Stories of Kindness from Around the World

The Urgency of Smiling

A dear friend recently shared a homemade smile card experience with me: Ever since yesterday, I've had this urge to pay forward someone's coffee. But I didn't have a smile card.  The urgency of bringing a smile to someone's face was so great, however, that, today, I decided to do it anyway! :)   While at a cafe, I anonymously paid for the coffee of the next person, and  though I didn't have a smile card, I put together a lovely hand-written message. It read:   Dear One,   You are being tagged. Your coffee is being paid for as a "gift of love". If you chose, you can pay it forward. Simply Smile and enjoy your coffee.   Much Love, Moi     Who knew that such good things can happen, when we realize the beautiful urgency of smiling! :)     ... Read Full Story >>

"Difficult" Delores

Many of the senior citizens I care for suffer from dementia and Alzheimer's. Each individual suffers from their disease in various ways and not one person is the same. At times, it can be a terribly sad thing to see, but it's another unfortunate fact of life. The majority of those I care for actually handle it quite well. But, as can be expected, some of them get beyond frustrated. One such person is Delores. I know she means well, but she acts out when she gets confused. Often times, she is very stubborn. In these instances, she refueses to eat or bathe-- or take part in all the basic neccesities. Usually we have to entice her, tell her that she has friends there. But there is one thing Dolores absolutely looks forward to, and that is attending Sunday mass. She has been going to church since she was a kid, and it's one thing that has not ... Read Full Story >>

Chapatis and Chili

My mother has always had a soft heart for beggars and anyone in need. When she lived in India, people would come to see her from far off villages. They would bring herbs and some organic home grown vegetables. She always cherished such gifts, and cooked them at home with love. After reading a kindness story, I was reminded of her and a story she told me once: Years ago, when my mother was in the early months of her pregnancy with me, she was very sick. She could not eat anything-- any food or drink would make her nauseous, and give her an upset stomach. In this condition, sleepy and hungry, she yearned to eat and drink--even just water. One afternoon, there was a knock at the door. When she went to open it, she found herself facing an extremely scorching hot day-- the temperature was probably around 40 degrees Celsius. Then she ... Read Full Story >>

$3 And A Smile

I always carry at least $3 in my car and also in my pocket. I save it for the first person who asks if I can "spare some change". Smiling and maintaining eye contact, I always respond very cheerfully with a comment like, "Yes, I would love to" or, "It would be my pleasure". And I give them the $3.    Then I replace it with my next $3 for the next person. I never spend this money myself. I honor the idea that it is the possession of the next person who asks for it. Three dollars is a small amount, yet it means a lot to the person who might only expect 25 cents, especially when delivered with respect.   I have also taken to carrying items I think the needy may be able to use. I carry hats, socks, gloves, and an umbrella. Recently I put together some care packages for ... Read Full Story >>

Free And Fair - The Gratiferia

One of the new residents in our town in the Andes Mountains started a Gratiferia. It is held every Sunday in the central park from 10:30 to 1 p.m. A Gratiferia means free and fair, it means you bring whatever you no longer need that could still be useful to someone else, and whoever is in need of what you brought can take if for free.

The Christmas Stranger

I live in Scotland. The bedrooms at the side of the house look out over the Cellardyke harbour with the front entrance and windows directly onto the road facing the Haven Restaurant. I stood at the kitchen window looking out; what houses I could see were brightly lit, families together - husbands and sons home from the sea. It was in the days between Christmas, that time of goodwill to all men and the New Year, a time when we usually pledge our good intentions of change. The streets were bare, not a soul to be seen.    Then, in the lee of the wall by the restaurant, a figure moved, slowly and with care, as though to deny he was there, standing cold and hungry at this time of celebration and cheer. It was an old tramp, a Man O' The Road. He had long straggly hair, and a grey beard. His ... Read Full Story >>

A Mexican Happy Meal

When on vacation in Mexico I always enjoyed buying the wares of the young Mexican vendors; chicklets, candies, blankets ... Actually, I don't care what their wares are I just want to buy them! It never ceases to amaze me that kids aged 3 to 5 are actually working, and it may well be the work they will do the rest of their lives because if the family is poor enough to have the kids working at these ages, you know they are not going to school and will very likely get caught in the poverty trap.   On one trip there my wife Cory and I went to McDonald's for a hamburger. (Yes, we were a little home-sick!) As we went in there was a woman begging at the door. She had with her a young boy who I would guess was about 2 years old. I sat and watched him ... Read Full Story >>

Selling The Cowboy Caddy

My husband has always had a huge affection for older people and has helped out several elderly friends in the past, but this story is different!  Mr Daves fished the same lake as my husband John for over 15 years. A friendship developed but when Mrs Daves died, five years ago, it left Mr Daves alone. They had no children and after sixty years of marriage he was lost. So John took Mr Daves fishing with him every time he went - which was often. Mr. Daves was very energetic for 80 years old and never tired of being with John.    A few years later Mr Daves had a stroke that paralyzed his right side. He lost his speech and was put into a nursing home. Confined to his bed and unable to communicate Mr Daves began to suffer from depression. This almost broke John's heart.    He finally got permission from the nursing ... Read Full Story >>

Four Years Of Raising Smiles

It has been four years since I got my first set of Smile cards!  At that time my family and I were living in a travel trailer. Since then I have gave out over 400 Smile cards (I've lost count!) I am so glad to have done so many good things for others. Now it is four years later, things are better for my family, and I'm still giving out Smile cards! Today I gave out my largest gift yet - a $40 gift certificate to an upscale restaurant!    I have spent weeks trying to find someone upbeat and nice to give it to. I finally found someone today. My daughter went into a place to get her haircut and the young gal who cut her hair was very nice and did a great job. So I gave her the envelope with the gift in it and left a couple of dollars tip.   I ... Read Full Story >>

World Kindness Week Day 4 - Smoothies On Campus

I was walking around a college campus today (not my own) and I picked up two smoothies with the intention of giving them away.

