51st Birthday!
usually donate blood on my birthday, but I gave too recently. so, today I decided to do something a little different. I turned 51 today. So, I put 51 one-dollar bills in my pocket and surprised people around town: • Bought a Starbucks coffee for a man. • Later, bought another for a woman. • Gave a few bucks to a man asking for money on the street. • Paid for a man buying coffee for him and a friend at a different coffee house. • Bought Boba milk tea for a couple. • Paid for Taco Bell dinner for a couple. • Gave the last few bucks to the guy behind the counter at Taco Bell. Some were hesitant to accept at first until I told them that was how I was celebrating my birthday. I got a lot of "Thank you"s and ""Happ
- Posted by lewski711
- Jan 17, 2020
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60 Day Challenge For 60th Birthday Gift!
long the lines of celebrating my 60th birthday with a 60 day kindness challenge, I got the greatest birthday surprise from my daughters. When they asked me what I wanted for my birthday, I said, "please do a kindness act for someone in my honor" They took it WAYYYYY farther. They contacted all my friends and family members and asked them to do the same thing I had asked of them, as my birthday present. Then they asked them to write to them after they had done their 'act' and tell them what they had done. They also asked their friends to do the same. On my birthday, I was presented with a gorgeous scrapbook filled with pictures and all the kindness acts written out in their own words, telling me what they had done and how it made th
- Posted by glinda
- Sep 1, 2020
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Happy Birthday 🎁🎁Bhupendra Is ...
appy Birthday 🎁🎁 Bhupendra is 10 years old now. Just 3 months ago he enrolled in our kindness home. His parents are daily wage laborer's and are unable to afford a proper education. So we adopted him. In the first nine years of his life, he never had an opportunity to make a celebration of his birthday. This was because of his family's poor financial condition. Therefore, he celebrated a birthday for the first time with us. He was very surprised and got emotional. Before cutting the cake, he made a prayer to God for his grace and blessings. As he cut the cake we started singing happy birthday Bhupendra, happy birthday. His eyes were filled with happy tears. He was very happy and joyful.. we danced and shared sweets and chocolates
- Posted by kmbhai
- Nov 29, 2022
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Wherever You Go...
She wanted to give us something then, "I wish you'd told me earlier -- I wouldn't have charged you! Can I offer you a piece of cake on the house?" We declined the offer, saying that the interaction in and of itself was gift enough. At which point she said impulsively, "I wish my boyfriend were so thoughtful. I don't know if he'll ever get around to asking about marriage. It's my birthday on the 25th and I'm really not sure he'll remember- especially since there's some championship finals on the same day." There was a simplicity and frankness to her sharing that both touched and surprised us -- and I think what really moved us was her genuine and selfless delight at seeing two happy-to-be-together people. We picked up our coffee and croissant and sat dow
- Posted by singlestep
- Dec 4, 2006
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Happy Birthday And A Gold Coin
hile eating lunch with my 4 year old daughter this afternoon at a fast food restaurant, i noticed an old man walking to the table with a cane. The manager kindly carried his food for him. During the meal I overheard the man tell a woman it was his birthday. So I whispered what I heard to my daughter. She loves when people have birthdays. I told her it was ok for her to wish him a happy birthday. He obviously was spending this special day alone. At first she was shy and decided against it. No problem. As I was emptying our tray into the trash she turned to him and quietly wished him a Happy Birthday. I could tell he was touched by the way he looked at her. I came up behind her and gave him my own wishes. He was grateful. As we walked away he called
- Posted by Rice
- Jul 5, 2007
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Smile Card Surprises At Work
snacks made by Larabar called “cashew cookies.” That was usually my go-to. Sometimes, I’d leave a book or a DVD that I liked for my co-workers on my way out. It was kind of cool, because everybody got it! Nobody tried very hard to find out who or how. They just kept doing it again and again. I got 3 of the smile cards given back my way. One of my best friends at work had her birthday a couple weeks ago. If you meet her, you would know that she’s an exceptional human being. She’s one of the most thoughtful people I know. On top of that, she’s very smart and always has good advice on anything for anyone. I do believe all people are beautiful in their own way like flowers. But she’s beautiful like the sun rise (I mean inside and out).
