The news is filled with terrible events—from complex international conflicts to the terrible cruelties that people inflict upon one another. It is more than enough to make you feel frustrated and lose faith in humanity as a force for good in the world. It could make you wonder whether human civilization would be worth saving if the Apocalypse ever came.
Fortunately, for all the evil out there, all is not completely lost. Believe it or not, there are still people who are out to help each other because they can, and they do. Check out these 40 random acts of genuine kindness that are more than enough to make you feel there is hope after all, and remember the words of Mahatma Gandhi: “Be the change you wish to see in the world.”
Get ready to have your faith in humanity restored!
Blanket Of Love
A good Samaritan decided to make a blanket and give it freely to homeless people in the city during the height of winter. They also left a kind note advising anyone who is out in the cold to use the blanket—as it was made for them.
This act is simple yet profound. Winters in the city are extremely difficult, especially when the cold wind starts to blow. Blankets are a tremendous help to the less fortunate. May the blanket literally and figuratively warm the body and hearts of those who need it. We wish more people would be good neighbors to others, no matter how big the neighborhood is.
Heroes Do Wear Capes
Sometimes you have to go beyond your job responsibilities to brighten someone’s day. These window washers' job is to clean, not don costumes. But they are more than happy to go beyond their job description to make children feel a bit better.
Imagine how the kids at Tennessee’s Children’s Hospital in Le Bonheur felt when they saw Batman outside their window. We’re sure it put a smile on their faces. We’re happy this Memphis cleaning company helped raise the spirits of many children who desperately need cheering.
Finder’s Keepers Is A No-No
This stranger’s moral compass was well made. While some people would hesitate to return a wallet, especially if there’s money in it, this person knew it was the only right thing to do. The stranger also quickly penned a kind note for the wallet’s owner.
In this day and age, putting the needs of others over oneself is rare. But thankfully, there are those who do. It seems this person was more good-hearted than afraid of karmic retribution. Either way, you can never go wrong if you just return items that do not belong to you.
Pizza Slices For Free!
Mickey’s N.Y. Pizza deserves all the business it can get. When you see a restaurant that is giving away food at no cost, it can make you wonder what’s in it for them. Are they simply doing it out of the goodness of their hearts?
Rather than throwing away excess food, giving it away is better not just for someone’s hungry stomach but also for their spirit. It’s also an efficient way to minimize food wastage. Plus, everyone likes pizza, so it’s a win-win for all. We hope for Mickey’s N.Y. Pizza continued success.
The Right Wrong Number
Unless it’s not in your nature to be nice, it doesn’t take a lot to be kind. All you need to do is put yourself in someone’s shoes. That is what happened when this woman accidentally messaged the wrong number.
But the unintended recipient of the message was more than happy to offer kind words. The sender was equally grateful. The words of someone she didn’t know managed to make her day! Is there anyone in your life you could send some kind words to right now?
The Generosity of Strangers
We’ve all been in a situation where only one register was open, and a long line of store customers had no choice but to wait until it was their turn. However, not everyone would react the same way as all these customers did when a woman needed help.
When the card of this female customer failed to work, it quickly became the cause of the line’s delay. Fortunately, instead of complaining or griping, the other people waiting for their turn all stepped in to pay the woman’s bill. The person who managed to “win” was the man in front of the line, who also gave the woman $100.
Thank You, Willie
Angels exist in the world, as proven by the message on this truck. According to the vehicle’s owner, a man whose name is Willie freely gave his kidney to the daughter of this truck owner. Clearly, a grateful heart is a happy heart.
Kidney transplants are challenging—both for the recipient and the giver. The procedure could have gone wrong, or the kidney could have been incompatible with the body it was transplanted into. Still, such benevolent acts of kindness must be shouted from the rooftop. In this case, it saved someone’s life.
iPhone Found
This stranger knew the difficulty of losing a device that serves as your communication with friends and loved ones. Considering that the person who found the phone informed the owner that it had received two calls from the owner’s mother was truly an empathetic touch.
This act of kindness will never go out of style. The effort made by this good Samaritan to not ignore the calls they received was a genuine way to say he cared. Plus, he didn’t attempt to claim the phone as his own—a feat not many see today. iPhones are not cheap!
Random Strangers Give Help Where Help Is Due
Based on the picture, it seems as though a man’s wheelchair suddenly fell apart inside a store. Fortunately, he had nothing to worry about because a group of store workers was more than ready to help him get his wheelchair up and running.
It is nice to know that there are still people in this world who are ready to help when they are needed. The man in the wheelchair is lucky to be in the presence of these kind strangers. We hope he got the care he needed from these kind sirs.