World Kindness Week Day 3- A 100 Days Of Kindness

Yesterday I made a decision to do an act of kindness every day for 100 days and write it on a chart.  It can be something really small.  No sooner had I made my decision than an opportunity came along.

I saw a little girl lose the ribbon from her hair.  He mum didn't notice.  I ran over, picked it up and went running after them.  I gave the mum the ribbon and she gave me something - a lovely smile.

I think it will be fun looking for opportunities to be kind.

World Kindness Week Day 2 - Alvin, The School Bus Driver

I took the bus to school every day when I was in grade school. Alvin, our bus driver, came by every morning at 8:00 to pick us up.   We were lower income families. My parents barely made ends meet for them and five of us kids.   Alvin picked up around twenty kids in our area and dropped us off after school. About once a month he would make a stop at the local drive-in. Someone would come out and ask each of us if we wanted an ice cream or a drink. Alvin would pay for the whole bus out of his own pocket.  The kindness that he showed was amazing.  We didn't get treats like that too often and they are fondly remembered.     I remember him picking us up at the end of the school year and taking us to his home for a barn dance. He would provide drinks and ... Read Full Story >>

World Kindness Day - Started It Off With Gratitude

Hello my kind friends! Happy World Kindness Day! As today starts World Kindness Week I have dedicated myself to doing at least one kind act each day. Today I decided to focus on sharing my gratitude with many of the folks I appreciate. So I spent most of the evening sending out notes around the world to people who have helped shape my kindness character. There are some groups behind the scenes here at HelpOthers that work so hard to spread smiles. I sent notes to them, as I do not even know all of the wonderful people out there but I know what they do matters to me! As I wrote each one I felt an enormous amount of gratitude and love for them. It made me feel great and I know will matter to them too. Many individuals along the way (many of you included) have touched my life in ways ... Read Full Story >>

Free-cycle TV

My husband and I just bought a new television.

Birthday Party In A Box

Annie, a neighbor's daughter, was away for her first semester at college this past school year. She is a very sweet girl but just a bit shy. When her birthday month came around I found out she was feeling a bit blue and lonely.   Her family is quite small and finances are tight so there wouldn't be any birthday visitors.     I wanted to send her a card and maybe a small gift to brighten her day a bit. I got her school address from her Mom and planned to simply pick something up and send it. Then I got an idea!     I thought perhaps a bit more birthday cheer was needed here. I bought some balloons, streamers, birthday hats, and other small novelties at a dollar store.    I took a small recorder and asked three other people in my area at work to sing Happy Birthday and send some birthday wishes ... Read Full Story >>

Cool Water For Pool Cleaners

Wednesday is the day where the pool cleaners come around here. 

Celebrate World Kindness Week!

"This is my simple religion.  There is no need for temples; no need for complicated philosophy.  Our own brain, our own heart is our temple; the philosophy is kindness." -- Dalai Lama  Dear HO family,  Please join us in celebrating World Kindness Week this year from Nov. 13 - Nov 20th! This year, for World Kindness Week, we are asking the Help Others community to join us in participating in our Kindness Challenge - doing one random act of kindness every day this week!   If you are looking around for ideas, you don't have to look too far!  We have tons of kindness ideas on our site that might help.  We are also including some of our favorite kindness ideas below for you to share with your friends in celebration of World Kindness Week!  Enjoy the Kindness Challenge and thank you for helping to spread the ripples of kindness and inspiration to ... Read Full Story >>

A Heavenly Butterfly

My mom is pretty much bed-bound and I come over twice a week, or whenever she needs me to.   Last week the weather was absolutely beautiful so I decided to take her out on the porch for some fresh air. I helped her out to her lounger, then went back to get her tea, her back support, her heating pad, and her blanket because her legs are always cold. By the time I did all that I was ready to sit down and enjoy the calmness and a nice long talk with my mom.     She started to talk about God and how she felt her time was coming and I told her that God is always with us. Just then a butterfly flew onto the porch and landed on my mom's shoulder.     "See," I told her. "Here's God now!"     That butterfly lifted her spirits so much that for the next ... Read Full Story >>

Leaving 'Crumbs' of Kindness at Grocery Store

 I once read an article about people who leave money around for other people to find. It sounded like fun, so I started doing it years ago. I live on Social Security, so needless to say I'm not dropping any hundred dollar bills. But, usually at the grocery store, I will leave a dollar on the shelves here and there, and quarters on the lower shelves for the kids.

Knitting For Soweto

I knit for the little children abandoned in Soweto because of the Aids crisis.