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Kindness

Everyday generosity that compounds.

YouTube
KindnessUpworthy

A Memphis woman faced years of waiting for a kidney. Then a complete stranger saw a Facebook post.

In a heartwarming tale of serendipity and selflessness, Stacy Hobson, a Memphis woman suffering from chronic kidney disease, faced a daunting wait of five to seven years for a kidney transplant. Her determination to live fully led her to Greece, where she found peace with her uncertain future. Meanwhile, Jenny Joyner, a busy mother of three, was moved by a Facebook post about living kidney donations. This unexpected nudge led her to undergo compatibility testing, ultimately donating her kidney to Hobson. This remarkable connection, facilitated by social media and serendipitous signs, highlights the profound impact of kindness and community.

  • Hope
  • Kindness
  • Courage
YouTube
KindnessUpworthy

A rich maharaja took in 1,000 Polish kids during WWII, recreating their home on Indian soil

In the midst of the chaos and devastation of World War II, Maharaja Digvijaysinhji Ranjitsinhji Jadeja of Nawanagar offered a sanctuary to 1,000 Polish children who had been uprooted and traumatized by the war. The maharaja did not merely provide them with shelter and sustenance; he created a vibrant community that allowed these children to reclaim their childhoods. By building a settlement complete with schools, libraries, and spaces for play, and by encouraging the continuation of their cultural and religious practices, he helped them maintain their Polish identity while also embracing them as his own.

  • Kindness
  • Courage
  • Perseverance
Instagram
KindnessUpworthy

Ariana Grande surprised an NYC Marathon runner with a kind note she wrote while watching the race

In the bustling atmosphere of the NYC Marathon, where over 59,000 runners were cheered on by 200,000 spectators, a small yet heartfelt gesture added a layer of personal warmth to the grand event. Pop star Ariana Grande, attending incognito, was approached by content creator Ella Schweiger to contribute to Ella's Envelope, a project handing out kind notes to runners. Grande's participation, though understated, was a beacon of positivity, as her note, 'You did it!' signed with hearts, found its way to a runner named Ellie. The connection was serendipitous, as Ellie had been motivated by Grande's music during her grueling race.

  • Kindness
  • Gratitude
  • Love
Instagram
KindnessUpworthy

A Red Baron worker was devastated by a mean viral ‘prank.’ Strangers stepped in and changed his life.

In a poignant tale of unexpected kindness, a Michigan-based Red Baron pizza delivery worker, known as Walt Z, found his life transformed after a mean-spirited prank went viral. Initially, the prank, where a man pretended to steal $10 from Walt using Apple Pay, left the hardworking father visibly distressed. He expressed his frustration, highlighting the struggles of balancing demanding work hours with family life. However, the viral video's aftermath saw a heartwarming outpouring of public support. A stranger, Luke Oakenshield, launched a GoFundMe campaign that quickly amassed over $410,000, demonstrating the power of community empathy and action.

  • Kindness
  • Courage
  • Gratitude
Instagram
KindnessUpworthy

Gen Z girl feeds 50 families by selling 261 items on the Depop resale app and donating the money to food banks

Nicole Bjornsen, an 18-year-old from San Mateo County, California, exemplifies the spirit of giving by turning her passion for fashion into a charitable mission. By selling 261 items on the Depop app, she raised $1,654, which she split between providing fresh meals for local families and supporting the Samaritan House food bank. Inspired by her grandmother's struggles with access to nutritious food, Bjornsen's initiative, Sweet Balance & CareLink, has directly impacted over 50 families, providing more than 200 meals.

  • Gratitude
  • Hope
  • Perseverance
YouTube
KindnessUpworthy

After a man lost his arm, his cousin cheered him up by crocheting a new one, bone and all

In a remarkable act of creativity and compassion, Kevin Michael crocheted a whimsical prosthetic arm for his cousin Joe Tomasulo, who lost his arm after a motorcycle accident. This gesture wasn't just a clever play on morbid humor; it was a profound act of love and support that helped Tomasulo rediscover his joy and confidence. Michael's creation, complete with a detachable bone and artful details, stirred laughter and warmth within their family and beyond, as evidenced by the viral response it garnered online.

