No matter where you get your news—TV, newspapers, or online—it often feels like a constant stream of unfortunate events. It’s easy to start feeling down and lose faith in humanity.
But even with all the challenges and negativity, there are still countless stories of people showing incredible kindness and compassion. These stories remind us that goodness is alive and well in the world.
Here are ten stories that prove good people still exist, offering a beacon of hope and a reminder of the enduring human spirit.
10. Sha’Kyra Aughtry: The Blizzard Savior
During the Christmas Eve blizzard of 2022 in Buffalo, New York, Sha’Kyra Aughtry heard someone calling for help. She found Joey White, a 64-year-old man with Asperger’s Syndrome, struggling in the snow. He had wandered away from his group home and was in terrible condition.
Sha’Kyra and her boyfriend brought Joey inside and cared for him, but his condition worsened. Unable to get help from emergency services due to the storm, Sha’Kyra made a public plea on Facebook Live. Former NFL player Doug Worthington and his brother-in-law responded and transported Joey to the hospital.
Joey lost nine fingers and part of a thumb due to frostbite, but he survived thanks to Sha’Kyra’s selfless actions. Her compassion turned a personal disappointment into a life-saving mission.
9. Tracy Dean: A Child’s Hair Fairy
After Isabella Pieri lost her mother to a rare brain illness, her father, Phillip, struggled to care for her hair. One day, Isabella’s bus driver, Tracy Dean, noticed the girl needed help and offered to style her hair.
Tracy, a mother and grandmother, made it part of her daily routine to arrive early and braid Isabella’s hair. She also taught Isabella how to brush and style her own hair, boosting the young girl’s confidence.
Phillip was incredibly grateful for Tracy’s kindness, and Isabella now considers Tracy her “best friend forever.” This simple act of care made a huge difference in Isabella’s life.
8. Holle Prigmore: Saves Dog from Certain Death
Holle Prigmore, a mail carrier in Buchanan, Georgia, was delivering mail when she saw Ginger, a beagle mix, limping in pain. She soon realized the dog had been bitten by a copperhead snake.
Knowing the Proctors, Ginger’s owners, weren’t home, Holle scooped up the dog and rushed her to the Bremen Animal Hospital for treatment. She even left a message on the Proctors’ doorbell camera to explain what happened.
The Proctors shared the story on Facebook, calling Holle a “postal hero.” Ginger recovered, and the reunion between the dog and her rescuer was heartwarming, proving Holle’s motto that she wins over every dog on her route.
7. Michael Armus Sr.: Stops Bank Robbery with a Hug
Michael Armus Sr., a regular at the Bank of the West in Woodland, California, walked into a bank robbery in progress. Instead of panicking, Michael recognized the robber, Eduardo Plasencia, as a former neighbor.
Sensing Eduardo’s desperation, Michael approached him with empathy, asking what was wrong and if he had a job. Eduardo replied that he just wanted to go to prison. Michael comforted him, hugged him, and then police arrived to arrest Eduardo, who was unarmed.
The police thanked Michael for his approach, stating that he “delivered the right message that made a difference.” His act of kindness turned a potential crisis into a peaceful resolution.
6. Boynton Beach Good Samaritans: Stepping up to Save a Life
Laurie Rabyor, a seamstress in Boynton Beach, Florida, fell unconscious while driving, causing her car to drift into an intersection. Her coworker, Janette Rivera, noticed and ran into the intersection to stop the car.
Five other people joined Janette, and together they stopped the car and redirected traffic. DaVita Peele, a postal worker, provided a dumbbell to break the window, and Robin Fox, a nurse, administered aid until paramedics arrived.
The Boynton Beach Police Department recognized the group with “Lifesaving Awards,” and Royal Caribbean gifted them cruises. Laurie was overwhelmed by the generosity of the strangers who saved her life.
5. George Condash: Returned $27k Found Next to ATM
George Condash of Westland, Michigan, found a plastic box near an ATM containing $27,000. Instead of keeping the money, George immediately took it inside the Westland Federal Credit Union.
The money had been left behind by an armored security guard. Bank manager Alicia Stewart was incredibly grateful for George’s honesty, which saved the bank from a major loss.
George received a small reward, but he said his true reward was a clean conscience. His quick decision to do the right thing saved the day.
4. Ariel Naylor: Saved Woman from Attempted Kidnapping
Zayra Mendoza was walking in Burlington, Massachusetts, when she realized a man was following her. The man, Tyler Healey, attacked her, but Ariel Naylor saw the assault and stopped to help. Ariel called 911, and her action caused Healey to flee.
Police arrested Healey, who was later charged with assault and intent to rape. Zayra, who had only been in the U.S. for five months, said that Ariel was an angel sent to save her.
Their reunion on Good Morning America highlighted the profound impact of Ariel’s bravery and quick thinking.
3. Minu Pauline: Feeding Those in Need
Minu Pauline, a chef and owner of Pappadavada in Kochi, India, placed a refrigerator outside her restaurant filled with uneaten food for the homeless and hungry. She was inspired after seeing a woman searching through her trash for food.
The “nanma maram,” meaning “tree of goodness,” combats food waste and hunger. Minu’s restaurant contributes around 50 packs of food daily, and customers are encouraged to leave their leftovers in the fridge.
The refrigerator feeds dozens of people each night, offering free meals to anyone in need, reflecting Minu’s commitment to her community.
2. Kenny: Helping Those Who Can’t Help Themselves
Destiny Carreno was in a McDonald’s in Chicago when she saw an elderly, disabled man ask the cashier for help. The cashier, known as Kenny, couldn’t immediately understand, but eventually realized the man needed help eating.
Despite the busy rush hour, Kenny closed his register, washed his hands, put on gloves, and sat down with the man to cut his meal and help him eat. Destiny was moved to tears by Kenny’s compassion.
She posted a photo on Facebook with the caption, “Compassion has NOT gone out of style,” and it went viral. Kenny’s act reminded everyone that even small kindnesses can touch many hearts.
1. Lou Asci: Helping Boy Find Cherished Necklace
Connor Datri of Plymouth, Massachusetts, lost his mother in a car crash in 2020. One of his few mementos was a heart-shaped locket containing her ashes, which he lost while playing soccer.
Lou Asci, a “detectorist” who searches for missing items, heard about the story and went to the soccer field to search for the locket. After several unsuccessful trips, Lou spoke with Connor and his grandmother and had a better idea of where it might be.
Lou and his wife returned, and after two more hours, they found the locket. The emotional reunion with Connor and his grandmother showed the power of Lou’s dedication and kindness.
These stories show that even in a world filled with challenges, there are still people who go above and beyond to help others. Their actions remind us of the good in humanity and inspire us to do the same.
What act of kindness have you witnessed or experienced recently? Share your story in the comments below!
