Childcare Center Brings Joy at a Shelter
Children’s Palace is a preschool and childcare center in La Crosse, Wisconsin. Along with the usual preschool and childcare fun the kids enjoy, Children's Palace also organizes an event called "Birthday Party for a Friend We Don't Know" drive, which teaches students the power of generosity.
Last week, the kids at Children’s Palace put together a collection of gifts for a young friend at the La Crosse Salvation Army Shelter — and then delivered the gifts, along with freshly baked cakes.
Thanks to extra support from different businesses and organizations in the area, Children's Palace pulled off its largest donation since starting the tradition back in 2004 — and giving shelter kids a big, unforgettable birthday celebration.
90-Year-Old Man Walks 90 Miles for Charity
David Treasure, who lives near Bristol, England, was diagnosed with Parkinson's 11 years ago. Over the weekend, he celebrated his 90th birthday by completing a 90-mile walking challenge to raise money and awareness for a Parkinson's charity in the UK.
David originally wanted to do a birthday skydive. His family and doctors convinced him to pick a different challenge — so he set off on his 90-mile mission. Pushing his walker through rain, ice, and heatwaves, David logged loops around his local cul-de-sac whenever his energy allowed.
Supported by his proud family, David’s stubborn determination paid off, raising more than $4500 to fund research and support for future generations fighting the disease.
As for his next big adventure? David says he’ll still take the occasional stroll — but is in no hurry to log another 90 miles anytime soon.
Family Donates Beanie Babies to Sheriff's Office to Comfort Kids in Crisis
Christine and John Sheppard of Jefferson County, Missouri, are getting ready to move closer to their daughter, Kim. While packing up their home, Christine and John found some boxes filled with Kim’s childhood Beanie Baby collection.
They asked Kim if she wanted to keep the toys that were collected in the 1990s. Inspired by a social media video, Kim suggested giving the plushies to the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, where they were handed off to the department's Crisis Intervention Unit.
It was a win all around. Deputies now keep the toys in their patrol cars to hand out to kids during scary or traumatic emergency calls. And the Sheppard family was able to declutter — all while feeling great that these special toys are getting a second life, calming children during bumpy times.
A Stray Kitten Survived a 800-Mile Road Trip Stuck in a Car
It's back to school time, so Jadyn Sawyer of Mount Laurel, New Jersey, hopped in her car and drove nearly 800 miles to the University of Georgia. She arrived after an 11-hour journey — and spotted a tiny paw reaching out from beneath her vehicle. Sure enough. There was a kitten tucked underneath in her car.
Jadyn reached out to campus police to help free the kitten. They unbolted parts of the undercarriage to reach the kitten, but it was wedged in too tight. Jadyn and the police then reached out to the local auto repair shop Tires Plus. The crew at the shop took the car apart enough to safely remove the little guy — and even refused to charge a fee for the rescue.
Now named Jersey — in honor of his unexpected road trip — the adventurous kitten is healthy, thriving, and getting ready for adoption through a local rescue group.
Man Donates 60 Gallons of Blood Over the Past 55 Years
Reed Robinson of Cherokee County, Kansas, made his first blood donation at the age of 17 after being inspired as a young boy by his father's commitment to giving back. Reed is now 72 — and that first donation was 55 years ago. Reed recently made his 480th blood donation — and brought his lifelong total to more than 60 gallons. The milestone held deep personal meaning for Reed because it took place on what would have been his late father's 100th birthday.
"This would have been my father's 100th birthday. So today's really special to me for both reasons," Reed said. "I have reached this plateau and I feel like dad's probably watching me. I'm pretty proud because he was really excited when I donated the first time ever after I went away to college."
Reed's donations are extra special because he has CMV-negative blood — a rare status that makes his donations crucial for life-saving surgeries on infants and newborns. And he's not done yet. Reed is committed to donating as long as his health allows.
Viral Social Media Post Sales a London Shoe Shop from Closing
Over the last 30 years, Rachid Lazraq has been running a specialty shoe store in East London called Rich Collection Italia. As his customers have gotten older and as online shopping has gotten more popular, Rachid has endured bumpy times in the business — and was ready to close up shop for good.
