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Prisoner Who Earns Only 13 Cents/ Hour Donates His Entire Wage - This Completely Changes His Life
Everyday Heroes

Prisoner Who Earns Only 13 Cents/ Hour Donates His Entire Wage - This Completely Changes His Life

Forty years ago, a man simply known as Hamza, was tried, convicted, and imprisoned for accidentally firing a gun and killing his uncle. He was only 16 years old.After spending a literal lifetime in jail, it isn't a stretch to assume that he's become hardened to the plights of others.And yet, after hearing about the ongoing conflict in Gaza, Hamza desperately wanted to do something to help the civilians affected. Despite earning a meager 13 cents/hour for prison janitorial duties, he didn't let the paltry sum stop him from donating everything he could to relief efforts.And now? He's getting the ultimate payback for his compassionate gesture. One Good Turn Deserves Another"Confused and heartbroken" by the news coming out of the Middle East, Hamza turned to his friend, filmmaker Justin Mashouf, for help.Unable to donate his paycheck on his own, he sent it to Mashouf to pass on. All $17.74 of it. (The total sum payment of 136.5 HOURS of work).Mashouf, touched by Hamza's act of kindness, shared the paycheck along with his timesheet on X (formerly Twitter).The social media post went viral, triggering an unexpected outpouring of love and support. Internet denizens flocked to the comments, wanting to know how they could donate to Hamza.It prompted Mashouf to launch a GoFundMe campaign, just in time for Hamza's long-awaited prison release. After four decades behind bars, the now 56-year-old has finally been granted parole. "He has lived with the pain of losing his family member due to his own mistake every day for decades," Mashouf wrote on the page. "While in prison, he has become a devout Muslim and has been pleading for parole for decades... Hamza has finally been granted parole and is set to walk free NEXT MONTH!"He also explained that the funds raised would give Hamza a "fresh start.""Your contributions will empower him to transition back into society with dignity and security after years of isolation," he wrote. "With your help, Hamza will access essential resources, secure housing and transportation, and navigate the challenges of his new freedom."Within two days, the fund was sitting at a whopping $102,172."He gave people hope by showing how selfless he is, and then they gave him hope through their kindness."Justin Mashouf via the Washington PostPaying It ForwardAlmost as quickly as it started, the campaign ended. In an incredible twist, Hamza chose to forego fortune and redirect the support he received towards those in desperate need."He said whatever has already been donated is sufficient for him," Mashouf shared. "And that he didn't want to distract people from those who were suffering more than him."In an update on the GoFundMe, Hamza thanked everyone for their generosity and kindness. He then asked people to consider donating to victims of war and poverty in Palestine, Yemen, and Africa."Look upon and consider the suffering children, mothers and fathers of Palestine, Yemen, and Africa living under inhuman[e] conditions, being bombed every hour of the day, without water, shelter, medication and food … who are ordinary people and citizens just like all of you living their lives having not a thing to do with the politicians, but are suffering [in]humanely, please give to them,” he wrote.On a personal note, he also revealed that he is looking forward to life on the other side of the prison gates. "I look forward to the promise of life, happiness, struggles and dreams, to soar and spread my wings, to be a man, a human being once again now that I know the preciousness and the incalculable value of Life."The Impact Even the Smallest Gestures of Kindness Can HaveHamza's donation to the people of Gaza wasn't huge. In fact, it was pretty inconsequential as far as monetary contributions go. But its impact was significant. By giving what he could, he inspired thousands to rally behind him. And that $17.74? Turned into more than $100,000.An unlikely hero, Hamza is proof that empathy, compassion, and goodness can thrive in any circumstance — even in those, like the confines of a prison cell, where it seems impossible. More from Goalcast:After Spending More Than 20 Years in Prison, Ex-convict Turned Franchise Owner Is Paying It ForwardGuard 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 Scholarship

Couple Celebrating Their Anniversary Is Annoyed by Horrible Service - Teaches Waiter a Valuable Lesson in Karma
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Couple Celebrating Their Anniversary Is Annoyed by Horrible Service - Teaches Waiter a Valuable Lesson in Karma

