Positively Uplifting Stories | November 24 2025

While it may seem that negative news dominates the headlines, people are still drawn to stories of kindness, compassion, and community.

We all crave inspiration and ideas that help us make the world better, support good causes, and nurture hope.

“Just as despair can come to one only from other human beings, hope, too, can be given to one only by other human beings.” – Elie Wiesel

Each week, we highlight positive stories from around the globe. Here’s this week’s collection of uplifting news to brighten your day.

• An 8-year-old celebrates his birthday by helping hundreds of people in need
• A father inspires his son to find a career helping others
• Women recovering from trauma find healing among wolfdogs
• An intergenerational community helps students and seniors build meaningful, rewarding relationships

Positively Uplifting Stories | November 24 2025

An 8-year-old celebrates his birthday by organizing a food drive for those in need.

After seeing a man experiencing homelessness, Alex Anning decided to give up his plans for a traditional birthday party.

Instead, he wanted to do something meaningful for those in need.

With the help of his mom’s nonprofit, Season to Soar, Alex organized a community food giveaway that reached more than 150 neighbors. They distributed over 500 bags of groceries in total!

Little Alex is committed to giving back and serving his community!

“I’m super proud of him. To see that my son is giving and leading change by serving the community is just so inspiring for me, and I hope that it inspires others as well,” said Alex's mom, Kymbria Young.

A father’s injury led his son to choose a career dedicated to helping people.

Stephen Bell was just 22 when he became paralyzed from the chest down. Years later, his youngest son, Garreth, wrote a school essay about his dad. And his words deeply touched Stephen.

Garreth considers his dad his hero. That admiration inspired his dream of helping others, leading him to become a physical therapist.

He is now also a part of Adaptive Beach Days, a program that gives people with disabilities the chance to enjoy the beach and the ocean. Garreth was by his dad’s side when he stepped into the ocean for the first time in more than 25 years.

"He taught me how to be a man. … He was my role model growing up, and he still is," said Garreth.

Wolfdog sanctuary fosters trust and emotional growth for women in need.

 At Women for Wolves in Pilot Hill, California, wolfdogs and women recovering from trauma form special connections that support one another’s healing journeys.

The sanctuary rescues wolfdogs from abuse, neglect, abandonment, and starvation across the United States. It also provides a safe, restorative space for women to heal and reconnect through their experiences with these remarkable animals.

“Whether it was PTSD, whether we had domestic violence victims — we’ve had women who’ve been through all sorts of different situations they didn’t think they could recover from. And you see their faces light up when they meet these wolf dogs,” said Anjali Ranadive, founder of Women for Wolves.

This intergenerational residence thrives on connection, comfort, and a sense of belonging.

The Pillars of Prospect Park Senior Living in Minneapolis is an intergenerational residence that empowers seniors enjoying retirement as well as college students making their way through school.

People of all backgrounds are able to find the support they need to live a fulfilling lifestyle.

Here, people from all backgrounds find the support they need to live fulfilling, connected lives. By bringing students and older adults together under one roof, the community helps combat social isolation and create meaningful relationships across generations.

"I think it's, you know, it's OK to share those stories. It's OK for people to know that you've had some hard times, but you can find a way to go above that. So, it's been a good place for me,” said Sharon Toogood Froehle, a resident.