  • Kindness
  • Creativity
  • Humor
Instagram
KindnessUpworthy

Polish woman who smuggled 2,500 Jewish children to safety in toolboxes, suitcases, and coffins rejected WWII ‘hero’ label

Irena Sendler's story is a remarkable testament to the human capacity for courage and empathy in the face of unimaginable danger. During World War II, Sendler, a Polish Catholic social worker, orchestrated the rescue of 2,500 Jewish children from the Warsaw ghetto, using ingenious methods to smuggle them to safety. The fact that she rejected the 'hero' label, expressing instead a sense of regret for not having done more, highlights a profound humility and dedication to her cause. Her actions, driven by an upbringing that emphasized helping others regardless of their background, serve as an enduring example of selflessness.

  • Courage
  • Kindness
  • Perseverance
YouTube
KindnessGood News Network

Family That’s Fostered 500 Children Saved from Housefire Thanks to Stranger’s Wrong Turn

In a serendipitous twist of fate, a stranger named Casey stumbled upon a burning house in Georgia after his GPS mistakenly rerouted him. This error proved providential for the Burke family, who have fostered over 500 children. As smoke billowed from their home, Casey, alongside James Burke and his son, managed to rouse and evacuate the 11 children and grandchild present, just in time before the fire consumed the house and two cars.

  • Gratitude
  • Courage
  • Kindness
Instagram
KindnessUpworthy

Police in a small Indiana town visited a senior community and painted the residents’ nails

In a heartwarming gesture that transcends the traditional role of law enforcement, officers from the Kosciusko County Sheriff's Office visited the Grace Village Retirement Community in Indiana, not in response to an emergency, but to share coffee, stories, and even a bit of pampering. The visit was marked by deputies painting the nails of the senior residents, a simple yet profound act that brightened the day for many. This initiative underscores the importance of community engagement, showing that sometimes, the most meaningful service is simply being present and showing care.

  • Kindness
  • Love
  • Perspective
YouTube
KindnessGood News Network

Man Named ‘Service’ Cleans Up NYC Dumping Site on His Own Initiative

In a heartening story of individual initiative, Joshua Service, a resident of Queens, New York, took it upon himself to clean up a spontaneous dumping site under a metro bridge in Crown Heights. Frustrated by the city's delayed response to his complaint and encouraged by comments on his video, Service decided to take direct action. Armed with gloves and a rake, he filled ten trash bags with garbage, transforming the area in just two hours. His efforts did not go unnoticed; local residents expressed admiration and gratitude for his proactive approach, highlighting a community's potential to inspire change.

  • Courage
  • Perseverance
  • Kindness
YouTube
KindnessGood News Network

Minnesota Worker Jumps Onto Runaway School Bus to Save 18 Kids After Driver has Seizure

In a remarkable act of bravery and quick thinking, Ebro Ahmed, a 27-year-old Eritrean-American, became an unexpected hero in St. Paul's Dayton's Bluff neighborhood. On an ordinary Monday, Ebro was on a break from his job at Ya Bricks Snacks and Tobacco when he noticed a school bus from Battle Creek Middle School rolling by with an open door. Inside, the driver appeared to be having a seizure. Without hesitation, Ebro sprinted towards the moving bus, leapt inside, and managed to engage the parking brake, bringing the bus to a safe stop and ensuring the safety of 18 students on board.

  • Courage
  • Kindness
  • Humility
YouTube
KindnessGood News Network

Minnesota Youth Jumps Onto Runaway School Bus and Saves 18 Kids After Driver has Seizure

In a remarkable act of bravery and quick thinking, Ebro Ahmed, a 27-year-old Eritrean-American worker, intervened to stop a runaway school bus in St. Paul, Minnesota, saving 18 children and their driver. Ahmed noticed the bus rolling with its doors open and the driver incapacitated by a seizure. He sprinted towards the bus, leapt inside, and managed to engage the parking brake. His immediate actions, despite having no formal medical training, ensured the safety of all onboard until paramedics arrived.

