Sometimes, the world seems like a dark place. There’s a lot of suffering, and people often feel alone — maybe like no one cares about them.
It’s hard not to feel discouraged when you look around. Everyone has their struggles, and let’s face it: some of them are big. We all have times where we feel like things will never get better.
But there are also times when people come through, showing us the world isn’t such a horrible place. There have always been bad things. But as it turns out, there are a whole lot of good things, too. Sometimes, those things come from those who love and know us, like our friends and family members. But other times, they come from total strangers.
It takes a genuine person to reach out to a stranger in need. These are the people who help without expecting anything in return. That means they recognize someone needs a hand and then taking the time to offer it — even if it’s not convenient or easy for them.
Enjoy these 50 times when strangers had someone else’s back. You might want to have a tissue ready.
1. One stranger offered support to struggling parents
A diner at iHop noticed two parents were having a hard time eating because of their crying twin babies. They decided to pay for their dinner and leave an encouraging note.
2. A man helped a stranger fix his tie
This young man was on his way to a job interview but struggling to get his tie just right. An older passenger on the subway stepped in to lend a hand.
3. A stranger believes in paying it forward
This person never forgot the time when a stranger helped them while in need. So now, they’re determined to share the same thing with others.
4. One man saw a stranger waiting for a playmate
This elderly man made a move and then waited for someone to come along to join him. No one was willing to stop until this young man decided to step in.
5. This stranger helped a person grieve
When this person got a wrong text from a stranger, they understood what they needed. The recipient of the message was happy to let them “talk” to their late grandmother whenever they wanted.
6. A busker knew others were in need
Some buskers make their living playing instruments. But this one just plays for pleasure. So, he made sure to let anyone in need know the money was theirs for the taking.
7. The neighbors appreciated the music
After a woman played her ukulele on her balcony, she got a message from the neighbors. While they’d never met, they wanted her to know they were fans.
8. A neighbor was happy to share their basketball hoop
A little girl wanted to know if she could use her neighbor’s basketball hoop. So, she sent them a sweet note. Thankfully, they told her to feel free to use it.
9. A stranger spotted some movie snacks
A person renting a Redbox movie was surprised to see a random act of kindness from the previous renter. They must’ve loved the movie.
10. One young man helped a stranger on the escalator
When an elderly gentleman hesitated at the top of the escalator, this young man stepped in. He asked, “Can I help you on, sir?” Then he steadied him until they reached the lower floor.
11. A good Samaritan saved a stranger’s car
One do-gooder passed a car with an open sunroof during a downpour. Knowing the interior would be ruined they popped their umbrella in the gap to keep it dry.
12. A stranger supported a learning toddler
Most people who fly on planes get annoyed at children making a lot of noise. But this stranger wanted to make her feel good — even if she didn’t quite know the song.
13. Neighbors refused to stand in the way of true love
When this person found out their cat had a long-distance love affair with the neighbor’s dog, they weren’t about to stand in the way. They reorganized their houseplants to give her a better view.
14. The stranger that noticed a fellow fan
Most people would probably feel bothered by having a stranger watch a TV show over their shoulders. But this guy knew that some people just can’t resist “The Office.”
15. A good Samaritan that’s been there before
There’s nothing worse than forgetting to close your car window when it rains. One kind stranger spotted an open window and ran out in the storm to cover it with a trash bag.
16. One woman reached out to people who were different than her
This woman didn’t know anything about Islamic holidays, but she still wanted to reach out to two strangers in the market. The kind gesture was a moment of friendship and connection.
17. The animal lovers on a train
Goldfish aren’t particularly important or even expensive. That makes it even more touching that strangers cared about a little animal.
18. An anonymous person recovered someone’s wallet
Finding a wallet is a gold mine for some people. They often take the money and never bother to return any of the personal items. But this anonymous person went out of their way to make sure it reached the rightful owner.
19. The strangers united against a common enemy
When a family saw a hated towing company about to take a car away, they quickly vouched for it. They didn’t know the owner, but they didn’t want anyone to go through the headache of getting their vehicle back.
20. Strangers chased off a thief
When a group of strangers saw a man break into a car and make off with a bag, they came together to stop him. They managed to get the bag back and return it to its owner.
21. People jumped in to put out a fire
When a car caught fire, several people jumped in to help. Those strangers made all the difference, even though the driver never learned their names.
22. Muscled guys looked out for others
These guys probably don’t have anything to fear when it comes to walking around late at night. But they know other people do. So, they decided to volunteer their time (and muscles).
23. A stranger spotted homophobic graffiti
When a person spotted a cruel message written on a bathroom wall, he texted the number. Then he let them know he’d cover it up so they wouldn’t get harassed.
