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Elderly kroger cashier and an elderly cashier holding a bouquet of flowers standing next to a man.
Uplifting News

Elderly Kroger Cashier Is Forced to Sleep on the Floor - So Strangers Raise $85,000

As the cost of living continues to skyrocket, more and more people are finding it increasingly difficult to make ends meet, never mind retire. Affordable housing is woefully lacking and homelessness has reached epidemic proportions.For years, Sonja has been working as a cashier at Kroger, the largest supermarket operator in the U.S. But despite her job, she is homeless and currently sleeping on the floor in a shelter.However, thanks to the goodness of strangers (with a not-so-little boost from philanthropist and entrepreneur Charlie Rocket) that's all about to change.

Family dining at a restaurant and a handwritten note with money.
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Mom Dining With 2 Kids Notices Stranger Sitting Nearby - Then, He Leaves Her a Note

There's no job on earth quite as humbling as being a parent. One second you're patting yourself on the back and thinking, "I've got this," the next, your 4-year-old has suddenly turned into a Kracken in the middle of aisle 4, rage screaming, "I don't like you!!" because you refuse to buy a box of Cocoa Puffs.It's a roller coaster, to say the least, and sometimes? You just really need someone to say, "Hey! You're doing a great job."Oftentimes, however, instead of encouragement, parents are met with judgment and shame from strangers. So, when one mom received a note from a random stranger in a cafe she had no idea what to expect.

Stranger Hands Something to Homeless Man on Metro - It Ends Up Completely Changing His Life
Uplifting News

Stranger Hands Something to Homeless Man on Metro - It Ends Up Completely Changing His Life

*Featured image contains photo by Timur Weber and Pixabay“Did anybody see that?!”The man shouts, left stunned and confused, yet no one steps to help him. Little does he know, it sets off a series of events that change his life forever.A Random Metro MeetPhoto by Ron LachWe often hear about unsavory encounters people have on their daily commute, often involving the homeless, unkept, and aggressive.Yet sometimes, the tables turn and it's the homeless person approached by a passerby without warning. As you'll shortly see, it can be just as jarring.Next to the buzzing shuffle of commuters past the metro turnstile is Raymond. He's sitting on his backpack, his winter coat closed tightly to shelter him from the chill. In front of him is what appears to be a rolled-up brown fast food bag, which might be his ration for the day. "Hey man, what's your name?" the stranger asks him. After he replies, the stranger pulls out a paper and says, "Raymond, can you read that for me?"When Raymond replies that he's unable to read or write, the stranger sighs, unfolds the paper and says, "Alright, we'll read it together."With that, Raymond stands up to hear the unexpected. A Man’s Note and SurprisePhoto by Cottonbro StudioOnce the stranger reads the contents of the note to Raymond, he seems to relax and open up. He says that he was abandoned for 12 years, and that he has no children or family. Although he's illiterate, what the man reads to him is so powerful, that Raymond asks if he can have the note, and he hands it to him, saying, "It was for you."It's at that point, with the motivation to do more, that the stranger takes something out of his pocket. "Nah, I don't believe it - you playing!” he responds, stunned. "I'm not playing," the stranger replies. That's when the stranger hands it to Raymond, prompting him to cry, “Did anybody see that?!” A Stranger’s Identity Is RevealedFast forward to the future. Raymond is sitting down eating on a park bench when he hears an unmistakable voice."Raymond, is that you?!""BOND!" he shouts.It's not James Bond, but Peter Bond. And while he's not 007, he's known online as 'Mr $1 Bill.' Bond is known for his viral videos of lifting those who are down and out. When he sees him, Raymond begins to tell Bond excitedly about the impact his gesture to him on the metro that day had on his life.“I got my life together, I’m in a shelter now, bought me some clothes, got me shaved, haircut and everything," he shares. But that's not it. "I’ve been doing good, I even found me a job! They gave me the boots, the hat, the gloves and everything! So now I found me a job, the only thing I’m waiting for is my Osha card (An occupational safety course)"Before they part, Raymond reminds him just what an impact Bond made.“That helped me a lot, I really appreciate it man. I take it from the heart, you helped me a lot!"They then share a long hug before parting ways, forever changed. One Man Proves Kindness Can Change LivesTrue to his name, that day on the metro, Bond handed Raymond dollars bills, 500 of them to be exact. It's what helped him get clothes and clean up.However, what really kept Raymond going was the note that Bond gave him. He said that although he'd lost it on a train, he would always remember what it read when he needed motivation. If you think about it every day, don’t give up on it.Imagine, a dozen words can carry the human spirit a million miles. Speaking to Ladbible, Bond says that his outlook on life is pretty simple: “You can’t help everyone, but everyone can help someone.” More from Goalcast:Freezing Homeless Man Goes to a Closed McDonald’s – Manager Defies All Rules and Does This“Homeless” Man Insists on Paying for an Expensive Lunch at Restaurant – So the Server Tells Him a LieCollege Student Buys Homeless Man a Cup of Tea – Soon It Turns Into $400,000