  • Courage
  • Kindness
  • Perseverance
YouTube
KindnessGood News Network

One Teacher’s Idea for Daily Positivity Practice Sweeps Through His Elementary School

Tyler Richards, a first-grade teacher at Rex Elementary in Haysville, Kansas, has initiated a daily positivity practice that is transforming his school community. By encouraging students to recite affirmations like "I am kind" and "I can do hard things," Richards fosters a sense of self-worth and resilience in his young learners. This practice has quickly gained traction throughout the school, with other teachers adopting similar methods, and students themselves contributing new ideas for positive engagement.

  • Gratitude
  • Hope
  • Kindness
YouTube
KindnessGood News Network

Strangers Help 86-Year-Old Who’s Been Building a 62-foot Boat in his Yard Since 1987 (WATCH)

In a heartwarming tale of community and perseverance, 86-year-old Dale from Mineral Wells, Texas, is closer than ever to achieving his dream of launching a 62-foot steel boat he's been building since 1987. Despite his age and the physical challenges of moving the massive vessel from his yard, Dale's passion has inspired a wave of support, thanks to three English visitors who stumbled upon his story. Laurence Benson and his friends launched a GoFundMe campaign that quickly raised over $41,000, demonstrating the powerful impact of collective goodwill.

  • Perseverance
  • Hope
  • Kindness
YouTube
KindnessGood News Network

Retired Couple Surprised With New HVAC System Worth $16k in a ‘Feel the Love’ Program That’s Aided 3100 Folks

In a heartwarming act of community support, Diane and Brian Johnsen, a retired couple from Beaverton, Oregon, found themselves the recipients of a brand-new HVAC system valued at $16,000. This generous gift came through the Lennox 'Feel the Love' program, which has been providing essential home improvements to those in need since 2009. The couple, who had been struggling financially, were overjoyed by the surprise installation performed by Aviator Heating and Cooling, a local contractor committed to helping families in their area.

  • Gratitude
  • Kindness
  • Hope
Instagram
KindnessUpworthy

A 16-year-old busboy wrote a motto so legendary he became the co-founder of Ritz-Carlton

Horst Schulze's journey from a 16-year-old busboy in a German resort town to co-founder of Ritz-Carlton is a testament to the transformative power of vision and respect. Inspired by the dignified conduct of a maître d’ he observed, Schulze penned an essay titled 'We Are Ladies and Gentlemen Serving Ladies and Gentlemen.' This phrase encapsulated his belief in the inherent dignity of every worker, which later became the guiding ethos of the Ritz-Carlton brand—one that democratizes respect, ensuring that every employee, from dishwasher to executive, is as valued as the guests they serve.

  • Courage
  • Hope
  • Perspective
YouTube
KindnessUpworthy

Andy Grammer shares his fierce, joyful defense of optimism

Andy Grammer's journey from busking on the Santa Monica pier to becoming a multi-platinum artist is a testament to the power of optimism and action. In his conversation with Upworthy, he shares how embracing 'reckless kindness' and pursuing actions that spread positivity have not only shaped his music career but also his approach to life's challenges. His latest album, 'Big Stupid Heart,' serves as both a personal war cry and a public invitation to embrace optimism in a world that often feels overwhelming.

  • Hope
  • Courage
  • Kindness
YouTube
KindnessGood News Network

Teen Triathlete Raises More Than $30,000 to Donate Bikes and Riding Lessons to Low-Income Families

In a heartening display of youthful initiative and community spirit, 17-year-old Jonathan Thai from Alpharetta, Georgia, has transformed a simple idea into a significant community movement. Through his Pedal Forward Foundation, Thai has raised over $30,000, secured 400 bicycles, and distributed 500 helmets to low-income families. His efforts don't stop at equipment; he has also organized over a dozen community bike clinics, teaching children essential riding skills that extend far beyond recreation. Thai's work is deeply inspired by his parents' experiences in post-war Vietnam, where transportation can be a critical lifeline.