- Posted by supune
- Nov 29, 2007
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Seven Questions On Giving Time
fulfilling for both the receiver and the giver. 3. How can the art of giving be carried out beyond the holiday season and used year round? In our agenda-driven lives, we often forget that gift giving is innate to the human experience and it can be giving season everyday! Simple acts of service are always open to us, if we simply look for them. Even otherwise, birthday makes for a great excuse for pay-it-forward experiments! For my cousin's 10th birthday, he called a dozen of his friends for a "Super-Soaker Sunday" party; they ran around and played with water all morning. And then, in the afternoon, we held a "free car wash". The kids drew some banners, made up slogans to chant on the streets,&nbs
- Posted by DailyGood
- Dec 17, 2007
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A Simple Rule Since I Was 12
ince I was 12, I've had a simple rule -- remember birthdays! So, if I know a person's name, I consider it my duty to remember the person's birthday (family, friend and otherwise). One characteristic EVERY human being has is the need to feel special, significant and appreciated, and what better way and time to make a friend, neighbor, client, co-worker, your child's teacher, or even the cashier at your neighborhood grocery store feel special than by simply remembering their birthday each year. Talk about putting an instant smile on that person's face, if only but once a year. It brightens their day and it brings so much personal joy to me each time I do it. And because I know so many people, I'm pretty much telling someone happy birthday e
- Posted by peay_lewis
- Feb 13, 2008
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Birthday Cards That Transformed My Son
ack in October, I found a website -- wishuponahero.com -- that has changed my life for the better. The site is all about people helping others out of the goodness of their heart, not expecting anything in return. I am a single mom on SSI and have a developmentally delayed child. My son's 12th birthday was the 29th of October 2007 and knowing that I could not afford to get him anything at all for his birthday, I felt broken hearted. I decided to post a wish on "Wish Upon A Hero" website for people to send my son birthday cards. I knew he loved to check the mailbox and always asked if there was anything for him. So, I thought that if he could get a few cards, it would make him smile and maybe, just maybe, he wouldn't be so upset that I wasn't able
- Posted by NJMaria
- Jul 2, 2008
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A Lovely Little Old Lady's 90th Birthday
ast year, around Labor Day, I read a "Happy Ad" in our local newspaper. There was a lady in a local nursing home, who was celebrating her 90th birthday and her family wanted everyone to know about it. It said that if you wanted to drop her a line, here was her address. So I did. I found a birthday card and dropped her a short note, wishing her a happy birthday. A week or so later, someone knocked at my front door. I opened the door and found a middle-aged man standing on my doorstep. He introduced himself as the son of this woman to whom I had sent the card. He explained that he just wanted to drop by in person and thank me for sending such a nice card to his mom. Apparently, like many older folk
- Posted by tiaandlevismom
- Sep 22, 2009
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An Unforgettable Birthday Bracelet
ell, well, well, it's that time of the year again....ITS MY BIRTHDAY! Just like last year something extraordinary happened this year. Last year, I helped a homeless man in Fordham. This year I started going to a nursing home to visit different people and I came upon a new comer. Usually when a new person arrives at a nursing home, they feel like all hope is gone and they are ready to die. I try to convince them to keep going. This new comer was a lady... a strong and nice lady. She was very cheerful, and when her daughter brought her to the nursing home she became very unhappy. Everytime I would see her, she would frown at me and say, "Don't even waste your time on me, for I will die pretty soon." That scared and devast
- Posted by redwine
- Mar 16, 2010
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Sharing My Birthday Gifts In A Special Way
recently celebrated my birthday. It was a BIG ONE! My husband surprised me with a delightful party. Many guests gave me money to get whatever I wanted. I had been reading on a website of Do Gooders that one mom wanted to give her little daughter a Princess Birthday party but with the tough times, she was having trouble buying all she needed. I emailed the mom and told her I wanted to help out and know that her little girl had a fun birthday party. So I used some of my money and I went to the store and bought invitations, napkins, plates, decorations and even a cute tutu for the little one to wear. It was the most amazing feeling to know I am helping a 5-year-old celebrate her birthday in a way she'll always remember as a Special Princess Party :)
- Posted by Aurelia
- Sep 26, 2010
