streets. That's when this case takes one last wild twist.Accompanied by Officer Russell, Gray ushers her boys into a room and counts to three. "Open your eyes - this is your new place!" she bellows. The boys excitedly explore their new home like it's Christmas Day. It's courtesy of Russell, who manages to find them a place at the eleventh hour. Gray was so touched by Russell's kindness that she shared it all on Facebook."This officer, Officer Brian Russell, from Butler County Sheriff's Department, has truly blessed me and my family," she posts, with a picture of her family and the officer.It's not long before the world catches wind.How a Cop Proves the Importance of GenerosityThe news eventually finds Butler County Sheriff Richard Jones, who admits that the gesture was news to him as well. "This is a true act of kindness. He did not tell anyone at work what he had done but the lady took a picture with him and posted it on Facebook," he says. As for Russell, helping a family find a happy home is motivation -- and reward enough."It's nice, it's a nice feeling. They're happier than what they were a week ago," he says humbly. When police officers are often asked about their biggest success, many will point to the big arrest, taking a criminal off the street. It's nice to see an officer who took one family off the street and into a home. Now that's sweet justice.More from Goalcast:92-Year-Old Veteran Calls Police for Help – Responding Officer Makes Horrific Discovery at His Home4-Year-Old Boy Accidentally Calls 911 – Shares Something With the Police Officers That Has Them Coming BackEx-con Witnesses a Police Officer Getting Shot During a Fight – Doesn’t Hesitate to Make the Right Choice
In a touching moment that resonates with the power of kindness, an 8-year-old girl from Texas, Paige Vazquez, found herself in a heartfelt prayer with police officers at a San Antonio restaurant. This poignant incident, now viral, unfolded as Paige, driven by her usual practice of praying for people, noticed the officers and decided to extend her heartfelt prayer their way.What One Little Girl Told a Table of Police OfficersPhoto by Min AnFor Paige, this simple act of compassion is part of her routine. "I always pray for people because, and police officers, because I know they have a rough time sometimes and sometimes a little prayer can make someone’s day, so I decided to do that just in case they’re having a rough day," shared Paige.She continued, "I asked them, 'Hello Officers, may I please pray for you?' and they said, 'Yeah sure.'"What makes this gesture particularly moving is the context: the San Antonio officers were grappling with the recent loss of one of their own. Officer Michael Moreno lost his life in the line of duty in late June, and the department was mourning his passing. Paige's heartfelt prayer served as a moment of solace and upliftment for officers going through an incredibly challenging time.The San Antonio Police Department took to their Facebook page to share this beautiful encounter, acknowledging it as "a wonderful moment to lift our spirits on the hardest of days." The post, accompanied by a photo capturing the essence of the moment, was taken by Paige's grandmother.How One Little Girl Proved the Importance of Spreading LoveOfficer Moreno's funeral took place that Friday, and Paige's gesture, although seemingly small, resonated deeply with the officers. Paige's mother, Kat Garcia, expressed her astonishment at the post going viral but noted that her daughter's actions weren't surprising. Describing Paige as caring, loving, and possessing an "old soul," Garcia highlighted to InsideEdition.com that such gestures come naturally to her young daughter.After the prayer, officers took a moment to express their gratitude to Paige. As Garcia emphasized, "We support our officers." The post, shared over 3,000 times, stands as a testament to the impact of a child's genuine compassion, proving that even the smallest act of kindness can touch hearts and resonate far beyond the immediate moment.More from Goalcast:Man Calls Cops and Claims to Be Kidnapped – When the Officer Arrives at the Scene, He Finds Something Completely DifferentElderly Neighbor Calls the Cops on a 9-Year-Old Black Girl Because He Was “Scared” – Then Yale University Takes OverBike-Riding Domino’s Delivery Guy Helps Cops Catch Thief — Still Manages to Deliver Pizza On Time
Some of us may never know the true horrors that war veterans have gone through, but it’s safe to say that they served us in a deep and profound way that deserves nothing but the utmost respect.So this story of sheer goodness that came one veteran's way is a full-circle tale of heartwarming help.A Tough DayOne day, a 92-year-old veteran named Louis Hicks was having a tough day in Austin, Texas. He realized that people had been stealing power tools out of his back shed. He didn’t know what else to do so he dialed 9-1-1 to report the crime. An officer named Chasity Salazar responded.Salazar checked out the shed and the property and then asked if she could have a look inside the house. She must have sensed that Hicks needed help, but she didn’t want to spook him. Eventually, he agreed, and she went inside, where she found something horrific: Hicks was using his gas stove to keep warm.Many people know the dangers of leaving a gas stove on, but Hicks had no choice. His heater had previously burned a hole in the floor, and he couldn’t afford a new one. He knew he had to stay warm somehow. Still, Salazar didn’t say anything, and she left. But silently, she was already hatching a plan.Unexpected HelpAfter leaving Hicks, Salazar contacted her coworkers at the Austin Police Department. They, along with Austin Cops 4 Charities, Austin Police Association, and St. David’s Foundation, have helped people in need of air conditioning or heaters in the past.Finally, Salazar was able to get her hands on a new electric heater, which she then delivered to Hicks as a big surprise.“That's just what we do as police officers. I had realized that he's using the oven. I know that's not safe. His gas is on,” Salazar told ABC News.Hicks was immediately touched and explained how he hated to ask for anything because, as a veteran, he felt like sometimes people would look down on him.“I've never had no one to do nothing for me,” Hicks told the outlet, fighting tears. “After my mother passed away and left me to take care of my two sisters ... nobody never did nothing to help me.”Paying It BackFor Salazar, helping out Hicks was her way of thanking him for his service and for honoring his past. “He's just offered me a lot of kindness, too, so to know that he's also served, now I'm able to serve and give back to people like him,” she explained.The heater was just the first act of kindness, however. Salazar knew she wanted to do more to help this man, so she also spread the word through local news reports and within the community. Soon, people began bringing Hicks coffee, food, and other treats. The community also banded together to get the veteran some of the items he needed for his home.“It means everything. The things I've been trying to do since the '40s...I've been asking for help. And now, it just came in. God is good,” Hicks wrapped.Finding Opportunities to HelpThis story is a sweet reminder that not everyone in life knows how to ask for help or even feels as though they’re worthy of it. But by paying attention to others and asking yourself what they might need, you may find some surprising answers.Many of us fall upon hard times in life, and no one ever really knows what someone else is going through. But by leading with compassion and understanding, we can all make our corner of the world a better place. So lend that hand, make that donation, or look for old items that someone else may need.A person might not ask you for any of it, but it could be the thing they need most in life. More from Goalcast:Police Officer Intends to Ticket a Parked Car – But the Surprising Note the Driver Had Left for Him Changes His MindHomeless Mom Lives in Her Car With 2 Kids – Gathers Nerve to Ask Police Officer a Question That Changes Her LifeLonely 87-Year-Old Woman Calls for Help While Cooking Dinner – Police Officers Respond in the Best Way
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
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
