Mystery Diner

I saw this story today, but it looks like this happened a couple of months ago. Nonetheless, it is a great story to end the year with.

A family with a special needs child went to dinner. As the dinner progressed, the child became very loud. It was a situation that would make many people turn around and judge the child and the family.
As they were about to leave, the waitress presented them with a note from another customer.
I would not do the story justice if I were to just summarize it. You must read it yourself to reap the full benefit.

With this article, I close 2013 and wish everyone a great 2014.
May the New Year bring you opportunities to make "positive headlines" in someone's life.

Helping the Elderly

In the past, I have posted articles about fundraising benefiting young children or families in need, especially during the holiday season.

Today, the article is about two different companies donating together about $4,000 to ANGELS, an organization helping elderly people by making it possible for them to stay in their own homes.

It makes me happy to know that there are organizations catering to the elderly. Children are our future and the elderly are our past. We would not be here today were it not for the elderly once caring for us, taking care of us, and teaching us in our younger years.

May we always show our elderly the respect and the care they deserve and need.

Project Joy

Toys and clothes were donated to hundreds of children through Project Joy in Brookings, ND.

What makes this amazing is that in only one week the community was able to gather enough donations to help those children. In years past, the room would have been filled with donations the week before it was time to distribute. This year, however, things did not get off to a good start. Thanks to the community, though, the donations started pouring in and those children were able to have a Merry Christmas.

Sarah's Wish

An amazing story about an amazing young woman.
A senior in high school, Sarah had a senior project she wanted to complete. Sarah's wish was to raise enough money to make a child's wish come true. Her family was once the recipient of Make a Wish Foundation. Her whole family was able to go to Disney World and Sarah wanted to raise enough money to grant that same wish to another child. Thanks to the support of many she was able to raise enough money to make that wish come true for another child and his/her family.
Way to go Sarah. Many wishes for a great future.

Reaching Out After Tragic Loss

Back in September, a family suffered the tragic loss of a husband and father.
In December, another family is touched and inspired by the book The Sparkle Box.

Although seemingly unrelated, the combination of the two very different events brought a community to step in and help the first family by presenting them with the blueprint and the ceremonial key to what will be their new home. A very moving story that restores faith in humanity.

It is an act of kindness that will be forever cherished by the widow and children.

May we all find ways to help those around us. It is not until we stop and think of others that we come to recognize the blessings bestowed upon us.

Out of This World

Today, the news I want to share is one that repeats every year. It is a good news and a news of hope and love. It is the news of our Savior's birth.

As the Christian world celebrates the birth of our Savior, Jesus the Christ, I want to share with you that He did indeed came to earth as it was foretold by prophets of old.

Starting at a Young Age

Preschoolers at the Bedford Children's Center in Bedford, MA learned about "Caring, Giving, and Sharing" during the month of November. This past Thursday, they practiced what they were taught and donated toys they collected during this time to the local fire department to be given to families in need.

It goes to show that you are never to young to learn about serving others.

It Is Now Your Turn to Create a Miracle

For today, I am going to change the direction of the blog.

As I was searching for a good news article, I stumbled upon this one.
It is the story of a woman who has been waiting on a heart transplant. This past Saturday, they received the news a heart was found. On Sunday, they were told that due to the weather, they could not get the heart to the hospital.

Please take a moment to read the article and take a moment to pray in  your own way and in your own language. Prayer works. Heavenly Father listens, no matter the language, mo matter the "religion."

It is your turn to make a difference and it will only take a few minutes of your time.

The family has a website, listed in the article, where people can donate money, if they are able to do so, or just sign the guestbook. It will help them to know that people care.

Share this message, let it go around the world. Kindness and caring has no borders and no language barriers. Kindness and caring is spoken with the universal language of love.

There Is Yet Hope

There is yet hope for our world when young people are involved in helping others.

I have posted stories before about youth doing something special for those in need and, as long as I can find them, I will continue posting them because I want to recognize them for the good they have in them. They are, after all, our future leaders.

