So many times we can all get caught up in a vicious cycle of negative thinking. With the mainstream media constantly pushing bad news and our own misfortunes taking up headspace, it can be hard to remember that the world isn’t such a bad place. After all, sometimes a small act of kindness can go a long way. Here are 20 stories from all over the world to make you believe that the world is actually a kind and compassionate place. These tales will put a smile on your face and may even inspire you to make a small change to make the world a slightly better place.
Special Delivery
This man found $1,300 in his Dominos chicken wings box and decided to return it. It seems that the delivery driver was on his way from the bank and forgot the cash in the box. In honor of his honesty, Dominos repaid him with a year’s supply of free pizza pies.
Home Angel
Tracy Orr, on the left, lost her home and was attending the foreclosure auction with her son, crying about her loss. Marilyn Mock, on the right, saw her crying and asked her what was wrong. Mock then proceeded to purchase the house at the auction and returned it to Marilyn.
Miracle Birth
This tiny baby miracle was born on a cruise ship at 1.5 pounds about 100 miles from land and 14 hours away from the nearest hospital. Despite the odds, Haiden Morgan survived.
We Love To See You Smile
This McDonald’s employee took the time out to help this elderly man with his meal. You can see him slicing up parts of his food.
True Companions
Maria Williamson lost her eye in a shooting. She then went and adopted this pup who lost an eye after being attacked by a large dog. The two are inseparable.
A Helping Hand
The citizens of Hungary went out of their way to leave shoes for Syrian refugees at the Budapest train station.
Kitty Savior
Local man, Anatoly Tuptey, rescued two little kittens from an oil spill that occurred in the Ob River. The man heard the kittens cries and could not ignore them.
Football Team
High school football team manager with down syndrome, Hunter, was given the opportunity to score a touchdown thanks to his loving teammates.
Helping Those In Need
This homeless man Rodney needed money to get on a bus to go see his family. When a local member of the community reached out to him and found out about his circumstances, the whole community raised money to get him home.
Random Kindness
Looks like this guy just wanted to pass on the joy of being able to play frisbee with a pal.
Angel in Uniform
Deputy Brian Bussell decided to use his own money to book a mother and her sons a hotel room for 10 days when he found out that the family was sleeping in the Ohio jail lobby after being evicted from their home. He also helped the mother find a permanent home. No one at the police department knew until the mother took a photo of him with her kids and posted it onto Facebook.
Breath of Life
This firefighter was caught putting an oxygen mask onto a kitten that was caught in a fire.
Bulletproof
This little boy decided that instead of getting presents for his birthday he’d prefer making fliers to encourage people to donate to getting bulletproof vests for police dogs. After weeks of asking people to donate he gave the K-9 Foundation a check for $1,290.
A True Sweetheart
This 5-year-old girl decided to put a smile on the faces of the mourning Kentucky state troopers by buying them a bunch of ice cream with her allowance money.
Business Owner
Emma Lynam was born with Downs Syndrome and never learned how to read or write. Her mother always worried about her getting a job, but, Emma surprised everyone by opening up her own paper shredding business. Since she can’t read or write companies trust her with their confidential papers.
Rescue Mission
This baby fox was rescued after it got tangled up into a soccer net.
School Help
A school crossing guard decided to put her paycheck toward some charitable work. She bought a bunch of school supplies and set it up at the intersection for anyone to take on the first day of school.
Tailgating
These nuns decided to tailgate while waiting for Pope Francis to arrive at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. Looks like a fun time!
Best Modification Ever
The machine operator got into an accident that left him paralyzed. The Norwegian government paid for the machine to be modified so that he could continue working for his company.
Wildlife
The U.S. and China have both agreed to protect elephants in the wildlife from poachers by banning ivory sales.