Nurse Notices No One Shows Up to Take Care of 14-Year-Old and Her Triplets - So She Adopts Them All
Uplifting News

Nurse Notices No One Shows Up to Take Care of 14-Year-Old and Her Triplets - So She Adopts Them All

Every once in a while we hear a story so moving that it shakes us up and reminds us how much power we really have to put pure love into the world. NICU nurse Katrina Mullen, is one of those people who reminds us how doing the right thing — no questions asked — is the bravest thing we can do.Mullen was working at Community Hospital North, Indianapolis, when life threw her for a loop.Mullen's job was straightforward but not easy: give sick premature babies expert, around-the-clock care. Under such stressful working conditions, you'd think 'how much worse could a day on the job' be?For Katrina Mullen, when one teenager walked through those hospital doors to see her sick triplets stuck in incubators behind a glass? She realized it could be much worse. A 14 Year-Old-Girl Gave Birth to Triplets — 3 Months EarlyToday ShowWhen 14-year-old Shariya Small entered the NICU at Community Hospital North, she was just that — small. She kept her head down and she didn't take up a lot of space. To Nurse Mullen's trained eye, it seemed like Shariya Small was lost and alone, but she didn't realize how right she was.Like most teenagers, Small was just a young girl trying to keep her head above water. But unlike most teenagers, she had three mouths to feed."I was speechless. I was panicking, but I had no time to panic."Shariya Small, PEOPLEYes, at only 14 years old, Shariya Small became a mother of not one, not two, but three babies. To make matters more unmanageable, Small had also gone into labor unexpectedly at 26 weeks — only 6 months in to her pregnancy.Battling the Fight of Her LifeOne thing was for certain, Shariya's three babies were definitely fighters. After surviving an incredibly dangerous birth journey, her little ones — Serenitee, Samari, and Sarayah — held on to dear life.Small's babies were immediately dispatched to the emergency unit where they would stay under observation for quite sometime. During her frequent visits, Shariya Small minded her own business, but thankfully, not everyone was "minding" theirs.After 5 months of visiting her premature triplets, NICU nurse Mullen couldn't help but notice one thing about Shariya Small.Her Triplets Were Hospitalized for 5 MonthsLooking back, it's clear to Katrina Mullen that when Small came to visit her triplets in the hospital, something was very wrong with this picture.“She’d be there alone for days at a time sitting at her babies’ bedside.”Katrina MullenRight away, Mullen wanted to step in — but she didn't know how to. She definitely had questions she wanted answered. Who was taking care of Small? Why did she spend all her time alone? She never brought snacks with her...so when was she eating?Still Mullen didn't react. She stayed patient. She could tell Small was afraid and closed off. The then-eighth grader was reluctant to share any personal information about her family or life, but thankfully this was one nurse who didn't scare easy.