Pay It Forward And Back
This Starbucks customer was pleasantly surprised to discover that the customer in front of her had already paid for her order. When she received a note advising her that she didn’t need to pay for her drink, it was an emotional boost that was more than enough to make her smile throughout the day, if not the entire week.
A $5 coffee doesn’t just serve one’s caffeine fix—it can function as fuel to help a person get through a tiring day. Never underestimate the impact of small acts of kindness. It doesn’t just warm the hands on a cold day—it can also warm one’s heart and soul.
Free Security Guards
These two men may look scary, but they’re actually sweethearts. They are using their burly image to accompany college students who are too afraid to walk alone on campus during the night. They also made sure to include students who feel discriminated against and are looking for support and protection.
The best thing about their free service is that it comes with no strings attached. They are doing their part to help the campus and areas in the university that lack security. Fortunately, these volunteers don’t just look the part. They also have the heart to serve.
More Than Coffee
The man in the below tweet shared a sweet story of friendship with the office janitor. Their social ritual involved drinking coffee together every morning in “front of the gate.” However, the man failed to do so that morning but was surprised by what happened later in the day.
The janitor brought the man coffee—but more—the coffee came with a sweet note. Essentially, this proves that all acts of kindness, however small, can greatly impact someone’s life. It wasn’t just about coffee; the janitor stopped feeling like an outcast thanks to the man’s generous gesture of friendship.
A Good Samaritan And Player
Aaron Jones isn’t just an NFL running back—he is also a good soul. He not only helped a woman in a wheelchair get in time for her scheduled flight, but he also gave his time to someone who needed help. A picture of the deed went viral online even if there were no paparazzi present.
Evidently, his good deed was not done for publicity. He was merely helping a person in need. We are grateful that his simple act was captured for all the world to see and maybe emulate. If an all-star athlete has the time and energy to help, surely you do too.
Fresh Food For Free
Subway is giving food where food is due—to the homeless. Clearly, they are the ones who need a hand up, and Subway has stepped up to the plate. Every Friday, Subway helps out those in the community who—for whatever reason—have fallen on hard times because they believe everyone deserves to eat fresh food.
This is another win-win situation. Subway gets to minimize food waste, and the homeless get to eat freshly made sandwiches. Though this is a small act of kindness, we cherish this special moment where we feel the world couldn’t be more perfect.
Teach Someone How To Fish
The saying, “it is better to teach a man how to fish than to give him a fish,” has never been more true in this story of a man’s journey to get his life together. It all started when someone from Starbucks noticed a homeless man regularly coming into the coffee shop to ask for free water. Eventually, the man transitioned to become a Starbucks cashier.
Such good news should be broadcast on the nine o’clock news. We all need stories that will make us all feel good and hopeful about humanity and ourselves. Homeless people are rarely there because of a lack of trying. We all fall on hard times, and homeless people have fallen on the hardest. We should work on giving more people the opportunity to help themselves.
The Tree Of Hope
Good neighbors are hard to find. But the person who posted the following story is proud to describe the good deeds done by their next-door neighbor. Providing shoes and clothing to the homeless every year by leaving them on a Christmas tree is a fantastic way to help those who need them the most.
This act of kindness is proof that good can be expressed in small deeds and need not be grand gestures. Clothes can be purchased intermittently throughout the year and collected before Christmas. Any form of help is greatly appreciated by those who have fallen by the wayside.
Free Popcorn
This Redbox customer was probably not expecting to find a bag of popcorn from a Good Samaritan. In addition, a note was also left wishing that whoever is the lucky recipient of the popcorn will enjoy it along with watching a movie.
Though this may seem like a simple act, it’s all that it takes to bring a smile to anyone’s face. Everything counts, and no good deed is ever left unrewarded in the grand scheme of things. The reward is putting good out in the world—and good always adds up.
Protect And Feed
This tweet describes someone’s experience as a witness to the kindness of police officers. Apparently, a few cops frequent a local pizza joint to buy slices for the homeless. Cops also ask the workers to choose the best pizza slices.
Not many know this side of law enforcement. It’s nice to know that some police officers serve and protect the community and also have a hand in keeping people away from hunger.
Who Are You Gonna Call For Free Tickets?
Apparently, Bill Murray is not just popular for starring in box office movie hits. He is also famous for giving away free tickets to people waiting in line to attend a bluegrass concert. Though little is known of Murray’s private life, this rare picture captured a glimpse of his behavior when attending a musical event.