Bad service, we've all been there. Luke warm food? Hangry stomachs growling? And then being strapped with an expensive bill at the end of it all? Nothing kills the mood of a beautiful evening out faster than slow wait service. Which is exactly what happened to this one couple, who decided to celebrate their anniversary, for what they thought was going to be an easy evening out. How wrong they were. This was one time it would have been wiser to cook at home!Why One Couple Was Annoyed at a RestaurantWhen Makenzie Schultz and her husband, Steven, sat down to a sushi dinner in Cedar Rapids, Iowa for their sixth anniversary, they were hoping to have a special night out for such a special occasion. Little did they know how disappointed they would be. The couple were shocked when they looked at the clock and realized it took a staggering 20 minutes to even get a glass of water. Needless to say, the evening was off to a shaky start. Yet, the lovebirds tried to keep a positive outlook in order to enjoy their evening. Unfortunately, things only got worse from there. According to Makenzie, it took the waiter 40 minutes to bring a single appetizer and another hour for their entree to arrive. For those who aren't sure, as a general rule of thumb, appetizers should take no longer than 15 minutes before they reach the table — and for sushi of all cuisines? It's a California roll, not a Thanksgiving turkey! It's not rocket science people.As it turns out, Makenzie and Steven weren't the only ones on the receiving end of the horrendous service. Looking around the dining room it was clear the entire restaurant were up in arms about the slow service. So, they decided to show this one waiter the meaning of "what goes around, comes around."When the Bill Came Around, They Knew Exactly What to DoWhen the server left the bill at the table, the frustrated couple left a shocking tip. They decided to leave a $100 tip on their $66 check for a 150 percent tip!The couple could empathize with the server who was polite even while "dealing with 12 tables on a short-staffed night," because they'd once been in his shoes. In a now-viral Facebook post, Makenzie shared that both she and her husband used to be servers, so they know how challenging and thankless the job can be. Their past experience prompted the couple to "make this guy's night" by leaving a generous tip. They posted their experience on Facebook not to humble brag about their act of kindness, but "as a friendly reminder to think of the entire situation, before you judge."The couple left the restaurant before the server could even thank them for their generosity, but not before leaving the overworked server with some words of encouragement. To make matters even sweeter, the couple left a heartwarming handwritten message at the bottom of their bill, reminding him he isn't alone. Their note read, "We've both been in your shoes. Paying it forward."Read Makenzie’s Story Below:“So here’s the deal. Our service tonight sucked. Took 20 minutes to get water, 40 minutes for an appetizer and over an hour for our entree. People all around us were making fun of the restaurant & how bad the service was. Yeah, it was pretty terrible. But, it was very obvious that the issue was being short staffed, not the server. He was running around like crazy and never acted annoyed with any table. At one point we counted he had 12 tables plus the bar. More than any one person could handle! As I sat there and watched him run back & forth and apologize for the wait, I said to Steven… Wow, this used to be us. Waiting tables. I don’t miss it at all and I never loved that job. I did it for the tips. Steven and I agreed it would feel good to make this guys night when he would probably be getting minimal to no tips due to slow service. We walked out before he saw this and I’m not posting this for a pat on the back. I’m just sharing this as a friendly reminder to think of the entire situation before you judge. And always always always remember where you came from.”Makenzie Schultz, FacebookRather than posting an angry review online or blasting the restaurant on Facebook, Schultz and her husband decided to take a negative situation and make it positive, recognizing that "he probably isn't going to get tips," which is how servers make ends meet. "This definitely was not the largest tip there ever was," Schultz said. "We thought it could make his night a little bit easier.""No matter how much you apologize to tables, there are going to be people rolling their eyes."Makenzie, TODAY.comDays after its initial publication, Makenzie's post gained 1.2 million likes and has since garnered over 257,000 shares and received more than 11,000 comments. Incredibly, even after all these years, those numbers keep growing, all thanks to the enduring inspiration that the couple's kind act touching the hearts of people far and wide.“Think Before You Judge” Is Easier Said Than Done, but That Doesn’t Mean We Shouldn’t TryThinking before judging is easier said than done, which is why we all sometimes need a friendly reminder. In a world where snap judgments are all too common, the couple's story reminds us of the crucial need to think before we judge. It's easy to rush to conclusions, but hasty decisions can lead to misunderstandings, bias, and missed opportunities for kindness. Their thoughtful act, despite the slow service, shows that empathy and understanding should always come before judgment. We never truly know the battles others may be fighting or the challenges they face, and by taking a moment to see things from their perspective, we can create a more compassionate and connected world. So, the Schultz's example encourages us all to take a step back, reflect, and offer the benefit of the doubt whenever possible, making our interactions with others more positive and meaningful.“Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around."Leo Buscaglia, American AuthorMore from Goalcast:Stranger Refuses to Sit Beside Family Who Had Children With Disabilities – Later, a Waiter Brings Them a Note From HimStruggling Waiter Doesn’t Know How He Will Pay for College – Then a Famous Customer’s Tip Leaves Him Speechless8-Year-Old Finds Out His Favorite Waffle House Waiter Is Hiding a Secret – Doesn’t Hesitate to Raise $64,000 for Him