“I knew if I gave her time, she’d likely open up to me.”Katrina MullenLittle did Mullen know just how right she was.A Nurse Told This Teen Mom One Secret — And It Changed EverythingRobert Scheer/IndyStar/USA TODAY NETWORKDuring her routine hospital visits, Shariya Small shared how out of place she felt. “I felt like I couldn’t relate to all the other moms on the floor,” Small later told PEOPLE.But she would soon find out that there was someone who understood her situation better than she could have ever imagined.And it was the last person she expected.When the time was right, Nurse Mullen revealed to Small she too had been a teen mom, but had given her baby up for adoption."I wanted her to know that I was a teen mom, and that I knew how scary it was.” Katrina MullenAfter that, everything changed. Their shared experience made these two moms feel closer than ever. They bonded over their similar experiences, and Nurse Mullen was quick to share tips with Small when it came to taking care of her little ones.When the triplets were finally ready to leave the hospital, Mullen gave Small her phone number — little did she know how often Small would be calling.Needless to say, it caught her attention in all the right ways.A Home Visit Proved It Was Not a Place for Her to Raise BabiesIt quickly became clear Small didn't have much support at home. In fact, it's why she called so often for advice. On her day off Nurse Mullen couldn't keep her mind off of Shariya Small. So she decided to do something about it.She followed her instincts and thank goodness she did.Worried about her, Mullen visited Small, who lived an hour away with a family member. When Mullen arrived she was shocked at the living conditions Shariya Small and her three young babies were in.Mullen grew even more concerned when she noticed how underweight Small's son, Samari, was. Once again, her instincts were correct.After Mullen's visit, Samari would soon be hospitalized, leading Child Protective Services to step in. She Saved Her Family From the Foster Care SystemCourtesy Katrina MullenAfter assessing the situation, Child Protective Services decided that Small and her three infants should go into foster care. But Mullen knew Small's family would be torn apart. There was no way a foster family would take in a teenage girl and her three preemie babies. But she knew she would.Katrina Mullen was the fearless a single mother of five boys: Sevonté Sumpter-Bey, 23, Shai Sumpter-Bey, 22, SeQuayvion Sumpter-Bey, 16, ShaKovon Sumpter-Bey, 15 and JJ Mullen, 8."The caseworker said that Shariya and her babies were being removed from their home,” Mullen recalled. “And then she goes, ‘Shariya said she’d like to come live with you. Would you be willing?’”Katrina MullenAdding four more loved ones to her family was a no brainer. She took all the necessary training to become a foster parent just in time to intercept the conflict.Just Believing in Someone Can Change Their Life Even though Mullen could have easily turned her back on Small she didn't. She was already a single mom to 5 kids with an exhausting job. She could have easily said "it's out of my hands."But she did the exact opposite.“I just kept thinking, ‘I have to do this,'” Mullen explained. “I knew Shariya was intelligent and resilient and she just needed a safe place to put her roots. I knew it would be hard, but we’d figure it out.”Katrina MullenMullen didn't see this teenage mom and her premature triplets as a burden on her money and resources.She saw their predicament as an opportunity to change five lives: Shariya Smalls, the triplets, and her own.More from Goalcast:

Man Gives His 6-Year-Old $600 to Go on a Shopping Spree - Little Did He Know His Son Had Other Plans With the Money
Uplifting News

Man Gives His 6-Year-Old $600 to Go on a Shopping Spree - Little Did He Know His Son Had Other Plans With the Money

