Weekly Uplifting Stories - December 18, 2023

Whether it's stepping up to help someone going through a difficult time, or using one's talents and resources to give back to the community, human kindness knows no bounds!

“Never regret being a good person, to the wrong people. Your behavior says everything about you, and their behavior says enough about them.” - Marc & Angel

Every week, we bring you stories that are a testament to this fact. This week, we found:

• a 'post box to heaven' that is bringing comfort to people all over the country
• a community that came together to help a grieving family harvest crops
• artworks that come with a "Do Touch" sign
• a duo on a mission to help Montreal's homeless population

Let's dive in!

Neighbors participate in a community harvest to help out a grieving family

After the sudden death of her husband Mark Schwarck, Barb Schwarck was struggling with the process of harvesting the crops on their farm in Hardin County, Iowa.

Amidst this unfortunate situation, her friends, family, and neighbors stepped up to help her harvest the corn crop. More than 70 volunteers came together to help the grieving family, completing two weeks of work in one day.

The volunteers arranged 20 trucks and 13 combine harvesters to produce one of the largest yields the family has ever seen.

"We kind of put this together. And there's been just an outpouring of people wanting to help," said Jared Cook, who organized the community harvest.

From supervising the harvest and transferring the load to trucks, to arranging food for everyone, the group ensured that the harvest happened seamlessly.

Young girl's idea helps people cope with grief

Nine-year-old Matilda Handy came up with the idea of sending letters to deceased loved ones after her grandparents passed away.

Writing sentimental letters to her grandparents helps Matilda cope with the loss. Since Matilda's grandmother Pat worked in a post office, she believed it was a fitting tribute.

Matilda’s mum Leanne reached out to Gedling Crematorium, in Lambley, Nottingham, who responded by creating a dedicated mailbox for posting letters to deceased loved ones.

In no time, Matilda's idea took off - and people started pouring in heartfelt messages.

'Postbox to Heaven' received so much positive feedback that the Westerleigh group, one of the UK's largest independent owner-operators of crematoria and cemeteries, has decided to set up memorial post boxes in 36 sites across the country.

"People find real comfort in sending something, whether it’s a child drawing a picture or an older person sending something to their loved ones. The art of writing something helps with the [grieving] process". - Matilda’s mum Leanne

Visually impaired people get an opportunity to experience masterworks of art

Engaging with art is an incredibly meaningful experience.

Tomas Bustos and his wife Jacinta created a special art exhibit for people who have never been able to see original works of art.

The exhibit, Masterpiece Relief for the Blind, allows them to enjoy art in an accessible way.

Using a tactile approach, Tomas spent months creating replicas of famous masterpieces; drawing them to scale, sculpting them in clay, and casting them in bronze.

"I feel like I'm working right next to the original artist. I can see his brush strokes. I can see his ideas coming to life," said Tomas.

The special textures allow the blind and visually impaired to experience famous paintings, including Van Gogh's The Starry Night and Da Vinci’s Mona Lisa.

This duo is handing out supplies to those in need

In Montreal, 11-year-old entrepreneur Kyra Milan and Loreena Gabriel, the founder of the Crown Project, have made over 100 care packages that will be given to those in need.

The "Kare bags" consist of an assortment of toiletries, snacks, and clothing items such as hats and gloves.

Through these care packages, Kyra aims to support people facing homelessness and help them survive the harsh winter months.

"I'm really happy when I see the look on their faces when we give them a bag and they're super grateful," says Kyra.

This young girl's spirit of giving is inspiring many, including Loreena.

“A lot of the homeless do need assistance, they do need help. And they usually just get it once a year around Christmas. That’s when everybody comes out and donates to them, which is great. But I did like the fact that Kyra does this year-round, " says The Crown Project founder, Loreena Gabriel.

The Crown Project is a non-profit organization that works towards uplifting underprivileged members of the Montreal community.

Have a Great Week Everyone! 

And there you have it! 

Don't forget - we are always looking for more Uplifting Stories! If you have a tale to tell, or want to submit one for a future article, connect with us in the comments below, or through our Instagram page. We'd love to hear from you. 

Have a great week everyone!

Photo by Boris Hamer