The story tonight is that of a teenager who started her own toy drive when she was in elementary school. To date, she has collected over 4000 toys to benefit about 400 families. How fantastic is this!

The next time to walk around your neighborhood, or go to the store, or the movies, or a restaurant and you see a young person do a good deed, take the time to thank him or her.
The next time you hear of a young person in your area spearheading or just helping in a good cause, make sure you support him or her.

If we thank them, encourage them, and support them, they will continue doing their service. The world can only became a better place because of them.

Toys for Tots

The Career and Technology Center in Sesquahanna County, PA donated toys made by the students of their carpentry department to the U.S. Marine Corps Toys for Tots program. More power to these students who shared their time and talents to make some children happy during this Christmas season.

It is the time of year for families get together to make memories they will remember for years to come. Some have pictures taken to send to loved ones. For some families though taking pictures is not in the budget, unless they happen to live in Ambler, PA where a professional photographer is offering her services with no charge to those less fortunate.

Both articles go to show that it does not matter what our talents are as there is a way for us to serve others in our own special way.

10 Years of Fundraising

For the past ten years, the employees and customers of a Nashville based company raised money for Cure 4 Kids. When they started the challenge, in 2004, their goal was to raise $1 million over the period of ten years.Through their efforts, the goal was not only reached but exceeded.

In Culvert City the Chamber sponsored a golf tournament which raised money for the local schools. With all the budget cuts school systems have to suffer, these extra funds will be a welcome gift.

As long as there will be people who care, there will always be good news to read and share.

A Small Treasure for the Children

This article comes from across the ocean, the Atlantic Ocean that is.

Our stop is in Pordenone, Italy and the protagonist is a nun.

She was left orphan at the age of 10. An illness had taken both her parents a few months from each other.
She was raised by an uncle and his family. As she decided she was going to enter the convent, she left her parents' house to them.
As the uncle decided to finally do some work to the house, he discovered a small trunk with her dad's name on it. They called her and they opened the trunk together.
Inside, along with some personal items, there were some treasury bonds which were turned in and yielded a small fortune. The nun, after leaving some to her uncle and family, donated the residual to programs for the less fortunate children.

Not only she was able to get some items to remind her of her parents but some children will get things they need.

Double the Good News!

This article is about a toddler who will receive a five-organ transplant to rectify a condition which has caused him to miss Christmas at home every single year of his young life. There is hope that this Christmas, the young boy will be able to spend it at home.

You may wonder why this is double the good news. Well, for me, it is a double good news because when the parents where still expecting, they were told of the child's conditions and the suggestion was made to have an abortion. They chose to bring him to term anyway because, in the words of the mother, "...he's coming with whatever he has."

I admire this family for the courage to welcome this child in their lives and do all that they can to make it a good and long one!

Buddy Bench

How many times have you felt alone or upset and needed someone to talk to or someone who would just listen? And can you recall your school years? How many time did you experience those same feelings?

May be you are the blessed one and never have to experience such sad moments. However, for those school children enrolled at Roundtown Elementary School, in York, PA who might be feeling alone or upset there is now a buddy bench they can use. One of their classmates saw the idea in a brochure for a German school and decided to try it out at his school. Way to go Christian! We should all try to help one another.

In Murray, UT a quilt raffle will raise money which will benefit eight different families of the area. Along with the raffle, students have participated and will continue to participate in various activities aimed at gathering goods to benefit the needy.

There is yet hope for this world when there are students of various ages engaged in helping those in need of help.

Wreaths Across America

Gone but not forgotten. A Maine company made holiday wreaths that were donated and placed on tombs of veterans. This event, Wreaths Across America, took place in many other cemeteries across the U.S. A simple gesture to remember those who gave their lives that we might have our freedoms.

From wreaths to teddy bears. A Utah bank hosts a teddy bear collection event to gather stuffed animals to be given to children during times of trauma. Stuffed animals have been a soothing item for children who are experiencing physical and emotional distress for a long time. May be, we can check with our local organizations to see if we can contribute to or start such a collection in our area!