24. One stranger witnessed a hit-and-run
When someone saw a hit-and-run involving a parked car, they went out of their way to document it. They even uploaded the photos to Imgur so the car’s owner had all the evidence they needed.
25. An individual looked out for hungry college students
Without resources to feed themselves, some college students go hungry. One anonymous donor wasn’t about to let that happen. So, they set out free snacks.
26. People helping people
What a wonderful example of seeing a need and not ignoring but taking that step of kindness to fill it.
27. My new friend Beverly
Instead of just ignoring the moment, this friendly person decided to make someone else’s day.
Now, this is living life in the moment and find joy in it. What a funny memory they will all have because of it.
What a wonderful example of not letting the age of generations get in the way of making a new friend.
Though it’s certainly not something you see everyday, it does show how much a small act of kindness can mean.
What a great example of a community pulling together.
Now, that’s teamwork showing that though something may seem small, it’s those small things that make all the difference.
Some people make their own rules, and thankfully there are those around that appreciate it.
34. Store employees fixed an elderly customer’s wheelchair
When a man’s wheelchair broke while in a home improvement store, he didn’t know what he’d do. Thankfully, several employees jumped in and repaired it right there on the spot.
35. A man noticed a woman getting soaked in the rain
A man saw a woman getting soaked in a downpour. She couldn’t hold an umbrella herself, so he sacrificed his comfort to get her to a dry place.
36. A driver pulled over to help a stranger change a tire
When a driver’s tire blew while on a rural highway, a stranger stopped to help. He took the time to change the tire so they could get back on their way.
37. The neighbor showed some national spirit
When a man spotted his neighbor struggling to get his car out of the snow, he offered his efforts. For him, it was all about showing respect for a neighbor, something he was taught while growing up.
38. A coffee lover did a simple act of kindnes
Sometimes, the smallest acts of kindness make the biggest impressions. One person wanted to pay for a stranger’s coffee — no reason other than being kind.
39. One man braved the polar vortex to help others
When the polar vortex ripped through the American Midwest in January 2019, many people were trapped inside their homes. This man and his team braved subzero temperatures to help people stay safe.
40. Pizza employees made a delivery to a sick kid
When a parent ordered a pizza for their sick son, they asked the employees to write a joke on the box. And man, did they deliver — in more ways than one.
41. A rowing team helped a woman remember her husband
When a widow found out a local rowing team would be on the lake where her husband’s ashes were scattered, she asked the members for a favor. They were able to fulfill her wishes and send her a picture of the rose.
42. A birthday girl wanted to help other people celebrate
Most people expect something on their birthday. But for this girl, she decided to help others have a great day instead. That included giving her server at a restaurant some extra cash.
43. Concerned citizen looked out for construction workers
Construction workers often suffer in extreme heat. One stranger was worried, so they took the time to pass out cold drinks.
44. Drivers stopped traffic to help get a man’s scooter back on his truck
When an elderly man’s scooter fell off his truck, fellow drivers didn’t lose their tempers. But rather, they stopped traffic, jumped out of their cars, and helped him secure it safely on his vehicle.
45. The very polite tall man
There are few things more annoying than being stuck behind a tall person, and they rarely seem aware of themselves. But this man makes a good name for tall people everywhere.
46. Hikers came together to help an injured stranger
When a woman broke her tailbone on a hiking trail, she was in serious trouble. But a group of strangers volunteered to carry her back to a place where they could call for help.
47. A manicurist looked out for a woman’s safety
Being followed by a strange man is terrifying for a woman. One manicurist who knew what that was like didn’t hesitate when a stranger asked for help.
48. A family fed a hungry stranger
Most of us can’t fathom the fear and suffering of homelessness. This man will never forget the kindness of one family who fed him when he was cold and hungry.
49. A driver saw a need and filled it
Most people would’ve just driven past a person walking in the rain. But not this driver. They handed her an umbrella and then drove off without even saying their name.
50. Dog lovers knew the heartbreak of losing a pet
It would’ve been easy to forget the dog’s previous owner, but this family made it a priority to include them. It meant so much to them, even though they missed their pup.
Sometimes, the world seems like a dark place. There’s a lot of suffering, and people often feel alone — maybe like no one cares about them.
It’s hard not to feel discouraged when you look around. Everyone has their struggles, and let’s face it: some of them are big. We all have times where we feel like things will never get better.
But there are also times when people come through, showing us the world isn’t such a horrible place. There have always been bad things. But as it turns out, there are a whole lot of good things, too. Sometimes, those things come from those who love and know us, like our friends and family members. But other times, they come from total strangers.
It takes a genuine person to reach out to a stranger in need. These are the people who help without expecting anything in return. That means they recognize someone needs a hand and then taking the time to offer it — even if it’s not convenient or easy for them.
Enjoy these 50 times when strangers had someone else’s back. You might want to have a tissue ready.