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Sharing My Birthday By Giving
n the night of my birthday, I went with my mom to the nearest durg store to buy vitamins. Even though it was my birthday, I was feeling blue and a bit lonesome. Maybe I missed my dad who had passed away four years ago. I just wanted him to be beside me that day. On my way to the drug store, I was crying. Once I arrived there, I cleaned my cheek up from the tears and tried to smile when I ordered the vitamin my mom wanted to buy. While I was waiting, I looked around the building and my eyes caught a glimpse of a beggar next to the door. She was with her kid, a cute little boy. They were siiting on the street and I realized it was cold yet that kid just wore an old T-shirt. I felt sorry for them. When I paid for my vitamins, I glanced at them and started to have an
- Posted by Febrihana
- Jun 9, 2011
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Being The Oldest And The Youngest
few years ago, I wanted to do something special for my birthday. I remembered how my parents gave me a very special treat when I was a child. I never enjoyed big parties so they decided to celebrate by organizing a party for the local orphans. And that was the most beautiful gift I ever had! With those memories in mind, ten days before my birthday I placed an order for a huge ribbon cake with lovely decorations. I also applied for a day’s leave from the office where I worked. On the morning of my birthday I dashed to the cake shop. There it was! A grand, huge, ribbon cake with loads of beautiful decorations! I felt a kid myself! I bought some other food stuff to go with the special cake then, smiling broadly, I drove to an orpha
- Posted by RMB333
- Dec 28, 2011
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50th Birthday For A Cause
will be turning 50 on December 7th but I didn't want this birthday to be about me. I have been given so much and helped so much in my life as a single mother, so I decided to do a "birthday for a cause/birthday wish event". I asked all my friends and family for support and contributions. We have a women's transitional housing center in our city, with 20 women and 12 kids. In two days, I have received enough to provide new clothes, toys, pajamas and books to all 12 children and I am making a quilt for one of the women there also. I will be making dinner for all the women and children who live there and taking all the gifts and donations there for them the night I get to do the dinner. I was so nervous when I decided to do this, but my heart is s
- Posted by gmatara63
- Jan 22, 2015
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Birthday Surprise: A Blast From The Past
wo weeks before my wife's birthday, I contacted some of her friends from university and requested that they send a video wishing her a "Happy Birthday". I asked them to recount any pleasant memories they had from their university days. I received seven videos from friends she had not been in touch with for eight years! Many of them described fun memories from college and talked about how they miss those times. When I showed the videos to my wife on her birthday, she could not stop smiling. She was very happy and I saw tears of happiness in her eyes. A simple gesture made her birthday special by connecting her to old friends.
- Posted by Swamit
- Apr 28, 2015
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How She Celebrated Her 35th Birthday!
he last thing Kim Powell-Woods wanted for her birthday was a newspaper story. But her day on Wednesday was just too unusual to ignore. Instead of a traditional celebration with gifts and a birthday cake, the Limestone woman wanted smiles. Her plan: For her 35th birthday, she would do 35 acts of random kindness for strangers. "I thought of it a couple weeks ago, and I sat down one afternoon and started making a list of things I could do," she said. She added that her job — as a 911 operator — put her in touch with people who were having very bad days. She wanted a day when she might help people have a good day. "And, as a single mother of two, I know a lot about what it's like to be in all kinds of predicaments. So, I wanted to gi
- Posted by wavingatyou
- Jun 24, 2015
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A Lady And An Orchid
It was my ex husband's mother's birthday today, she was 88 years of age. I called to see her and brought her a beautiful orchid which she loved. I also sent her a birthday card, they don't seem to make birthday cards from ex daughter's in law. Lol I wrote "To a very special lady on your birthday. You have always been like a mother to me. Love Rose-Marie x" She loved the card. I arrived at 11.30 am and stayed until about 4.30 pm, I didn't want her to be on her own on this special day. I also offered to take her to the nursing home to see grandad but she'd just visited the night before and was happy not to go. As I was leaving my daughter Lauren and her boyfriend Frankie arrived. Lauren got me to stay for Bucks Fizz (
- Posted by RoseMarie
- Jun 5, 2017
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Best Stop On The Way Home