What heartwarming event has happened in your town these last couple of days?

To Mom with Love

Tonight's story is actually a video of a young girl who, during her school choral performance, decided to sign the whole song so that mom could understand the lyrics. A touching video that will warm your heart. It was a total surprise for mom and I am sure it made her heart swell with love and pride for her little girl.

On to a different video story. I have to admit, I am not a sports person. I generally skip over anything that talks about sports and their participants. However, tonight, I have made an exception. As I was searching for positive news to share, I came across a Yahoo article about this basketball player who brought a smile to a young fan by literally donating his shirt off his back.

When was the last time you did something unexpected that made someone's day?

Atlanticville

The area of Atlanticville, NJ takes home the prize for the most positive headlines for the day!

Local businesses and citizens work together in three different programs to aid various groups.

1. Many adults and children love trains. This coming weekend, visitors can gain access to a train show by donating an unwrapped toy to be given to the Toys for Tots program. One can also donate money which will be used to purchase toys.

2. Who would have ever thought about a diaper drive? The Booskerdoo Coffee company did! Residents have the chance to bring in unopened packs of diapers through the end of December.

3. From a coffee house to a car dealership, also through the end of the month, locals can bring in non-perishable food items which will benefit the local FoodBank. The organization helps local pantries, soup kitchens and also provides other services to help citizens in need.

May we all listen to the Spirit of Giving this holiday season and beyond!

Happy Passengers

If you were one of the 250 passengers on a Calgary bound WestJet flight, you now know that wishes can come true.
Unknown to them, as passengers shared their wish with Santa, the airline proceeded to fulfill those wishes and, at destination, delivered the gifts via one of the baggage carousels.
There is still goodness around us!

This next story did not make the news and it is a much smaller event. Nonetheless, it was important in the lives of those involved.
Today, a group of children, with respective teachers, went on a field trip and had lunch at a local restaurant. At the end of the meal, each child was given a gift bag to take home. It was great to see the smiles on the faces of those students and it is amazing how something so small can bring a smile so big! Thank you Mellow Mushroom for making their day!

The Rain Did Not Stop the Money from Pouring In

There was supposed to be a Torch Relay this past Saturday to benefit Harbor House. It did not happen because of the rain; however, this did not stop the participating schools and sponsors to pour the collected money into the non-profit program to benefit children in the community. Way to go people!

And now, a totally different kind of news. This one is about a tiny baby waiting for a heart transplant. On Sunday, after almost four months, the miracle happened: a heart was found and airlifted to the hospital were surgery was performed. Almost 24 hours later, mom snapped a shot of her smiling baby! This is not just a positive headline, it as an awesome one!
May you have a wonderful life Baby Silas :)

Food Collected

I just got home from a Christmas program and I am exhausted; however, I felt I needed to find at least one article to post as good news of the day.

This snapshot focuses on Maurice's, a store at the mall, surpassing its goal to collect 500 food items to be donated to a local charity. Maurice's employees received more than double their goal. Way to go Maurice's! Many people will benefit from your effort!

I realize that November and December turn out to be the months of giving in the Spirit of the season; however, it is my hope that this kind and generous spirit will continue on into the new year until the 2014 holidays. Wouldn't it be nice if this kind of compassion and help were offered all through the year?

Great Santa Run

There were 11,000 Red Santa Suits running down the streets of Las Vegas, NV. earlier today. This yearly 5k run and mile long walk brought in money to help programs for individuals that are intellectually disabled. Similar events took place on three other continents with Las Vegas being the fourth and the one with the most participants.

And in Mesquite, NV, five generations came together to raise money as bell ringers with the Salvation Army. With ages ranging from 1 to 92, the family spent Monday afternoon together playing bells, and a saxophone, all decked with red Christmas hats and the well known Salvation Army apron.