Mom Has to Raise Her Kids Alone After Her Husband Leaves Her - Then a Neighbor Gathers Courage to Knock on Her Door for This Reason
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Mom Has to Raise Her Kids Alone After Her Husband Leaves Her - Then a Neighbor Gathers Courage to Knock on Her Door for This Reason

Being a single mom is akin to juggling a multitude of responsibilities, with financial strains, emotional stress, and the constant balance of work and family. Mallory Mason, residing in Canton, Ohio, knows this reality all too well, having recently found herself raising her children alone after her husband left unexpectedly.Navigating the storm of single parenthood, Mallory was facing the challenges head-on, unaware that a heartwarming surprise was on the horizon. Enter John, her neighbor, whose unexpected act of kindness left Mallory and the entire community in awe.Why One Man Knocked on a Single Mom’s DoorIn a heart-touching video that has now been deleted on TikTok, Mallory captured the moment when John, with tear-filled eyes, gathered the courage to knock on her door and offered more than just sympathy. He took it upon himself to mow Mallory's lawn, a simple yet profoundly meaningful gesture that brought tears to both their eyes. The sheer unspoken understanding and support left Mallory overwhelmed with gratitude."This MAN broke my heart as he looked at me! He has tear-filled eyes and I myself couldn't help but cry! He blessed us by mowing this b*tch of a lawn. I can't thank him enough! I ran in and made cookies and Paxton painted him a picture," Mallory shared on TikTok.Struck by the genuine kindness of a neighbor in a world often clouded by challenges, Mallory decided to pay it forward. Touched by John's selfless acts, she initiated a GoFundMe campaign in his honor. Despite facing her own struggles, Mallory's heart swelled with the desire to recognize and support the person who had become a beacon of hope in her life."John had heard that my husband left me and the kids. John, out of the kindness of his heart, has been mowing my lawn. Just hoping to bless him," Mallory expressed on the GoFundMe page.How One Man Proved Small Gestures Have a Big ImpactJohn's humble act of mowing a lawn became a symbol of compassion, sparking a ripple effect of generosity. Mallory's initiative to raise funds for John gained traction as the community rallied behind the cause. It wasn't just about the lawn; it was about recognizing and celebrating the unsung heroes like John, whose empathy turned ordinary days into extraordinary ones.In a world often marred by challenges and uncertainties, John's simple act radiated kindness and showcased the power of community support. His tear-filled eyes and the sound of a lawnmower became a testament to the fact that, even in the storms of life, there are neighbors willing to share the umbrella.As Mallory's GoFundMe exceeded expectations, it became a collective celebration of compassion, proving that the smallest gestures can create a profound impact. John, the unassuming neighbor, became a symbol of hope, and Mallory's gratitude echoed the sentiments of many who had experienced unexpected kindness in their lives.In the end, this heartwarming story teaches us that, despite life's challenges, there are everyday heroes among us, ready to make a difference, one lawn at a time.More from Goalcast:Dad Dumps 80,000 Pennies in Child Support on Estranged Daughter’s Lawn – Her Response Is Absolute GoldTwo 11-Year-Olds Are Caught in the Act – “Lawnmower Man” Gifts Them New Equipment to Start a Business“Serving Those in Need”: Firefighters Mow Lawn of Unexpected 95-Year-Old Struggling to Cut His Own Grass

Man in First Class Notices Passenger Waiting to Board Flight - Stops Her and Utters a Sentence That Confuses Her
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Man in First Class Notices Passenger Waiting to Board Flight - Stops Her and Utters a Sentence That Confuses Her

