Weekly Uplifting Stories - December 25th 2023

With the end of another year upon us, it's the perfect time to reflect on both of the actions we've taken since January, and our plans for the upcoming year. Many of us believe we get a fresh slate at the beginning of another year - do your plans include spreading compassion and kindness in 2024? 

In our weekly Uplifting Stories, we find daily examples of every day people who choose kindness, empathy and acts of service, rather than negativity, selfishness and greed. With a little dose of hope and inspiration, we can work towards a greater good! 

Life's most persistent and urgent question is, 'What are you doing for others?' - Martin Luther King, Jr.

Take inspiration from the following stories about people who are giving back to the world in their own way.

• People with autism enjoy a holiday party in a safe and inclusive environment
• A 10-year-old boy learns about the exponential power of kindness
• Nurse creates Box of Kindness for cancer patients
• Halloween good deed prompts an outpouring of support

An organization that brings autistic families together for a festive celebration

Having a picture taken with Santa is a big deal for kids.

But for children who are sensitive to loud noise or shiny objects, going to the mall can be an intimidating experience.

The Jake's House community believes that everyone deserves a happy holiday experience.

Through their Annual Holiday Parties, they provide an autism-friendly Santa experience to hundreds of families every year.

Samantha Rivers' son, Logan got his first-ever photo with Santa Claus at the annual Jake's House Holiday Party. 

“This was his first time sitting on Santa's lap. He's quite terrified in the past. So just the community itself has been so welcoming,” says Samantha Rivers.

Bouncy castles, photo booth stations, Christmas gifts and treats, and a visit from Santa - Jake's house provides families the opportunity to celebrate in a safe environment.

“It really gives us gives the kids and the adults a chance to just decompress and feel at home and feel free from like scrutiny. They're really catering to the kids and the adults’ needs in terms of their sensory issues,” says Brianne Horner, a mother of two autistic children.

You're never too young to make a positive difference in the world

This past summer at his grandmother's house, 10-year-old Maxx Raser saw Bryan Tsiliacos' story on the news. Bryan is the San Francisco resident who created the 30 kindness acts by 30 challenge to celebrate his 30th birthday.

"I thought it was so cool," Maxx said. "It was really kind and I wanted to do it, too."

Maxx vowed to perform ten acts of kindness to celebrate his 10th birthday.

For his first act, he decided to make hundreds of ham and cheese sandwiches and deliver them to a homeless shelter. Bryan Tsiliacos started his mission hoping that others would be inspired to spread kindness as well.

After learning about Maxx's mission, he gladly offered to help the 10-year-old to complete his first act of kindness. Bryan and Maxx delivered their sandwiches to St. Vincent De Paul's Multi-Service Center South.

Perhaps this little boy's kindness will inspire someone else - and the chain reaction of kindness will continue?

Nurse strives to make cancer patients' journey as comfortable as possible

Going through cancer treatment can be an extremely daunting experience.

The hospital travel, managing side effects, and the financial stress of buying healthcare products can take a toll on the patients.

Oncology nurse Amy Byfield created 'Heart of Headland' kindness boxes to help patients feel more comfortable during treatment.

"Costs go up, the patients have to travel to the hospital and usually items like these are an added expense. We're hoping that patients, family members - might get some enjoyment from the box and find them beneficial," Amy Byfield.

Amy spent eighteen months doing research and carefully selecting the goods to be given to each new patient.

The box consists of a digital thermometer, pill sorter, natural skincare products, ginger teabags, organic socks, a puzzle book, and mints.

The Royal Cornwall Hospitals Charity is sponsoring the boxes that will be handed out to all new chemotherapy patients in Cornwall.

Young boys' act of kindness is rewarded with a Christmas trip

Two young boys, Liam Ireland and Avi Curtis gave away their Halloween candy and toys to another family after they saw someone take all the candy from the bucket left on their porch.

Their act of kindness was caught on a front door camera.

Liam has had a difficult year following a devastating loss in his family.

"Like back in December, I had lost my brother, and that was hard for me. So I just decided to do the right thing because there are more nice people in this world than you think there is," said Liam.

Liam's older brother Irvani had taught him to be kind and approach life with more love and compassion for people. Liam wants to spread kindness and help others to keep his brother's memory alive.

This beautiful display of kindness has captured many hearts online. Strangers came together to set up an online fundraiser for Liam's family so they can take a trip on Christmas.

"I'm hoping that this trip will help them, you know, not relive what they had to go through last year and just get them out and just have them smiling and laughing and really Christmas is for kids," says Paulet, mother of Liam.

Have a Great Week! 

And that wraps it up! What's your favorite Uplifting Story? Do you have one of your own to share? Let us know in the comments below, or reach out to us via our Instagram channel. 

Have a great week ahead and take care of each other. Happiest holiday wishes to you all!

Photo by Alexas Foto