Kids Night Out

Is there anything better than going out to enjoy a show and know that the price of the ticket will benefit the youth of the area?
Well, Roman families of Georgia had the opportunity to find out on Dec. 5 as they attended a show and fun activities presented by the local theater. The proceeds of ticket sale will benefit the Rome-Floyd County Commission on Children and Youth.

Meanwhile, Athenian families of Georgia can gear up to participate in the annual UGA Miracle Classic City Tour of Homes to benefit Children's Healthcare of Atlanta. UGA Miracle does not limit itself to tours of homes during the holidays, but it includes also other activities for the benefit of Children's Healthcare of Atlanta. In the past 18 years they have been able to raise over $3 million of which 100% went directly to the kids and the hospital.

Rescue Mission to Give Hope

Yesterday, I wrote of an organization in Illinois that has been helping during the holiday season for over 30 years.

Today, the focus is on the Bay Area Rescue Mission, in California, which has been in the business of helping those in need all year round since 1965!

The Mission offers meals, beds, job training, and other needed services all through the year, but it is during the weeks of Thanksgiving and Christmas that they rev up in order to serve thousands of traditional meals to those who would not otherwise have any.

I know there are other organizations out there, across the U.S. and perhaps the world whose scope is to help the less fortunate. Reading about their efforts to ease a burden, provide a meal, a bed, or a service is a heartwarming experience.

Spirit of the Season

In Carol Stream, IL residents gathered food, toys, and other items for more than 30 years in the row. The gifts will be delivered this coming Dec. 12. When you click on the link, you will  see a picture of last year's volunteers wrapping the donated items. It will warm your heart!

In Arthur, IL firefighters collected money for their Christmas Food and Toy Program. Employees at the local IGA contributed by collecting funds on their own and donating it to the program. Several needy families will be receiving boxes filled with food and toys thanks to this program and its participants.

In the Spirit of the Season, find a local organization and see how you can help making this time a little bit brighter for those who are struggling. And as you do so, may your Christmas be brighter too.

"Trees for Charity" Rakes in Cash

Vernal's dinner and raffle fundraising event, started in 1997, raised $200,000 to be shared among several local charities. It was the best outcome since its inception. 

Sixty trees were auctioned off to about 400 participants. Organizations such as Utah Foster Care Foundation, American Cancer Society, and Heart 4 Harvest will receive part of the proceeds.

You don't have to be part of an organized event to make the difference in someone's life. A St. George, UT family has decided to spend their Christmas delivering presents and medical supplies to a village in Guatemala. 

Have you ever decided to skip a purchase and use that money to buy something for someone in need? If you haven't, perhaps, this Christmas might just be the beginning of a new tradition for your family.

Spaghetti Anyone?

Yesterday was a shopping day for the children in the Kids 'N Cops program in Eau Claire, WI. The program was started in 2010 and allows children to buy Christmas toys they would not otherwise be able to purchase.

The money for the shopping spree was raised by selling tickets to a spaghetti dinner to members of the community. Cops "...traded their cuffs and radios for gloves and tongs to serve hundreds of meals." 

Check around your community to see if they have programs to benefit children during this time of year. If none are present, consider uniting forces with a community organization and make this Christmas season a little bit more special for the children in your area.

Bless Friday

Thanksgiving is over and the shopping season has begun with the famous Black Friday events throughout the nation. Everywhere, stores have offered items at a discount to kick off sales in preparation for the Christmas holiday. People flocked to the stores, well.... stampeded to the stores in order to buy presents for family and friends and, possibly, themselves.

To put Christ back into Christmas, some churches in Texas participated in the "Bless Friday" event. This annual occurrence aims at using the famous shopping day to serve the community instead. It is a way to remember why Christmas exists. It does not exists to open presents we soon forget about. It exists to celebrate the birth of Christ, One who served others and One who loved others.

In a world where people are becoming more self centered every day, it is good news to hear of individuals who serve others instead!

Have you served someone today?