Maybe he didn’t like people waiting too long to get tickets, so he decided to purchase a lot and give them away. This incredibly pleasant surprise shows that money is not an issue for him, and neither is generosity. It was kind of Murray to make it easy for everyone to enjoy the show.
A Little Help Is A Lot
It wasn’t this Manhattan local’s job to sweep the streets of the city—she just did it of her own volition. So when a passerby saw the woman doing a thankless job, the woman had to be asked why she was doing it. According to the lady, the city doesn’t have a lot of time to do everything. Thus, she is trying her best to help out in any way she can.
As Mr. Rogers says, look to the helpers during times of crisis. This woman is indeed helping, and she is not waiting for a crisis to do so. She is simply doing her part as a member of the community.
Reach For The Sky
This airplane passenger made a new friend by simply giving up his window seat. The stranger beside him, who had never flown before, wanted to see the clouds and the sky. The result was a giddy and excited first-time flier who will cherish the experience of flying with a new-found friend.
Though some may think it is a menial gesture, such little things make a big difference in someone’s life. Being kind always rocks and keeps everyone feeling good vibes. It could also brighten someone’s life.
Professional Babysitter
Raising a child is difficult. Doing it alone is especially challenging. But having support makes the entire process relatively easy. However, the best kind of help is one that you did not expect. When this female student could not find a babysitter in time for her class, she had no choice but to bring her baby with her.
But babies do what they have to do. When the baby cried, her professor voluntarily consoled the child by carrying the little one in his arms. Truly, the life of a child is more important than a lecture. The teacher knows that helping someone out when needed is more important than any intellectual pursuit.
Animal Care
Children see the world differently than adults do. Considering that kids don’t have much life experience, it is normal for them to think of themselves more than others. However, this girl is way ahead of the rest of us in the empathy department.
Kids will be kids, and toys are usually their priority in life. However, this girl had other things in mind. She decided to sell all her stuffed animals and give the money she earned to her local animal shelter. At a young age, she knows that real animals matter more than her cute, furry toys. She will grow up to be a very kind adult.
Don’t Give Up
This picture further proves that the little things in life indeed matter. You’ll never know how much a small, kind gesture could make a difference in someone’s life. When this poster admitted to having suicidal ideations because of certain life challenges, a simple act actually saved him.
It is never easy to go through a breakup and get fired all at the same time. Thankfully, these strangers offered a ray of hope to a person who needed it the most. Being in a dark place is difficult. But shining light during someone’s dark days is more than enough to help someone get through trying times.
Best Teacher Ever
Unruly kids are not unruly for no reason. Usually, their home life may be in disarray, or they are being raised in a single-parent household. Kids who are growing up with no father need a role model to emulate and guide them. Fortunately, this teacher is doing his best to give these kids a hand-up in life.
When this South Carolina teacher created a “Gentleman’s Club” exclusively for kids who have no dads at home, he was also giving them hope. Investing in children is always fruitful not just for the child but also for society. This is a great example of how to harness the power of masculinity—a force that can become dangerous alone but wonderful with the proper guidance.
Women Help Women
Every woman knows how it feels to be followed down the street by a stranger. The best way to deal with this situation is to call a friend or the police for help. In a case where neither was available, this salon proved to be a great ally to a sister in need.
This woman saw a nail salon nearby upon being followed. She pretended to have an appointment, and the manicurist played along while another store staff called the cops. When the man eventually went away, the woman decided to have a mani-pedi. She also gave a hefty tip. Women shouldn’t have to go through this, but as it stands, it’s better to have allies to help.
A Good Deed Indeed
Life isn’t easy, but it gets a tad more bearable thanks to the kindness of people. This woman was having a difficult time in a store. She was shopping for groceries with her toddler, who was in a stroller. They were also living in a shelter. If life wasn’t hard enough, the stroller broke.
What else could someone do but cry out of frustration and helplessness? But thankfully, she need not cry for long. A woman who saw her in distress stepped up and offered help. Bless this random stranger’s soul for being empathetic to the struggles of others.
Standing Up To Bullies
It’s a sad fact that bullies exist. They always have, and they probably always will. Either you or someone in your life had to deal with a bully in one way or another. Fortunately, a balance exists in this world wherein some people are able to fight off bullies.
This girl got to experience a kind stranger’s help against bullies who were making fun of her weight. Though she felt helpless and powerless, she need not feel that way for long because a woman stepped in to kick the bullies out of a pool. We hope those bullies learned their lesson.