Everything flipped overnight, though, when his daughter posted a TikTok video featuring the shop's vintage Y2K kitten heels — a pair she realized would appeal directly to younger shoppers.
The video racked up 300,000 views in hours — and business boomed at Rich Collection Italia. People were lined up down the street outside the shop, with many potential customers waiting for two hours just to get inside.
Thanks to a simple social media post, the shop got a boost from a whole new, younger clientele. The ultimate payoff came when Rachid tore down his closing sign to applause from a crowd of waiting customers.
Hospital Window Posters Result in a Fun Delivery
An 11-year-old girl battling leukemia turned her hospital room window into a menu — and local restaurants answered the call in a big way.
Emmalee Wilkins, currently being treated at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, taped handmade posters to her window asking for pizza and doughnuts.
Once photos of her signs hit social media, local hot spots like Snappy Tomato Pizza, Abby Girl Sweets, and Bourbon House Pizza rushed to deliver fresh pies, cupcakes, and encouragement directly to her floor.
Some of the deliveries caught Emmalee completely by surprise. When asked how it felt knowing complete strangers had seen her signs and wanted to help, her answer was simple. "It makes you feel good," adding, "Can you tell everybody thanks?"
Drone & First Responders Rescue a Dog from the San Francisco Bay
On the Fourth of July, near San Francisco, a small dog named Prieta was spooked by the noise from fireworks and escaped her family home. Since then, the family had been worried about finding their pup.
Last week, there was a break in the case. Someone in the San Francisco Bay area called 911 to report that a small dog had run into the bay and "just kept swimming."
Firefighters responded to the call. They used a drone to locate the dog. They then launched a boat into the Bay — and plucked the dog out of the water. Sure enough. It was Prieta. The Fire Department connected Prieta with her family and shared the story of her rescue and return on social media.
The fire department wrote, “Firefighter Tyler, who scooped up Prieta from the Bay in one perfectly timed move, was able to see her dry and much happier now in her owner’s arms. Prieta’s owner was emotional as she expressed her gratitude to all the rescuers who helped bring her beloved dog home after an especially difficult time in her life.”
A Toddler Meets His Garbage Truck-Driving Idol
For months, a toddler named Marlo in San Diego, California, has been sitting in front of his house every Wednesday morning, waiting for the trash to be picked up. Marlo is just thrilled by the sights and sounds of the massive machine that moves through his neighborhood once a week.
Last Wednesday was a big day for Marlo as the driver of the truck, Roberto, stopped in front of Marlo's house, got out of the truck — and met Marlo in person. The truck driver didn't just greet the toddler. Instead, he brought a gift — of a miniature toy garbage dumpster.
The heartwarming gesture is sure to strengthen the bond Marlo has with Roberto and his truck. And, Marlo will very likely be out on his front lawn, every Wednesday, for weeks to come.
A Teen Rescued a Drowning Man from a Fast-Moving River
Earlier this month, a 14-year-old Montana teenager used his ranching skills for an incredible rescue, using a lasso to pull a drowning man from the fast-moving Yellowstone River.
Jory Thomas was camping with his family when a raft and paddleboard collided with a bridge pillar, sending four people into the water. While three made it to shore, one man was left drifting downstream while clinging to a cooler.
Jory sprang into action. He ran along the riverbank with a 12-foot lariat — a rodeo rope he brought to the campground to get some extra practice. Every day for months, he had been roping cattle dummies. All that hard work paid off as Jory threw his lariat and snagged the man on his very first attempt. He then hauled the swimmer through chest-deep water to safety, where first responders took over.
His grandmother, Sandy Thomas, was thrilled everyone was safe after the adventure — but wasn't surprised that Jory stepped up without hesitation. As she explained, "His first instinct always is to help other people. He's always been that way. The whole community is proud of him. We've had a lot of feedback, but that's Jory. He's always there to help somebody else.”