Feeling a bit overwhelmed by the news cycle? Sometimes, all we need is a reminder of the good in the world. This collection of nine uplifting stories is here to do just that – to bring a smile to your face and perhaps a warmth to your heart. From incredible individual achievements to acts of pure kindness, get ready for a dose of positivity that will brighten your entire week!
1. World’s Oldest Scuba Diver Makes a Splash at 96
Ray Woolley, a former radio operator from World War II, celebrated his 96th birthday in an extraordinary way: by setting a new record as the world’s oldest active scuba diver. This wasn’t his first time breaking this record; he also set it the previous year.
Alongside 47 other divers, Woolley explored the Zenobia shipwreck off Cyprus, diving to an impressive depth of 42.4 meters (139 feet) for 48 minutes. Having dived for 59 years, this veteran has now held the title of oldest diver for three consecutive years and plans to continue as long as his dive buddies are game!
2. A Young Girl’s Lemonade Stand Protects K-9 Heroes
Thanks to the big heart of 10-year-old Josie Larson, K-9 units in Wright County, Minnesota, are now better protected. When this fifth-grader learned that police dogs needed protective vests but the sheriff’s department lacked funds, she decided to take action.
Josie set up a lemonade stand with a goal to raise $1,000. She surpassed her goal, raising over $1,600! She presented a $1,500 check to the Wright County Sheriff’s Office and used the remainder to buy toys and treats for the hardworking police dogs. What a paw-some effort!
3. Charity Event’s Grand Finale After 20 Years of Giving
The Weengallon Pink Ladies Day, a beloved charity event, marked its 20th and final year with record-breaking success. Nestled between larger cities on the Queensland-New South Wales border, the small Australian town of Weengallon annually hosted this women’s charity luncheon, which grew larger and raised more funds each year.
Starting in 2000 with 60 local women raising funds for a kindergarten, this year’s event saw 740 tickets sell out in 10 minutes, with over 900 attendees raising more than $60,000 for local breast and prostate cancer services. Though the original volunteer committee is stepping down, there’s hope a third party might continue this wonderful tradition.
4. Young Boy Chooses Hurricane Relief Over Disney Dream
Six-year-old Jermaine Bell from Allendale, South Carolina, made a truly selfless decision. He used the money saved for his seventh birthday trip to Disney World to feed Hurricane Dorian evacuees. His family had been saving all year for the vacation.
Concerned for those fleeing the storm, Jermaine wanted to ensure they had food and drink. He bought hot dogs, water, and chips, setting up a stand along Highway 125 with signs offering free food. He served over 100 people on Labor Day alone and continued his efforts throughout the week. As for Disney World, Jermaine hopes to visit another time.
5. A Heartwarming Reunion After 24 Long Years
A New Jersey transit officer, Sean Pfeifer, played a pivotal role in reconnecting a homeless man, Jose Lopez, with his two daughters whom he hadn’t seen in 24 years. After separating from his wife decades ago and moving to Florida, Lopez lost contact with his family following multiple strokes that left him unable to work and eventually homeless.
Recently, determined to see his daughters, Lopez made his way to New Jersey. Officer Pfeifer encountered him at the Secaucus Junction train station and offered help. Pfeifer managed to track down Kristy and Angela Viviani, who were overjoyed to reunite with their father. He even arranged for Lopez to get a haircut and shave before the emotional reunion, where Lopez also met his grandchildren for the first time, describing the experience as being “in heaven.”
6. Celebrating 67 Years of Dedicated Community Service
The state of Ohio recently honored 91-year-old Howard Mullen as its “longest-serving officer.” Mullen, who has lived in Pomeroy nearly his entire life, has devoted 67 years to serving his community and has no plans to retire anytime soon.
He believes that staying active and doing what he loves will keep him going longer than sitting on a couch. Mullen joined the Pomeroy Fire Department in 1952 and became a deputy the following year. Even after five decades, when he couldn’t work full time, he continued to serve by volunteering with the North Fort Myers Fire Department. Just recently, he was instrumental in alerting a fellow officer to a woman brandishing a gun during a disturbance call.
7. Tiny Hero Saves His Teacher’s Life
Six-year-old Max Meza is being celebrated as a hero for his quick thinking that saved his substitute teacher’s life. When Joyce Darr collapsed in front of her class at Frostproof Elementary School in Polk County, Florida, Max didn’t panic.
Instead, he ran out of the classroom to find another adult who could call 911. Emergency services arrived in time to save Ms. Darr. Later, Max visited her in the hospital, where her grateful son called him the “real MVP” and gifted him his first pair of Air Jordans. Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd also recognized Max’s bravery with a citizen’s certificate and a new bike, calling him a “tiny hero.”
8. An Act of Kindness in the Rain Gets Rewarded
A Missouri police officer successfully found and rewarded a young man whose random act of kindness was captured on camera and went viral. Officer Joe Holt of the Independence Police Department was in his vehicle during a downpour when he saw a teenager run across a grocery store parking lot, using his own jacket to shield an elderly woman from the rain as he escorted her to her car.
Touched by the gesture, Officer Holt snapped a photo and spoke to the teen’s mother, telling her she should be proud. Later, wanting to reward the boy further, Holt posted the photo on Facebook to identify him. The teen, 14-year-old Tyrea, was found, and he and his mother enjoyed a dinner with Officer Holt over the weekend.
9. Decades-Old Love Letters Find Their Way Home
A shoebox filled with love letters from 70 years ago was returned to its original owner, Norma Beasley, thanks to a determined stranger and the power of social media. Twenty years prior, Cherry Vallance received the letters from a neighbor who found them in an attic. They remained in Cherry’s attic until her daughter, Kim Rowe, rediscovered them.
The letters, dated 1948-1949, detailed the romance between Norma Hall in Kent, England, and Bob Beasley, a soldier overseas. Kim shared the story online, and Facebook users helped track down Norma Beasley in Lincoln. Norma was astonished to learn her cherished letters, still in their original shoebox, existed. The moment is bittersweet, as Bob passed away late last year, and Norma hasn’t yet brought herself to read through them alone.
These stories, big and small, remind us of the kindness, resilience, and inspiration that can be found all around us. Hopefully, they’ve added a little sunshine to your day!
Which of these stories touched you the most? Do you have an uplifting story to share? Leave your comment below!