fter work one day I decided to take a meal to an elderly lady on my way home. While sitting and visiting with her, she began to tell me it was her birthday. I wished her a happy birthday and asked what she had gotten for her birthday. She told me that she was so happy to say that she had received the best birthday present she could ever get and that was a hot meal. I asked her how old she was and she told me she was 83 years young. I reached in my apron pocket and pulled out all the money I had made in my little restaurant that day and asked her to help me count it. She was happy to do so...she got a real kick out of counting the money. She said she had not seen that much money in a very long time. She soon yelled out $143.87! I asked her to count out $83
- Posted by foodbankcarlisa
- Jan 7, 2018
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A Fraternity Brother's Unique 21st Birthday Request
wo years ago, my friend and I were living in our fraternity house at our university. With his birthday quickly approaching, he came to me with an unusual request, instead of receiving presents and getting drunk (like most every other 21 year old in a fraternity would) he wanted to do ‘random acts of kindness’ instead. I was struck with such an idea and I asked him what exactly had overcome him to have such a novel idea. He told me about a TED talk he had watched on designing for generosity, which had inspired him. I was impressed. Giving instead of taking for your birthday -- now that was different. I told him I’d be glad to help him out with the random acts of kindness so we started planning out creative things we could do. #1 Hot Chocolate Security:
- Posted by SmileFilled
- Apr 27, 2018
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Birthday Giving
Since my birthday is in the heart â¤ï¸ of summer and usually HOT! Mom always made Rice Krispie treats instead of a cake. So, it’s a delightful memory and pleasure to share the same, along with some Peace Doves . The label on each reads: “Treating you in celebration of my birthday! Visit KindSpring.org for more kindness ideas.” Signed each personally with, “Love, Mindy” Planning on leaving the goodie birthday baskets at the library, Senior Center and laundromat. For individual gives...mailman Greg, PO clerks, admission attendant at Custer State Park, etc… A couple of FaceTime calls scheduled. Family over later for a weenie roast. MisterM and I will “camp” in our trailer camper overnight and under our
- Posted by mindyjourney
- Jul 25, 2020
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10 Year Old Taylin's Act Of Generosity!
his post is a little long so please bear with me. So this year February, my daughter Taylin asked me if she could celebrate her 10th birthday with a few friends somewhere they could zip line. I agreed and said I'll make the arrangements. So I dragged my feet and meant to start phoning around by the end of March, but then Covid happened. I suggested we wait and see what happens. Whilst waiting I realized that her idea might not materialize. I came up with plan B and asked if we should rather just make her a theme cake, we all dress up and just keep it simple, he agreed. While planning the theme cake and having to submit our final draft, Taylin changes her mind on 14 June 2020. She says "leave the cake and gifts and let me take the money an
- Posted by abigailswarts
- Jul 29, 2020
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Duh-nuh-nuh-nuh-nuh-nuh-nuh-nuh- Batman
y new birthday tradition rocked today. I started it a couple of years ago. It goes like this: I put the same number of one-dollar bills as my new age, into my pocket and surprise strangers around town (I know, $24 isn’t much (that's my attempt at humor, my daughter is nearly that old). I gifted strangers at local coffee shops including McDonald's, Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf, Blenders, Kyle's Kitchen, Yogurtland, as well as tipping some of the folks behind the counter. Reactions were wonderful as I explained, "It's my birthday and paying for this is your gift to me." I plop down the money and leave. Recipients (and even people working at the establishments) are stunned and excited. I love that people will tell the story of the myster
- Posted by lewski711
- Jan 28, 2022
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❤️🐶 Mulligan’s Birthday
y neighbor-friend in the burn unit messaged me this from the hospital last night: “So it’s almost 9 o’clock at night and I’m thinking that you’re probably asleep. I hope you have a good evening. I wanted you to know that tomorrow is Mulligan‘s birthday. He’ll be nine years old and I won’t be able to spend the day with him, so please make it a special day for him. Thank you, have a good day.” I was so deeply moved, that with all she’s going through, she sent this 🙏. My eyes filled. I suggested a FaceTime session with Mulligan ( her Siberian Huskie) , if her device allows, so they can see each other & she can wish him a happy birthday & tell him she loves him. ❤️🐶 I shared about it with an
- Posted by Mish
- Dec 1, 2022
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Some More Kindness .Opportunities
