Positively Uplifting Stories | February 9 2026

Welcome to a new edition of uplifting stories!

Stories of kindness abound in this space. Tune in whenever you need a dose of goodness and positivity.

“There are two ways of spreading light: to be the candle or the mirror that reflects it.” — Edith Wharton

These stories are reminders of light in a world that sometimes feels too heavy.

• A boy with autism finds support at a neighborhood grocery store
• Students surprise their teacher with a meaningful gift
• An abandoned puppy finds his forever family
• A young man brings free education to students in his village

Positively Uplifting Stories | February 9 2026

A daily grocery trip makes a big difference for a boy with autism.

For 5-year-old Odin Casanova, a visit to the Fareway grocery store in Faribault, Minnesota, is the highlight of his day.

Odin has autism, and his mother, Taylor Casanova, uses a variety of sensory strategies at home to help keep him engaged.  

Daily trips to Fareway also help Odin to “get the wiggles out.” Meeting his favorite people at the store, whether it’s the produce manager, Haley Yeo, or a grocery bagger, Maynard Abraham, helps calm him and brings him comfort.

For families raising neurodivergent children, this kind of community support can make a big difference.

“It is very tough having a kid with autism, for sure, but this is like one of the bright spots,” Taylor said.

Students go out of their way to do something meaningful for their teacher.

A group of 12th graders at Providence High School in North Carolina pooled their money to surprise their beloved long-term substitute teacher, Jeff Swicegood, with a pair of Vans, his favorite shoes.

The tears of joy as he opens the box say it all!

The students’ thoughtful gesture made a deep impact on Jeff, who has endured the loss of both of his parents and the effect it has had on his mental health.

“We just wanted him to know how much he means to us. He makes us feel cared for, and we wanted to return that feeling,” said Kalea Shak, a student.

Abandoned puppy gets adopted by the police officer who rescued him.

Gardena Police Department Sergeant Nick Beerling gave a puppy a second chance at life after it was abandoned and left to die in a trash compactor outside a Los Angeles church.

After the rescue, the puppy was taken to the spcaLA South Bay Pet Adoption Center, where he received the care he needed to recover.

The story came full circle when the Beerling family adopted him and named him Norman.

Now, Norman is thriving in a safe, loving home!

Young man offers free education to children from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Aditya began offering free tutoring as a high school student in a small room of his home in Uttar Pradesh, India. Today, as a college student, he runs three education centers and teaches hundreds of children.

His initiative is expanding access to education for underprivileged children, who might otherwise be drawn into unproductive activities instead of developing a path toward becoming productive members of society.

Aditya receives strong support from the social media community, which helps cover the cost of supplies and other expenses.

“Education teaches us to live better, and it can help us make a mark in society. And we can also improve our manners through education,” said Aditya. 

Photo by Imber Media