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With all the negative news bombarding our everyday lives, it's easy to think that the world is a terrible place. So, Lauren Hough reminded everyone that it isn't. Hough tweeted about the night she went to a store and witnessed the holiday spirit in its truest form: a stranger paying for a struggling lady's groceries.

Her tweet instantly went viral, receiving over 192K likes and 22K comments. Many of these responses detailed similar moments, when people either became part of, or saw, random acts of kindness. A pharmacist giving out free drugs, a man dressing up a homeless person with his own jacket, you know, the good stuff.

More info: Twitter

Image credits: laurenthehough

#1

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giovanna
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4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's unbelievable that in a first world country people struggling with depression have to struggle with health insurance as well. Health care should be free and universal.

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If you want to give back to the community during the holidays as well, there are a few options you can choose from. For example, you can sponsor a family in need. Local charities often pair donors up with disadvantaged families so they can help fulfill wish lists for presents, pantry goods, and other items. If you choose to do so, you will typically be given information on clothing sizes, gift ideas, and other details that will help you to make a difference.

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Batty
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4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

A few years ago we were in a tight spot; my dad left, my stay-at-home mom had to find work, & money was tight. I overheard my mother crying about how little we had. That night, 9-year-old me scrounged up my $200 I'd saved from birthday & Christmas money, stuck it in a card, & slid it into my mom's purse when she wasn't looking. She later told me she had burst into tears at Trader Joe's when she found the cash. I'd like to say she raised me right.

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You can also visit a nursing home. Despite their communal living situation, residents of senior living facilities are known to struggle with loneliness and isolation. During the holidays, these feelings can compound, so a lot activity directors of nursing homes welcome visitors. To arrange a date, you can contact the director and see if they’re amenable to children, pets, or other ways of engaging residents.

Volunteering during inclement weather is another option. Homeless shelters and soup kitchens are always in need of staff. When bad weather hits, the increased demand for food and space can really overwhelm them. Local churches may open overflow centers, and you can contribute to their efforts by lending a helping hand.

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Elizabeth Schuyler
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4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This whole "those are my tax dollars you're using to survive, how dare you" is so dumb.

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Another way you can help others is by sending a care package to the troops. Being away from family is tough on its own, but being stationed overseas during the holidays can be crushing. There are organizations that arrange for care packages to be forwarded to military personnel serving out of the country. Even a simple greeting card where one expresses their gratitude makes a difference.

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Carol Emory
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4 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

When I worked at 7-eleven during the graveyard shift, there was a guy that came in with food vouchers. He'd get corn chips and pay for them with the vouchers. The nacho cheese and chili was free for nachos and hot dogs. He'd ask if he could have some, I'd give him a paper bag and he'd dump the chips in and load it up with cheese and chili. A Hostess delivery man saw him and said "You know you're not supposed to do that!" I said "Do we charge for chili and nacho cheese?" He said "No." "Did I sell him his food already hot and prepped?" He said "No." "Are the chips he did buy covered under food vouchers?" He said "Yes." "Then explain to me how that's a violation of his food stamps purchase?" He shut up. He did rat me out to my manager who told me to stop. I said I would, but really..I told the guy to wait until the Hostess driver was gone.

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Batty
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4 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I hope you're both leading fantastic lives

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Carol Emory
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4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I tried to give $20 to a store employee that saved my bacon when a sizable check got out of my hand and blew across the parking lot. He refused the money saying they weren't allowed to accept cash from customers. The store had a Starbucks, and it was getting colder outside. So I got a Starbucks $20 gift card instead. I handed it to him, but before he could protest, I told him.."Hey..it's not cash and there's no way for them to tell who bought it..so..go with the loophole." He smiled and said "It was time for my break anyway." And I watched as he strutted up to the Starbucks counter.

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Carol Emory
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4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Nice! Call it fate, God or the stars aligning...I see that everything happens for a reason. You may not know what it is at the time and, even if it's tragic, you may not understand why it happens. But there is an end point that will reveal why..you just have to have faith that it will reveal itself.

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Zoe's Mom
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4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Same here; a Welfare child. I practice paying it forward as much as I can because I'm grateful that I have a job, a home and most importantly love in my life.

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Lingon
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4 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That's a good way to do it, the person doesn't have to feel ashamed just for the sake of the givers wish for people to know what they did.

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Carol Emory
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4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I came out of a grocery store to hear this wonderful music playing. There was a middle aged hispanic man playing a guitar and his son was holding a sign saying "Please help. Need gas to get home." I told the kid to let his Dad know to meet me at the nearby gas station and I would help them out. They arrived in a worn out mini van. I filled the tank and asked where home was. He said they were heading to Ohio to meet up with family. Since that was well over 600 miles, I said "Well you'll need road trip munchies." So I took the boy over and let him pick out snacks. His father wanted my address to send me the money back. I said "Just keep playing that beautiful music."

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Ayu Dewanti
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4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

So sorry for your loss :( I have a story about someone's passing as well. I was on a holiday last month. When I was on layover in Dublin all by myself, I turned on my phone and had plenty of messages in whatsapp group chat talking about one of our friend just died. I burst into tears in the waiting room. A guy came and he offered me a tissue and wishing me to get better, whatever the cause of my sadness is. With out of breath, I said thank you, he came back to his seat in the waiting room. I was still crying my eyes out until the next 15 minutes and that guy came back again, only now he gave me a bottle of mineral water. He said that drinking water helps when dealing with sadness. I can't thank him enough.

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Carol Emory
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4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I had a homeless guy huddled under a tree trying to get out of the down pour. I said "Would you like an umbrella?" He said "Sure!!" I forgot to tell him I had three that came in a set together. I gave him the largest one that was meant for use while golfing. When it opened, he exclaimed "Good Lord!!!" He said "I could fit a small army under here!!" "Or" I said, handing him the umbrella. "One very dry gentleman." He said thanks and headed across the parking lot. I've seen him from time to time, still carrying that umbrella.

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Carol Emory
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4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I had a guy refuse a sleeping bag and canned foods, even though I also was offering a can opener. But he took several pieces of fresh fruit and the travel packs of toiletries I offered. Then I realized that they only have a limited ability to carry things. Since then, I have a backpack in my car loaded with toiletry products, compact towel and washcloth, and a gift card to the local grocery store.

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WilvanderHeijden
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4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

WIC card SNAP card. How many cards does America use to stigmatize people that are in a rough spot? Next they will be issueing food stamps for people working their butts off and still not being able to feed their family.

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Carol Emory
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4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

And if she asks how to repay you, supply her with the ingredients and as well as your cookie orders..LOL

Note: this post originally had 64 images. It’s been shortened to the top 30 images based on user votes.

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