Parents don’t always know what their kids are going to do when they get out there in the world by themselves. All they can do is hope that they did a good job instilling values and teaching their kids how to leave their corner of the world a better place.In that case, the parents of a six-year-old boy named Bailey must be especially proud after he traded in a bagful of toys for the chance to help someone else.A Wonderful SurpriseIn May 2020, popular social media stars Paul Klein and Paul Wood shared a remarkable video to their Facebook page, Woody & Kleiny. In it, they brought Wood’s six-year-old son, Bailey, to London and offered him $600 to buy anything he wanted from Hamleys, the city’s oldest toy store. They told the kid he had 30 minutes to pick out anything he wanted: Toys, games, sporting equipment. It was a dream come true for the child.“Let’s do this!” he shouted excitedly before running into the store and checking out all kinds of cool things.“He’s going to go for whatever’s the biggest,” the duo speculated, saying that kids have no concept of money and that they were curious what he would actually put in his bag.An Unexpected TwistAs Bailey filled his orange shopping bag with coveted items, a look came over his face. Suddenly he started putting things back.“I’m taking all this off,” he said, restocking shelves. “I don’t care.”Once everything was put back, Bailey headed outside and asked for some of the money, saying he knew what he wanted to spend it on. He then led the cameras down the streets and put the money in the cup of a homeless man with a sign."Daddy always buys me toys and he needed it more than I did because he hasn’t got a house."Bailey Wood“I feel happy,” he told the camera. “Lots of people don’t have that much money so like, I just want to give it all away… Daddy always buys me toys and he needed it more than I did because he hasn’t got a house.”Heartwarming ReactionsAs Bailey walked back toward the store, he explained that he realized all of a sudden that the money would be good for that man, plain and simple. Back in front of the store, Bailey told his dad what he did and why. Suddenly, his dad was fighting back tears.“Well this is going to be a good video,” Wood joked, choking back tears and hugging his son. “I’m proud of you.”Wood wasn’t the only one who was touched. The comments section quickly filled with people who were equally inspired by the actions of this little man.“You must have been the proudest parent ever that day. Absolutely wonderful, selfless thing to do,” wrote one person.“What an amazing young man you are raising! Total credit to how he is being raised, you should be so proud of him as he should be of himself. Just made my day watching this,” wrote someone else.Faith in the Next GenerationIf you’ve ever wondered whether the world will be in good hands with the next generation, this video is the only answer you need. Kids are capable of all kinds of great things, even when we least expect it.It’s a nice reminder that if we do our best and try to be good people, our kids will hopefully see our examples and follow suit. So donate that extra dollar to someone who needs it, give time to a charity or a worthy cause, and remember that we all have a story, no matter what our current circumstances may be.Children see everything, even when you think they’re not paying attention. By modeling the behavior we hope them to have, one day your kids may just surprise you the way Bailey surprised his dad.More from Goalcast:Parents Find Out Their 9-Year-Old Son Has Given $15 to His Teacher – The Reason Why Brings Them to Tears9-Year-Old Boy Gives $1000 Bike He Just Won To His Friend Who Didn’t Have One8-Year-Old Girl Visits Walmart With Her Mother – The Next Day, an Employee Calls Her an “Angel” for This Reason

Uplifting News

Elderly Veteran Regularly Visits Hooters - 22-Year-Old Waitress Who Hardly Knew Him Made Him an Offer He Couldnt Refuse