*Featured image contains photo by cottonbro studio*This story appeared on the Love What Matters FacebookEveryone wants to feel seen and appreciated in life. But sometimes, simply telling another person how much they mean to us just isn’t enough. Sometimes, we need to show others how meaningful their contributions are through our own actions.That’s exactly what one stranger did on a flight one day, and his actions resonated with passengers throughout the plane.A Simple “Mistake”One day, a woman named Jessica Titus was boarding a plane and getting ready to find her seat for the long haul ahead. In front of her was a woman in an army uniform doing the exact same thing. As they walked past the pre-boarded first-class passengers, a man who had been looking in their direction stood up.According to a Facebook post, the man stopped the servicewoman.“Sorry ma’am, I’m in your seat,” he told her.The woman was confused because she was not assigned the pricier, first-class seat. But the man insisted and asked her which seat was printed on her ticket.“What? No — I’m 31B,” she responded.The man then took his stuff and went to seat 31B, leaving his cushy first-class seat for the woman to enjoy instead.Kindness in ActionIt wasn’t a mistake or a mix-up. The man knew very well that the woman was flying coach, but he also wanted to acknowledge all of the sacrifices this stranger made for him and their country. So he did something simple and sweet without making any show about it.For a few hours, this woman got to experience a bit of luxury thanks to a stranger giving up his seat. It was a small action with rippling effects.That’s because Jessica, the woman who recounted the story, decided to pay it forward. Inspired by this man’s action, she sent a note and some money his way after they had all settled in.“Please accept a drink or snack on me,” she wrote. “If everyone treated people the way you treated the servicewoman, the world would be a better place.”Ultimately, the man didn’t take Jessica up on her offer, but many people deplaned feeling better about the world that day.The Importance of ActionOften in life, we know that people need our help or our kindness. So we reach out and tell them that if they need anything, we’re there to help or listen. Those thoughts are always appreciated, but sometimes it’s even better to take action like this man did.Sometimes people don’t know how to ask for help. Other times, they’re in a hard place and don’t necessarily even know what they need. Those are the moments when it’s time to step in and offer something tangible.Perhaps you can send a hot meal or voucher someone’s way when they’re overwhelmed and unable to cook. Maybe a friend needs someone to come over and watch the kids for a few hours while they run out to take care of an important errand or enjoy a rare night out. A curated gift basket or a "Thinking of You" card can also go a long way.Or, if this man inspires you and you want to do a small act of kindness for a stranger, consider letting someone in front of you in line at the bank. Let someone else take a coveted parking spot the next time two of you pull up simultaneously. Or bring dog treats with you on your next walk and see if you can offer one to a passing owner and their pooch.As this story proves, words are appreciated. But sometimes, it’s the acts of kindness that are truly what we need.More from Goalcast:Man Is Unable to Calm His Fussy Niece on Flight – Then, a Passenger Approaches Them and Reaches for the Overhead BinAirline Refuses to Let Man Board Flight With His Newborn – Then an Elderly Woman Takes Them Both AwayFlight Attendant Finds Passenger’s Hungry Baby Crying – Gives the Child Something Only She Could in That Moment

Student Is Unable to Walk at Graduation, so Teacher Gives Shoes off His Own Feet - But He Asks for a Favor in Return
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Student Is Unable to Walk at Graduation, so Teacher Gives Shoes off His Own Feet - But He Asks for a Favor in Return

Graduation should be an exciting time in a student's career where they can celebrate their achievements with their family, teachers, and peers. You did all the hard work already, now it's time to celebrate your achievements. You'd think walking across the stage to get your diploma would be no big deal right? But for the people who struggle with stage fright? The hard work feels far from over.It's true when they say "our body keeps the score." Some of us can still remember that presentation we had to give in front of our whole class, where we choked. Now every time our boss calls on us at work? We may not know it, but that same fear comes up. We dread getting up in front of our co-workers and fumbling our words. We could be an expert rocket scientist, whose cutting edge research is changing the face of modern tech...and still our stomach is in knots at the thought of public speaking!Thankfully, one teacher at George Mason Elementary in Richmond, Virginia understood how big of an impact these seemingly small moments -- like walking across an award stage without tripping -- can make in our lives.When one of his students nearly missed out on his graduation, this selfless teacher came to the rescue with an act of kindness. How One Teacher Was at the Right Place at the Right TimeVohn Lewis, a substitute teacher known as 'Mr. Lewis' at George Mason Elementary, noticed an embarrassed fifth grader's frustration, when his broken shoe threatened his ability to cross the stage at graduation. The good news was, Mr. Lewis had a solution and he didn't hesitate to act.The student's parents and his guidance counsellor were at a crossroads after several failed arts and craft attempts at fixing the broken shoe. The sticky situation could have gotten a lot more desperate if Mr. Lewis hadn't walked in when he did.“I wasn’t thinking. I just moved with my heart," he said.In no time at all, Mr. Lewis was standing in his socks in the school hallway, swapping shoes with his student.Leading by Example Is the Best TeacherIn a now-private Facebook post, Lewis’ act of kindness went viral. The school took notice of his act of kindness, saying Lewis is often observed encouraging students from all grade levels and walks of life.“He demonstrates my mantra 'Children First!'” George Mason Elementary Principal, Rose Ferguson said, “He serves with a true heart of passion! We’re not surprised at his actions on yesterday and we’re proud to have him as part of the Mason Family!!”With his quick thinking, Mr. Lewis gave us all a lesson in leading with love, but the school wasn't out just yet! After Mr. Lewis handed over his shoes, he asked the young boy for a simple favor in return.“I told him that he had to make a promise to me because it was nothing for me to do something like that for him,” Lewis told the station. “But he has to keep in mind that one day he’s going to be in the position of Mr. Lewis and he has to do the same thing.”Kindness Is a Muscle, Exercise It!At the end of the day, change starts with us. It really is true when Gandhi said "Be the change you want to see in the world." Even though it's easy to tell ourselves we don't have the power to make an impact or we're not in the position to enact change, be careful to not let the feeling of powerlessness be an excuse for inaction. You don't have to be a teacher to set a good example for those around you. You don't need to be Nelson Mandela to change the world. Honestly, you don't even need to change the world. But smiling at your 17-year-old Starbucks barista when they mess up your coffee order, is better than nothing!“People will never forget how you make them feel. Character is so important in life, you should always be willing to give and always willing to be a blessing to someone else.”- George Mason Elementary Teacher, Vohn Lewis.We don't have control over where life takes us. So many of life's curveballs (big or small) are out of our hands. Most of the time, we aren't in control of how people or life itself act towards us -- but the way we react to situations is something we are in charge of. We may not always get it perfect, but the more we practice, the better chance we have at getting it right. If we start looking at "kindness" as a muscle we exercise, instead of a personality trait we (do or don't) have, then we'd all be standing the school hallway with our socks off...and that's a vision worth aspiring to.More from Goalcast:Inspired by Her Son’s Dying Wish, Woman Graduates From College in His Place With the Highest RankWoman Gives Birth to Baby Boy – Less Than 24 Hours Later, She Rushes to Graduate College With a PhDImmigrant Janitor Graduates From Nursing School – And Works at the Same Hospital He Used to Clean