Teachers Need Help Too
Teaching is a rewarding but thankless job—most teachers today are underpaid and overworked. Some countries even pay teachers minimum wage, thereby minimizing their capacity as a molder of minds and maximizing the chance of burnout, or worse. Although she doesn’t solve our education crisis, this story is an uplifting reminder that society still values educators.
The woman who offered to pay for the supplies the teacher was buying knows the value of education and supporting educators who make learning happen. It was her way of showing her appreciation for these school heroes.
An Endearing Gesture
We all need to stick our necks out for each other because that is the humane thing to do. When this poster did a favor for a woman in a wheelchair, they were not simply throwing a rose in the water. They were honoring the memory of the woman’s husband.
Sharing the note on social media was one way for the woman to know her wish had been granted. It’s a pity his name was not also shared so that his memory could be carried that little more. Surely, it’s the least we can do for each other.
A Life-Saving Chat
It pays to be kind to one another because we will never know how much we can change someone’s life for the better. This good Samaritan made sure he spent his time talking with a homeless man. Though their topics were trivial, their light chat actually saved the homeless man’s life.
Apparently, the homeless man confessed he was going to take his life. He was having a difficult time and the kindness of a stranger who willingly spent time talking with him changed the man’s decision. We only hope he has since managed to improve his situation as well.
Chickens Need Help Too
When natural disaster strikes, animals are usually left to fend for themselves. Sometimes, pets and livestock are caught in chaos, and few people care for their well-being.
Fortunately, when Hurricane Irma hit, a stranger made sure these chickens were properly protected. These animals were lovingly wrapped to make it easy to transport them to safety.
Mind The Step
You may have tripped over a sidewalk that was uneven many times and thought nothing of it. But this stranger knew of the dangers associated with it and took on the responsibility of doing something about it.
Placing orange tape on a rough ground patch may be an easy thing to do. But if it were easy, why wasn’t anyone doing it? Being a genuinely empathetic person may be difficult for some, but this person managed to go out of their way to save someone else from tripping and getting hurt.
All For One, One For All
Supporting one other is an underrated but critical life skill. When this family went out of its way to support a family member who had to wear a cranial helmet, it did so to make the child feel less different.
A “cranial molding helmet” is used to correct a baby’s skull shape over a three-month time period. This family is extremely supportive of each other’s welfare. A family that wears helmets together lifts each other up forever. Witnessing this is such a joy.
Metered Help
Who knew there were still people out there who cared? When this woman saw a note from a stranger who paid for her parking meter, she was pleasantly surprised. This kind of gesture is extremely unexpected because parking can be quite expensive, especially in metropolitan areas.
This no strings attached effort is what will save the world from extinction—or it at least contains the seeds of hope that may do so. May everyone be inspired by this earnest act.
Not Tired To Give A Tire
This receipt and small note is proof that there is hope for humanity. When this Good Samaritan offered new tires to this truck driver, it goes to show that there are people in the world who only care to help and expect nothing in return.
However, they do wish that their kind gesture is paid forward so other people will also experience the kindness they received. That’s not too much to ask, is it?
Lost But Found
When this Good Samaritan found this wallet, he not only returned it. He made sure all its contents were properly accounted for as well. To make sure all items are properly recorded, all these are listed and typed for easy reference.
Though this effort may be unnecessary, it proves that the founder of the item is intent on returning everything accurately and in proper order because that is the right thing to do.
A Real Hero
Boys love to collect action figures of their beloved heroes. However, there may come a time when you outgrow them. Some sell off their old toys on eBay with the goal of getting some money out of their collection.
Fortunately, a mom bought two action figures and wished she could buy more. She needed not to purchase more—the eBay seller gave the mother all the action figures at no cost! It took very little to make someone happy. We hope everyone makes this kind of effort to make others smile at least once.
Best Tip Received
Working in the restaurant industry takes work. The long hours you need to be on your feet, and the rudeness of customers will take a heavy toll on you. Fortunately, this customer was not just a Good Samaritan; the stranger was also a good tipper.
The hefty 100-dollar tip was the stranger’s way to show their appreciation to the serving staff. Serving customers is not an easy job and has little to no benefits. So this humongous tip for a 95-dollar check is not just impressive—it is a sign that there is still some good in the world.
A Birthday Hug
Kind-hearted strangers are a gift to the world. This person who went out of her way to give a Target employee a birthday gift gave a pleasant surprise. We wish this kind of act became more normalized in society today.
A friendly chat between a customer and a cashier turned into a hopeful event that restored this woman’s faith in humanity. Though $20 may be paltry for some, it is such a huge deal to someone who didn’t expect care and kindness from a stranger she barely knows.