Working in the service industry is more than just taking customer's orders and hoping for a good tip. There's a lot of spinning plates — literally. Servers are typically on their feet for their entire shift. If the restaurant is short-staffed and busy? Shifts can often last 12 or 14 hours. The holidays are coming up, if you're eating out, this is your reminder to tip well! Servers routinely handle heavy trays, deal with rude customers (whoever came up with the saying 'the customer is always right,' never worked a double on New Years Eve), and are exposed to all kinds of potential diseases and sickness on a daily basis. If you've ever been a server, you get it. If you haven't — trust that it's not as "easy" as it looks, that's just a sign you have an experienced server. A lot of the job is providing service with a smile — and looking good while doing it. But there's one restaurant chain in particular that gives "looking good" a whole new meaning. Of all the restaurants a server could work at, Hooters may be the most infamous for its controversial uniform (and name). But one waitress who works at the contentious chain proved, that even though she may have big...hooters? She has an even bigger heart.The Lengths One Waitress Went for Customer ServiceInstagram/ Mariana_Tolentino7For a restaurant that's primarily known for keeping the booty shorts industry alive and their world famous "naked" chicken wings (honestly top tier eats) — an unexpected act of altruism emerged from such an unlikely place."I said, I have two kidneys...do you want one of mine?"Mariana VillarrealMariana Villarreal, works at a Hooters restaurant in Roswell, Georgia. The 22-year-old woman recently made headlines when it was discovered that she offered one customer, the gift of a lifetime...the gift of life, that is!When Mariana Villarreal had learned, a "regular" Donald Thomas was going through a health crisis, she sprung into action. 72-year-old Donald Thomas is a war veteran, who lost his beloved wife to cancer. It was a tragic twist of fate when the longtime patron lost not one, but two of his kidneys — to cancer.For Mariana, it was a no brainer.At 22 years old the incredible waitress made the brave choice to donate one of her kidneys to a longtime Hooters guest, 50 years her senior. Of course, the next step was a bit more complicated. Mariana and Don needed to know if they were a viable match. The kindney donor transplant waitlist can be anywhere from 3 to 5 years. In light of Don's dire situation, he didn't have that kind of time to lose.They Were a “Perfect” MatchFinding a kidney donor match is no easy task. Statistics say siblings have a 25% chance of being an "exact" match — not exactly comforting odds. With no living relatives to lean on, the cards were stacked against Don. Thankfully, luck was in his corner!Despite their large age gap, the pair were thrilled when doctors told them they were able to move forward with the surgery. Tests had confirmed they were the "perfect match." For a pretty terrifying scenario and daunting procedure, the results couldn't have been any better. Villarreal and Thomas both successfully underwent surgeries at the Piedmont Transplant Institute in Atlanta. Instagram/ Mariana_Tolentino7Not only was Mariana's kidney a perfect match but doctors were reportedly amazed by how quickly Thomas’ kidney began functioning post-surgery! Villarreal's incredible and quick act of bravery not only inspired her Hooters family, but her incredible story spread quickly and has touched many lives around the world.Watch The Full Video Here:She Did It for Her GrandmotherVillarreal admits, Donald's story resonated with her so deeply, because recently she lost a dear family member to kidney failure — her grandmother.Mariana hadn't been working at Hooters for very long when she offered Donald one of her kidneys. In fact, Donald revealed the two didn't even know each other that well when she came to his aid. Her surprising act may have left more than one person scratching their head, but Mariana revealed Donald's health crisis was one that was so close to her heart."I wasn't able to do anything for my grandma," Mariana said, getting emotional. "If he can live two more years, happiest he's ever been, that's completely fine to me. It's not up to me, I did my part. Now it's God's part to keep him alive."This selfless act of kindness transcends the boundaries of familiarity, proving that compassion can come in the most unexpected places. It's a shame some people look down on those who tirelessly slave away in the service industry — you can't measure someone's kindness by their paycheck or profession. Mariana's beautiful story reminds us it's important not to judge a book by its cover.Thankfully, this story has an even happier ending, when Hooters put a new spin on the old saying — sometimes those who give the most are the ones with the most to spare!The Hooters Family Doubled Down on Kindness and Donated Thousands to CharityHooters gave a whole new meaning to service with a smile. In a press release, Hooters shared how Mariana's heroic act inspired them so much that they decided to do their part. Let me to tell you, it was no small feat. The restaurant chain donated $20,000 to the National Kidney Foundation, serving Alabama, Georgia and Mississippi, in Mariana Villarreal’s name!“Mariana is an absolute inspiration, and we’re honored to call such a selfless and compassionate person one of our own.”Terry Marks, Hooters CEOIt's no secret the restaurant chain has recieved its fair share of backlash. Hooters came under fire after some staff took to TikTok to mock their new uniforms. However, it seems Hooters works even harder offset their unconventional business model, by giving back, big time. Critics of the chain may not know this, but "Hooters Girls" support and raise funds for a number of partners and nonprofit organizations that directly impact the local communities Hooters serves! The restaurant has raised over $10 million to local and national non-profits. Just last year, the chain raised over $660,000 for Breast Cancer Research.In the world of service industry superheroes, where kindness often goes unrecognized, Hooters not only redefined service with a smile but also proved that actions speak louder than uniforms.More from Goalcast:Woman Who Was on ‘Most Wanted’ List Didn’t Hesitate to Donate a Kidney to the Officer Who Threw Her in JailWoman’s Dog Saves Her Life by Sniffing Out 1-In-22 Million Kidney Donor During Trip to the BeachPastor Donates Kidney to Stranger He Just Met – During the Surgery, Doctors Make a Shocking Discovery