Bullied Student Finds a Crowd Gathered at the School Gym - The Reason Why Goes Viral
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Bullied Student Finds a Crowd Gathered at the School Gym - The Reason Why Goes Viral

Bullying is an extremely stressful situation for anyone; as a child, it negatively effects their social, physical, emotional, and mental health. It is found to be linked to depression, anxiety, and low self esteem.When a South Carolina student, Tae Moore saw that his classmate, Taylor Bates was being bullied for the way he looked and dressed, he decided to treat him with kindness. He went out of his way to buy Bates a new pair of Jordans. This incident was captured in a video by Tae’s friends and was posted online, after which it immediately went viral.An Act of KindnessWhen Tae saw his classmate being bullied, he reached out to him and asked for his shoe size and told him to meet him the next day at the school gym. Confused and nervous, Bates went to him and saw that a small crowd had gathered.Upon seeing him arrive, Tae walked towards Bates and showed him the new Retro 1 Jordans that he had bought for him. Bates was shocked when Tae reached down to tie the laces of his new shoes. Tae assured him and told Taylor to let him know whenever someone bullied him. They shared a hug and Tae was left speechless and teary.A Viral PostLater that day, Tae posted on his social media about the incident to set an example for his peers. This kid go to our school named Eazy-E. He likes to rap and etc., he said he wants to be a rapper, just trying to chase his dream but kids at school like to bully him and pick on him and talk about the way he dresses and looks, so I went and bought him some Jordan’s.Tae MooreTaylor responded to the post and thanked him for his kindness.“He said, ‘I heard people have been bullying you, so I wanted to get you these to make you feel better, and when he said that I hugged him and I almost cried, and I cannot thank him enough,'” Taylor commented.Treat People With CompassionUsually, people who are bullied feel ashamed to speak up about it to their parents or school authorities as they often feel like a burden to others. The scars of bullying remains even when the bully isn’t physically present. In such times, support and kindness shown from fellow classmates can help them speak up for themselves. Tae’s compassion not only warmed Taylor's heart, but also made him feel like he has someone to rely on while fighting his battles.More from Goalcast:Girl Is Bullied for Her “Cursed” Skin – Today, After Proving Everyone Wrong, She’s Become a Famous ModelBullied Boy Loses Hope After a Priceless Gift From His Grandmother Is Stolen – But His Best Friends Feel OtherwiseGirl Who ‘Can’t Smile’ Is Constantly Bullied by Classmates – Years Later, Proves Everyone Wrong and Becomes a Supermodel

Man Realizes His 77-Year-Old Former Teacher Is Living in His Car - Gets Him Back on His Feet
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Man Realizes His 77-Year-Old Former Teacher Is Living in His Car - Gets Him Back on His Feet