ome more Kindness PapayaCare gave me many opportunities of kindness I made labels to put on pill boxes for nurse station at PC. We made 45 Birthday cards for Flushing Sai center with the help of PC staff and residents. That I will take to New York when I visit them later this year. We also made 30 Birthday cards to give them to the residents of PC I made many signs for PC that took me several days to design, approve, print and laminate . Made and gave bookmarks, quote cards, pens, pen-stands with quote card attached and a pile of cut papers and cards to refill in pen-stand when needed. I made a Birthday card for PC staff’s dog loving friend with photos and appropriate quotes. She showed me video of her friend displaying the card pages with smile
- Posted by Rajni
- May 12, 2025
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Sharing Birthday Love
y sister is on the other side of the world. I'm volunteerting in India while she's at home in Canada. While I can't be there physically to celebrate her birthday, I wanted to spread some love to mark the day. I set off to the market to get ingredients for cookies when I saw an old man carrying a long rod with a weight on one end and a large tray holding food which he was selling on the other hand. Perfect! I went up to the man and took the rod off his shoulder and walked with him for the next half kilometer, talking to him and his grandson who appeared after a few minutes. The grandfather and boy are the only regular income generators in the family. The boy and granddad go out after the boy gets back from school. After walking and talking to the wonderful pair, as I l
- Posted by hpotter
- Sep 29, 2006
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A Big Gift From My Grandma
y 16th birthday is in 18 days. I went to have brunch today with my grandma and she handed me an envelope and wished me a "happy early birthday". I didn't open the envelope until I got home and discovered a hundred dollar bill in it! I was in complete shock. Suddenly, feeling a wave of awe, I started tearing. As a retiree with no income and little retirement funds, my grandma barely has enough to pay her own rent and feed herself. I wondered why she would do this; I would've never asked for anything for my birthday but for her love. My mom tells me that because she gave me the gift because she loves me and wanted me to buy something for myself to remember my 16th birthday. Although I'm supposed to buy something for myself, I plan to s
- Posted by bluqtgyrl
- Dec 7, 2007
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Angel Cards For My Sister
t was recently my sister's birthday and I wanted to make her a pack of homemade "Angel Cards". I painted a picture on one side of some small blank business cards. On the other side I wrote words of encouragement. I made her a pack of 29 cards, as it was her 29th birthday. She lives far away from me and as I was about to post them, I got an idea. I decided that each day, I would post one of the cards to her. That way, she would receive one Angel card each day. So far I have sent 15 of the 29 cards. At first she thought I had just sent her one card, because I didn't tell her what I was doing. Then she started getting more and more cards - one each day. She does not know how many are coming. But when I send the last one, I will let her know what has happened. Just
- Posted by happytreasures
- May 22, 2008
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30 Acts In 30 Days For My 30th Birthday
s some of you know, my 30th birthday party is coming up and I have themed it a 'Random Acts of Kindness' party where we will be doing various things to bestow kindness upon others. My best friend, who cannot attend because she lives in South Africa (I'm in Australia) has chosen to participate in the event anyway. She has given me the best present possible! I felt so good when I received her email. Not just because of the beautiful comments she made, but also to see that my random acts of kindness idea has even reached the other side of the world and will make a difference to people so far away. It's absolutely inspirational. Here is her beautiful email that I would love to share with you: To my dear friend, Jackie, Since we met in July 2003, you have been a wo
- Posted by JackieHall
- May 30, 2008
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A Birthday Cake To Remember
nbsp; This story is not about something that I've done for someone else, but about something really nice that someone did for me. On Monday, I had a monumental birthday, you know the kind where you look in the mirror and realize that you've gone over the hill and you are starting to walk a slow walk down the other side. Well, anyway, I was sitting at my desk on Monday, when I heard the door of the office open and there stood everyone from the office with a big cake and singing happy birthday. The best part is, that a very special person made the cake. Knowing that I'm a big fan of peppermint patties, she made a chocolate cake with peppermint ice cream in the center and decorated it with more peppermint patties. It was the best cake
- Posted by shortwalker
- Dec 17, 2008
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