White Castle Employee Feeds a Homeless 16-Year-Old Down on Her Luck - Years Later, She Decides to Get Married There
Uplifting News

White Castle Employee Feeds a Homeless 16-Year-Old Down on Her Luck - Years Later, She Decides to Get Married There

In the heart of a White Castle, where the scent of sliders meets the whispers of vows, a couple recently tied the knot, weaving together a tale of love, resilience, and the unexpected kindness of a fast-food haven.Jamie West, the bride, reflects on a poignant chapter of her life that unfolded in the 1990s. A homeless teen, West had navigated through the shadows of 94 foster homes. At 16, she found herself alone, battling the harsh realities of life, abuse, and addiction.How a White Castle Restaurant Welcomed a Homeless TeenPhoto by Polina TankilevitchIn a serendipitous encounter, she stumbled upon a White Castle, seeking water to quench her thirst. Little did she know, this visit would change the course of her life. A compassionate employee not only offered solace but filled her arms with sacks of slider hamburgers — simple acts of kindness that resonated deeply.West recalled the moment: “I walked into the White Castle, the first one I had ever seen, and this woman goes, ‘Oh, sugar, you poor thing. You go on in that bathroom and get yourself cleaned up,’ and so I did. I cried in the bathroom because I was being treated like a human.”"Every time after that, when I saw a White Castle, I knew it was somewhere that I would be safe to run to, and if I was starving, I would be able to get fed.”This extraordinary gesture wasn’t just a meal; it became a beacon of hope. In a world that often treated the homeless with indifference, White Castle stood as a sanctuary, a place where humanity triumphed over adversity.Years later, after overcoming her struggles, West found love in Drew Schmitt. The couple, embodying a tale of resilience, heard that a White Castle would open near their home in Arizona. Their excitement manifested in crowns, axes, and swords as they camped outside on the opening day, becoming the first to step into the newly opened establishment.Their unique connection with White Castle didn’t end there. Sharing her remarkable story, West and Schmitt were inducted into the restaurant's hall of fame. This recognition, an ode to their enduring love, marked the beginning of a new chapter.How a White Castle Employee Changed a Life With KindnessIn a medieval-themed ceremony, where love echoed against the backdrop of sliders, West and Schmitt exchanged vows. The flower girls, tossing dehydrated onions instead of petals, added a whimsical touch. The guests savored White Castle sliders, and instead of traditional rings, the couple sealed their union with Celtic ring finger tattoos.Reflecting on the unconventional wedding, West expressed gratitude: “We’re so thankful that we found each other and have become each other’s partners and best friends.”“We are happy beyond words for the joy that Jamie and Drew share, and honored that we were able to play a part in the greatest royal wedding ever!” White Castle vice president Jamie Richardson told TODAY.com. “Jamie’s story serves as a reminder of the power of kindness and being there for one another as we keep focus on our purpose of feeding the souls of Craver generations everywhere.”As the couple celebrated their 15th year together, West's wedding dress, a quinceanera gown, symbolized not only their union but the journey they had traveled. The wedding cake, shaped like a slider, paid homage to that transformative moment in West's life.In a heartfelt message to the White Castle employee who unknowingly altered her destiny, West said, “Thank you for being the reason I exist right now, not knowing what you were doing and just feeding somebody because you’re a good human.”Their wedding at White Castle isn’t just a celebration of love; it’s a testament to the profound impact of small acts of kindness and the resilience of the human spirit. In this unexpected venue, a homeless teen found not just a meal but a lifeline, and in the arms of love, she discovered a castle of dreams.More from Goalcast:Bride Wears Her Wedding Dress – And Sobs When She Finds Out What Her Mom Had Planned Behind Her BackHigh School Sweethearts Celebrate 50th Wedding Anniversary – Little Did They Know, They Would Be In “Tears” After Their DateBride Makes Her New 4-Year-Old Stepson Sob by Reading the Wedding Vows She Had Specially Written for Him