En route to work every day, Steve Nava noticed something peculiar: a man sitting in a vehicle near his house. With time, he realized that he wasn't carpooling or waiting for someone. "I noticed that he had all of his belongings in his car, and that's when I realized he was homeless," Steve Nava to NBC Los Angeles.Out of PlaceWhen he looked closer, Nava realized that it wasn't just anyone, rather 77-year-old José Villaruel, affectionately known as 'Mr. V,' a former substitute teacher in Southern California.After talking to him, Nava learned that Villaruel was homeless during the pandemic and was living out of his car. Still, Nava found out that it wasn't the worst part. "I spoke to Mr. V, and he told me that the only source of income was a monthly Social Security check, and that most of that money was sent to his wife who is very ill in Mexico."The Community Rallied Around Their Favorite TeacherHearing his plight, Nava's decision was simple. "I had a mission to help the teacher who was going through a difficult time during the pandemic," Nava said. With that, he found him a hotel and gave him $300. However, Nava didn't stop there as he took to Twitter asking his peers for help along with starting a GoFundMe page. “Mr. V was a great, funny, and helpful educator and substitute teacher in the Fontana Unified School District,” Nava wrote. “He’s struggled with getting back on his feet after the pandemic hit and has been living in his car ever since, despite the brutal weather and living conditions. This fundraiser is to help him out financially and (to get him) back to normal life.” A Life-Changing Birthday GiftThe reaction was overwhelming. Former students shared fond memories of Mr. V.One former student tweeted "Made me shed a tear knowing he subbed for my classes easily a dozen times. And crazy my lil bro also got subbed by him in hs few years after 💔.""He was always so sweet when I had him as a sub :( Thank you so much for looking out for him I hope you reach your goal for him!!!" added another. Along with students, county employees, the Sheriff's office, and even the Fontana mayor's office got involved spreading the word. The efforts paid off, raising $27,000 in just three days, crushing Nava's goal of $15,000.As destiny would have it, Villaruel’s birthday was that week. So, surrounded by former students, he was presented with the check for $27,000 amidst a chorus of "Happy Birthday." It was a gift like no other. It is an experience of my life that will be kept for the rest of my life. I carry it in my heart. I felt that something was going to happen, that things were going to change, and it happened suddenly when I least expected it.José 'Mr. V' VillaruelPaying It ForwardNava told TODAY that the message sent to Mr. V meant far more than the money. "I want him to feel that he’s cared and loved by all those who he’s helped along the years," he said.We all have one or two teachers who've made a difference in our lives. They challenge us, encourage us to think bigger, and most of all, inspire us to be our best selves at times when we're still discovering who we are. And they probably have no clue. You don't need to go to Nava's length to say thank you, small gestures move mountains. Now if you'll excuse me, I'm going to find Mr. Ford to thank him for making Biology class a blast. More from Goalcast:Homeless Boy Who Has Nothing Begs on the Streets to Survive – Then, He Changes Two Lives With One Swift MoveHigh School Teacher Shocks His Wife by Coming Up With a “Secret” Plan Involving His Best StudentStudents Learn Their Teacher Walks 5 Miles to School Each Day – So They Come Up With This Incredible Gift

Utility Worker Notices a Very Upset Woman at Burger King - When She Finds Out What He Did, She Tracks Him Down
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Utility Worker Notices a Very Upset Woman at Burger King - When She Finds Out What He Did, She Tracks Him Down

