“What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make.”
WEEKLY BRIGHT SPOTS
Food for those who need it
In cities across the U.S., ordinary people are joining forces through Food Rescue Hero, an app that lets volunteers pick up surplus food and deliver it to families who need it most. Together they’ve now saved more than 250 million pounds of food—that’s millions of meals that would have gone in the trash, now filling empty plates. Even more, it’s kept over 100 million pounds of greenhouse gases out of the air. It’s proof that when enough people give a little bit of time, the results can be world-changing.
Small acts of kindness in a hallway
In Florida, a woman named Erica noticed an older couple slowly walking the halls of her apartment building, using the long corridors as a safe place to exercise. Instead of just smiling in passing, she decided to brighten their daily walk. She began leaving water bottles, granola bars, and cheerful notes outside her door. Now, every lap they take comes with a reminder: someone cares. A small act of thoughtfulness has turned an ordinary hallway into a place of encouragement.
8-year-old gives birthday money to homeless woman
For his 8th birthday, Mateo could have spent his gift money on toys or treats. Instead, he spotted a homeless woman selling candy on the street and pressed his $23 into her hand. “She needs it more than I do,” he said. Mateo’s choice shows that generosity isn’t about the size of the gift—it’s about the size of the heart behind it.
COVID kindness still remains
During the COVID-19 pandemic, kindness seemed to surge—neighbors helping neighbors, strangers reaching out, communities stepping up. And here’s the good news: according to new research, that spirit never fully faded. Acts of kindness like volunteering, donating, and helping strangers are still over 10% higher than they were before 2020. The crisis may have passed, but the habit of compassion has remained. It’s a reminder that even in the hardest seasons, the seeds we plant in love can keep growing.
GOOD NEWS FROM OUR COMMUNITY
... because the best news comes from one another.
“Started a new job this week!”
“I received my wedding pictures.”
“Last weekend, I went to an awesome football game.”