Romina – USA
I was leaving Starbucks and saw an old man struggling to get out of his car with his walker. I offered to help him inside. I held out my arm and helped him balance onto the walker and opened the door for him to get in. A simple thing to go into a store to get coffee was a struggle for this person, but hopefully I made it a little easier (and more enjoyable with the conversation!)
Stacey
A couple of weeks ago I spotted a young man with no socks and shoes in Somerville, NJ near ShopRite. By the time I had gone in and purchased some sock packs for him, he was gone. I drove around and could not find him. Today I went into ShopRite, following my routine, but there were no carts on “my side,” so I had to go through the store to the other entrance and get one, and there he was. I quickly ran back to my car, grabbed the socks and went over to him. I told him I saw him a couple of weeks back and couldn’t find him. I showed him the socks I had purchased and was driving around with for two weeks hoping I’d find him. He was so ecstatic. He couldn’t stop thanking me. He had shoes this time, but had taken them off and had holes in the socks he had on, worn thin, dirty. He told me that my kindness had made his world today. I smiled and told him I wished him well. I came back out, and noticed all the carts had been refilled now. I would never have had this chance encounter if they had been earlier. Thanks universe. #doamitzvah #kindnessmatters #community
Caryn – USA
A new friend of mine has a husband that suffered a massive stroke at the age of 48. I contributed a door dash card to a basket. I am going to play Bunco to raise funds for her family. I have reached out to let her know if she needs help with an errand or anything that I am here.
Jean – NJ, USA
A woman boarded the train with 2 small babies, one in a double stroller and the other on her hip. My friend and I got up and offered her our seats so she could sit comfortably with her little ones. We’re technically senior citizens but able-bodied, so the bonus is we get to feel younger than we are đ
Christine – NJ
I gave 10 dollars to the first person I saw in the supermarket using reusable bags before Governor Murphy made it mandatory. I would say to them as I handed them the money âThank you for making my day and helping our environmentâ.
Will
Doing a good deed without expecting anything in return is the essence of paying it forward. True kindness lies in offering help without seeking repayment or recognition. The moment you expect something in return, it ceases to be a selfless act and becomes a transactionâa favor rather than genuine help.
Pravan – USA
A few weeks ago, I was on the bus to Target. A couple stops after mine, a lady with back pain was struggling to load her suitcase onto the bus. While others sat and stared, I walked to the front and helped her to her seat. Both she and the bus driver thanked me for the help, putting me in a good mood for the rest of the day.
Andrew
This semester in bio lab, my tablemate had a family emergency and had to leave for three weeks. I stepped up to cover their lab work, ensuring they didnât fall behind. I kept detailed notes, completed experiments, and helped them catch up when they returned. They were incredibly grateful, sharing how much it eased their stress during a difficult time. Our lab instructor also praised my effort, reminding me how simple acts of kindness can make a big difference.
Reuel – USA
In the past few years, I have gotten amazing opportunities to reach out to the community thru my church. Whether itâs building houses or teaching kids at a summer camp, it is so awesome to be a part of something bigger than myself. Helping the community is one of the greatest things I have done and will continue to do.
Adi – USA
Growing up with a younger brother who has autism, I didnât always understand his struggles. I often felt frustrated and as a child, I wished he was like the other kids. Until one day, through tears, he said, âIâm trying, but itâs hard. My brain feels like a storm.â That moment changed everything. I began to see him not as someone who needed to change but as someone who needed understanding and love. He taught me patience and empathy, opening my eyes to the beauty in differences and learning to love and embrace. Now, my arms are open to all, offering warmth, not judgment, to him and those like him.