Imagine the scene: you're idling in the fast-food drive-thru lane, tallying up your order in your head as you inch closer to the window. You're ready to pay, but then something remarkable happens. The cashier utters those magical words: "Your meal's already paid for."It's an unexpected act of kindness that can leave anyone surprised and moved. And that's precisely what happened to one fortunate woman, all thanks to Calvin Godette, an unassuming utility worker from Chesterfield.What One Utility Worker Did for a Grieving WidowPhoto by RDNE Stock projectOn an ordinary Thursday, Calvin found himself in his routine -- grabbing a quick bite from a Burger King drive-thru. However, something caught his eye: the woman in the car in front of him wasn't just searching for change; she seemed stressed and "very upset," burdened by the weight of a bad day.“I could tell she was having a bad day. She seemed really overwhelmed,” Calvin said.But Calvin, he's no ordinary guy. Instead of just offering a sympathetic nod, he decided to act. He paid for her meal without her ever knowing.When the woman, named Denise Walters, discovered what Calvin had done, she was beyond grateful. Moved by this unexpected gesture of goodwill, she shared her story on social media, and it quickly went viral. And thanks to a phone number on his truck, she was able to track him down. “I was a woman on a mission,” Denise told NBC12. “I was going to make sure that this man was recognized.”Denise had been grappling with the recent loss of her husband of 41 years, and Calvin's act of kindness was like a ray of sunshine breaking through the clouds.“Those few days leading up to June 1 were probably the hardest days of my life,” Denise told NBC12. “Some people just think, oh, it’s such a small gesture. It made me feel like there was a light at the end of the tunnel.”Denise's post catapulted Calvin to local hero status overnight. Yet, he shrugged off the attention, insisting that doing something nice for someone was just second nature to him.But Calvin's act of kindness didn't go unnoticed. Chesterfield County recognized his extraordinary gesture by honoring him with a Certificate of Recognition, usually reserved for those who've done something exceptional for their community. During the ceremony, county officials praised Calvin's compassion and community spirit, considering him the embodiment of the county's values.How One Man Proved a Small Gesture Can Make a Big ImpactHowever, for Calvin, the true reward wasn't a certificate or accolades. He confided that seeing Denise's smile was more than enough for him. In his eyes, her happiness was the ultimate reward. "I told her, I said, 'You may have lost a husband, but you gained a family,'" Calvin said.And it's worth noting that Calvin is no stranger to acts of kindness and going above and beyond. His boss, Chesterfield Utility Director Tom Rigatti, attested to his exceptional nature, highlighting how Calvin consistently goes the extra mile not just for the county but for the people of the community.At the ceremony, Calvin was reunited with Denise, and he continued to shower her with kindness by giving her an envelope of money to buy flowers for her late husband.Calvin's story should serve as a gentle nudge for all of us. When we find ourselves in situations where a simple act of kindness can brighten someone's day, we should consider doing a "Calvin." It's these small gestures that can turn someone's bad day into a good one.In the grand scheme of things, Calvin Godette has shown us that transformative power can be harnessed through small acts of generosity. His simple act of paying for a meal ignited a ripple effect of kindness that extended far beyond that drive-thru window.With a heart full of compassion, Calvin reminds us that the potential for goodness is always within us, just waiting to be shared with the world.More from Goalcast:Rich Widower Shocks Relatives by Leaving $276,000 to Hotel Bellboy After His Death – Has a Heartwarming Reason WhyLonely and Widowed 82-Year-Old Goes Over to New Neighbor’s House – Little Did They Both Know What Was Coming NextWidow Remarries Years Later – Asks Her Previous Husband’s Dad Onto the Dance Floor for This Reason

Sanitation Workers Always Wave to Little Girl During Their Route - Until One Day Her Parents Give Them a Shocking Note
Uplifting News

Sanitation Workers Always Wave to Little Girl During Their Route - Until One Day Her Parents Give Them a Shocking Note

Sanitation workers have a thankless job. Day in and day out, garbage men and women make their rounds, collecting and disposing of what we throw out to the curb. They work long, physical days and often never meet the people they’re serving. It’s a messy job.Brandon Olsen and Taylor Fritz are two such sanitation workers who work for Hometown Sanitation Services in Blue Earth, Minnesota. One day along their route, they saw three little girls waving vigorously at them from the window. It put a smile on their faces as they continued working hard. They waved goodbye and continued along their route.Finding Joy in RoutinePexels/ Artem MakarovThe next week, the girls were there again — and then again the following week. Soon, Olsen and Fritz began looking forward to this part of their route because they knew the girls would be there every time. One of them would even appear with binoculars, trying to get a closer look at the garbage collection. All three would wave wildly as Olsen and Fritz through their garbage backs into the back of the truck. On the occasional day where the men would arrive before the girls were at the window, they’d pause a little in their work and wait for them. “It could warm anyone’s heart, seeing those girls wave,” said Fritz.It was such a simple thing, but it made all the difference in the men’s day. Seeing the girls so happy when they pulled up in their big garbage truck was a gift. It was the best part of their job. And running to the window to wave to the two garbage men continued to be one of the family’s favourite traditions. The friendship between the workers and the family grew, and it all started with just a wave from afar. Everyone looked forward to the weekly ritual.A Shock for the Garbage MenOne Halloween, Olsen and Fritz made up little treat bags for the girls and dropped them off along their route. The girls’ parents, Aaron and Angie, were touched by these men going above and beyond their job. The girls wrote thank you cards and drew pictures for their favourite garbage men. Olsen and Fritz were delighted. They keep them handy to remind themselves how much they’re appreciated.There was also a note from the girls’ parents, though, and this one made the smiles disappear from the men’s faces. The note read, in part: “We may miss you some Thursdays upcoming; our 3-year-old girl was diagnosed with cancer and has chemo on Thursdays.”The girl who grabbed the binoculars each week to get a better view is Rose. At just three years old, she was diagnosed with Stage 4 kidney cancer. The cancer had spread to her lungs, and Rose would have to undergo chemotherapy and radiation treatments. She and her family would now spend much of their time at the hospital.Rose so loved seeing the garbage men each week, and a special bond had formed between them and Rose’s family. Angie didn’t want the men to think the girls had just lost interest. She felt the need to explain why they wouldn’t be at the window on Thursdays anymore for some time.Olsen and Fritz were gutted. They had had no idea what the family was going through. “I have three kids of my own. I could never imagine it,” Olsen said.A Small Gesture With a Big ImpactThey wanted to do something for the family, but what? As Hometown Sanitation Services workers, they were entitled to free garbage pickup at their own homes. The men approached their boss and said they wanted to give their benefit to Rose’s family. And so Hometown Sanitation Services sent Aaron and Angie a letter informing them that they would be receiving free garbage pickup, as a small gesture to make things easier for them in the upcoming year.“I started crying,” Angie said. “It was only a few weeks out from the diagnosis. Sometimes it’s hard to be positive, but little things like what Hometown did are helping us limp along.”“It really brightened our day…just that they cared,” said Aaron.The men kept the family — and the girls’ drawings — close to their hearts. They missed the girls and thought of them often. So a couple months later, they brought the girls presents for Christmas. “We miss them when they’re gone, but we make up for it when they’re back,” said Olsen.A gesture as simple as a wave, an act of kindness to ease someone else’s burden. It’s the little things in life that make all the difference. And you never know just how far one act of kindness will go.More from Goalcast:Woman Sets Up a Camera at Her Elderly Mom’s House – Finds Out the Truth About Her Relationship With a Sanitation Worker82-Year-Old With Dementia Disappears Into the Freezing Cold – One Sanitation Worker Doesn’t Hesitate to Carry Her Into His Truck

