As everyone knows, 2020 was a challenging year. Despite it all, a lot of individuals found ways to be a little more patient, understanding, and kind. As we move into 2021, we all have an opportunity to adopt a calm, gentle, and giving spirit toward other people.
These 40 examples of kind things that people did serve as an inspiration. Here’s to a happy, healthy, and prosperous New Year.
A man needed wrist surgery. But there was one problem…his tattoo was in the way. Rather than destroy something sentimental, his surgeon made the incision around it.
While quarantined due to the pandemic, an elderly lady wasn’t able to communicate with her kids overseas. That changed thanks to her neighbors. They shared their Wi-Fi with her at no charge.
3. A stranger to the rescue
While at Target, one mom’s two-year-old and two-month-old both had a meltdown simultaneously. That’s when a stranger stepped in to help. She cradled the toddler so his mom could finish her shopping.
A woman and her small son took their cat to the vet. While there, the little boy told the veterinarian his toy dinosaur was sick. With nothing but kindness, the vet took an x-ray just to make sure everything was okay…and it was.
During the pandemic, people have struggled to find essentials like toilet paper. An elderly woman was searching for some but to no avail. Heading to her car, a man handed her what she needed…free.
After watching fireworks at a park, a woman realized she left her keys in the grass. Approaching her vehicle, she found this. Not only did someone find them but they took the time to search through all the cars there to find their rightful owner.
This isn’t something you see very often. But on one flight, an elderly woman was struggling to eat her meal. That’s when a kind-hearted flight attendant stepped up to help.
8. Innovation at its finest
Doctors and nurses wear masks for hours upon hours and those straps around the ears become uncomfortable. A Boy Scout came up with a brilliant idea. He designed a special earpiece that eliminated any discomfort.
Being in quarantine is hard on everyone. But it’s especially difficult for children. This window washer found a way to brighten a young girl’s day while staying at a safe distance.
These two people might be football rivals but they now have a permanent bond. The man, Patriot’s fan was in desperate need of a kidney. The woman, an Eagle’s fan, was his perfect match.
11. Visiting with a friend
While on duty, this police officer spotted an elderly woman in a wheelchair sitting by the side of the road. He could’ve continued on his way but he didn’t. Instead, he stopped to chat and make a new friend.
12. First responders only
Working long hours, first responders have a hard time shopping for things they need. This store resolved the problem. They set specific hours each day for first responders only.
13. Simple words of kindness
Usually, small gestures make the biggest impact. While ordering coffee, the barista asked the customer how he was doing. His response, “Honestly, not so great.” Her response…this.
When booking a room at the DoubleTree Hotel to celebrate her son’s fourth birthday, this mom casually mentioned it was for his fourth birthday. When they checked in, this is what they found. AJ will never forget this act of kindness.
Today, renters are protected from eviction because of the coronavirus. But back in April and May, that wasn’t the case. Even so, this landlord did the right thing for his tenants.
Every week, this little girl gets excited to see her favorite person…the trashman. She asked her mom if they could make muffins for him. Unknowingly, the day she gave him the surprise was his birthday.
For a single mom, the only way to attend one of her physics classes was to bring her infant along. For the professor, that wasn’t a problem. While she studied, he babysat.
Someone did a great job raising this young man. He was more than willing to give the elderly couple anything they needed. He’s a great inspiration.
19. “We have you covered”
Most college campuses are safe. But unfortunately, bad things happen. Well, they don’t at one college, at least while these guys are on watch.
Concerned that a porch pirate might steal the customer’s package, a delivery driver came up with a great idea. It was safely tucked away out of sight. They were so grateful.
Okay, perhaps this kid’s mom came up with the idea but it doesn’t matter. He wanted to do this. His kindness speaks volumes as to his character.
22. A kind deed from across the globe
While hiking in Indiana, a man met a young woman from Belgium. Come to find out, she lived close to his uncle’s burial site. After returning to her country, she put flowers on the uncle’s grave.
23. Going above and beyond
After an employee of a store parked their car and went inside to work, it started to rain. A bystander noticed. Instead of letting the person’s vehicle get soaked inside, they took action.
A woman was forced to work from home due to Covid-19. But she was worried about her fish at the office. She emailed people asking if they could feed it. One person did and created a feeding schedule so that others wouldn’t overfeed the little guy.
An OB-GYN doctor was about to be induced to have her baby. That’s when another pregnant woman came into the hospital with an emergency. With no other qualified physician on hand, the doctor postponed her induction to deliver the other baby.
26. He takes his responsibilities seriously
Kids have to be extra careful when crossing the street after getting off a school bus. One driver truly cares about the students on his bus. So, he gets out every day to ensure their safety.
27. A show of appreciation
A man noticed that his next-door neighbor, who’s a nurse, works extremely long hours. Seeing that her grass needed to be cut, he didn’t hesitate to tackle the job. The next day, she thanked him in an unusual way.
Everyone grieves the loss of an animal differently. For one woman, she took a basket of tennis balls to a local dog park to honor her deceased pet. There were a lot of happy pups that day.
Inside a grocery store, customers say this guy walking around. When asked why he was dressed up as Johnny Depp’s character from the “Pirates of the Caribbean,” he had a simple response. “To make people smile.”
At one school, students were allowed to go back to class. The principal wanted to make their return a memorable experience. So, he dressed up as Darth Vader, got on the roof, and greeted each one as they entered.
Isolation has taken a toll on many people. An elderly neighbor wanted to do something to help. So, she offered a variety of starter plants…free.
32. Watching out for others
A gentleman saw someone hit a car in a parking lot and then take off. Thinking quickly, he wrote down the offender’s license plate number and took photos of the car and driver. He then left a note with all the information on the victim’s vehicle.
Especially in today’s world, everyone should be more accepting. That’s the philosophy of this bridal shop. They wanted people to know they catered to all brides-to-be, regardless.
Being treated by a doctor or nurse covered in protective gear is unnerving, especially for young children. That’s why these medical professionals pinned a photo on their uniforms of them smiling. Now, patients can see what they really look like.
Every day, a man stops by a convenience store on his way home for a burrito and a beer. One day, he walked in and the cashier said, “It’s hot.” This worker made him a fresh burrito and had it heated up and ready to go when the customer arrived.
Nope…the toilet paper on this table is free. It’s designated for senior customers. Kudos to this store for taking care of the elderly.
Due to the pandemic, a restaurant had to lay off its workers. But as an act of kindness, the owners send each employee a care package weekly. If nothing else, the staff always has food to eat.
Teachers have a tough job. Often, they pay out-of-pocket for the supplies used in the classroom. Something like this eliminates a huge financial burden.
39. Caring for the children
That’s what a 7-11 convenience store in Oregon does. And they’re right, for many kids, the only meal they get comes from the one provided at school. This is particularly touching.
40. Neighborhood grocery stores
People are seeing these miniature grocery stores pop up around the country. People can donate whatever they want, which is then available to anyone who needs food but can’t afford it. What a beautiful act of kindness.
As everyone knows, 2020 was a challenging year. Despite it all, a lot of individuals found ways to be a little more patient, understanding, and kind. As we move into 2021, we all have an opportunity to adopt a calm, gentle, and giving spirit toward other people.
These 40 examples of kind things that people did serve as an inspiration. Here’s to a happy, healthy, and prosperous New Year.