  • Gratitude
  • Hope
  • Perseverance
TikTok
KindnessUpworthy

Pamela Anderson started her ‘next chapter’ as a gardener, growing fresh produce for local food banks

Pamela Anderson, once known for her iconic role on Baywatch, is now cultivating a different kind of legacy. In her grand 15,000-square-foot garden in British Columbia, Anderson grows a variety of produce that she donates to local food banks, soup kitchens, and First Nations communities. Her gardening project, detailed on her show 'Pamela’s Garden of Eden,' is more than just a personal hobby; it is a vibrant act of community service and personal renewal. Anderson describes her garden as a metaphor for rebuilding her life, finding solace and purpose in the act of nurturing plants.

  • Gratitude
  • Hope
  • Kindness
YouTube
KindnessGood News Network

Elderly Theater Worker Surprised by $146,000 for Her Retirement Crowdfunded by Young Moviegoer

In Maryville, Tennessee, a heartwarming story unfolded when a young moviegoer, Brooklyn Green, noticed an elderly theater worker, Mary, diligently collecting trash at her local AMC. Moved by Mary's tireless work ethic, Brooklyn decided to film a short TikTok video and set up a GoFundMe page with the modest aim of covering a month's rent for Mary. To Brooklyn's amazement, the video went viral, and within a day, over $100,000 was raised, eventually totaling an impressive $146,000, allowing Mary the financial freedom to consider retirement after 45 years of dedicated service.

  • Kindness
  • Gratitude
  • Hope
Instagram
KindnessUpworthy

Lawyer shares four specific things to do for a friend going through a divorce that actually help

In the often tumultuous aftermath of a divorce, offering support can feel like navigating a complex emotional landscape. James Sexton, a seasoned divorce lawyer, distills his insights into four actionable strategies for those aiming to stand by their friends during such a challenging time. At the heart of Sexton's advice is the emphasis on meeting the individual where they are, rather than imposing one's own perceptions or needs onto the situation. This approach nurtures a more authentic connection, allowing the friend to feel truly seen and understood.

  • Kindness
  • Perspective
  • Empathy
YouTube
KindnessUpworthy

A legal secretary rode the subway to work for 67 years. Nobody knew she had $9 million.

Sylvia Bloom's story is a testament to the quiet power of perseverance and discretion. For 67 years, she worked as a legal secretary, living a seemingly modest life, while secretly amassing a fortune of $9 million by mirroring her bosses' stock trades. Her life was a blend of humble dedication and astute financial acumen, a combination that went unnoticed until her passing. Bloom's legacy, however, transcends her remarkable financial success. Her decision to allocate the majority of her wealth to scholarship funds reflects a deep commitment to education and community upliftment, providing opportunities for students who otherwise could not afford college.

  • Perseverance
  • Gratitude
  • Kindness
YouTube
KindnessGood News Network

Teen’s Wish to Return Kindness She Received Sees Her Lemonade Stand Become $5 Million Charity Engine

In a heartwarming tale of giving back, Payton Obert transformed a simple lemonade stand into a $5 million charity endeavor. Inspired by the comfort she received from a teddy bear during a hospital stay as a toddler, Payton, at the age of eight, began selling lemonade to fund toys for children in hospitals. This small gesture blossomed into Payton's Lemonade Stand, a charitable network that now spans multiple states, providing not just toys, but also food, clothing, and educational supplies to children in need.

  • Gratitude
  • Hope
  • Kindness
Vimeo
KindnessNice News

Meet the Chicago Marathon’s Famous Fundraising Nun, Plus 7 More Inspiring Runners in Marathon History

Sister Stephanie Baliga, known as the 'Fundraising Nun' of the Chicago Marathon, embodies a harmonious blend of faith and athleticism. Since founding the Mission of Our Lady of the Angels' charity team in 2011, she has raised over $3.2 million to support food pantries and community programs in Chicago's underserved neighborhoods. Her journey from a promising collegiate runner to a dedicated nun highlights the power of personal transformation and commitment to a cause greater than oneself.

  • Gratitude
  • Hope
  • Perseverance

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HopeResilienceGratitudeConnectionCourageCreativityGrowth