Fifth Grader Notices School Crossing Guard Getting Drenched in the Rain - His Response Surprised Everyone for the Right Reasons
Uplifting News

Fifth Grader Notices School Crossing Guard Getting Drenched in the Rain - His Response Surprised Everyone for the Right Reasons

In the heart of Cleveland, Ohio, a fifth-grader named Karl West displayed a heartwarming act of chivalry and kindness on a rainy day, leaving a profound impact on those around him.As the rain poured down, Karl found himself waiting for his mother, Monique, to pick him up after school at Garfield Elementary. Amidst the wet weather, he noticed Barbara Dunn, a crossing guard, diligently assisting students to safely cross the street.What a Fifth Grader Did for His School Crossing GuardPhoto by Mathias RedingDespite her dedication, Barbara couldn't protect herself from the rain as she focused on her duties. Touched by her selflessness, Karl knew he had to do something. With a heart full of empathy, he rushed to show his support.The young boy appeared by Barbara's side, holding an umbrella to shield her from the downpour until his mother picked him up. In a simple yet powerful gesture, Karl's kindness illuminated the rainy day and warmed the hearts of all who witnessed it.Monique, proud of her son's compassionate nature, shared, "He saw that the crossing guard wasn't able to use her umbrella, so he just stood out there while she was walking the other students back and forth. That's who he is — if he sees someone who needs help, just out of his own heart, he just wanted to help. He said he felt bad that she was in the rain."One person who recognized the significance of Karl's good deed was Chris Ronayne, a candidate for Cuyahoga County executive. Capturing the touching moment, Chris shared a photo on social media, causing the act of kindness to reach thousands of appreciative hearts.In a world that can sometimes feel cold and distant, Karl's simple act of caring brought warmth to countless people. When asked about his thoughtful gesture, he humbly stated, "You should always help crossing guards if your mom or parent is not there because they do a lot for you."How One Little Boy Proved Small Gestures Have a Big ImpactKarl's mother beamed with pride as she described her son as "kindhearted and a gentleman." She had always encouraged her children to lend a helping hand to those in need, knowing that such acts of compassion can make a world of difference.Monique said Karl is the same way at home as well. "Every morning he'll start the car. When it's snowing out, he'll brush off the car. That's just who he is, he's a gentleman."And when Karl's school principal Jacob Bosley showed Barbara the powerful photo, she almost cried. "When I told [Barbara] about the photo and showed her the photo last week, I thought she was gonna cry," Bosley says. "She was just so excited, and so touched. Great job Karl."This heartwarming tale serves as a powerful reminder that a single act of kindness can ripple through the lives of many, leaving behind a trail of warmth and inspiration. Karl's empathy and selflessness shine as a beacon of hope, reminding us all that in our own little ways, we can brighten someone's day and make this world a better place.So, the next time you see someone in need, remember Karl's shining example. Whether it's a rainy day or a moment of struggle, let us be like this young hero, ready to extend our umbrella of kindness and support to those around us. In our collective effort to spread love and compassion, we can create a world that is brighter, warmer, and filled with the joy of caring for one another.More from Goalcast:Crossing Guard Notices Some Kids Have Been Lying About Their Winter Jackets – She Responds With Remarkable Gesture4-Foot-8 Crossing Guard Notices Stranger Grabbing Little Girl – Jumps Into Action To Stop Abduction