Weekly Uplifting Stories - January 1st, 2024

By Jigeesha

-

Last Updated: December 31, 2023

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 Look for the good and the world will appear brighter. Kindness and positive words and actions do make a difference.

 Be good, and do good.

The point is not to pay back kindness but to pass it on. - Julia Alvarez

We are committed to bringing you stories about what's good in the world. Let's make the world a happier place.

This week, we have stories about:

  • This Christmas miracle saved a 36-year-old tradition
  •  Little kids embrace the spirit of giving
  •  Volunteers serve kindness at a holiday party
  •  Everyone is welcome to try on a dress in this bridal shop

 

Community steps up to save a beloved Christmas tradition

Mike Gaddy and Gwen Gaddy's spectacular Christmas lights display has been bringing cheer to their community for over three decades.

Visiting the Gaddy's light display is an annual tradition for many families in Fayette County, Georgia.

Earlier this year, the couple faced a setback that jeopardized this beloved tradition, when all the decorations and electrical wiring were destroyed in a fire after lightning struck the barn on their farm.

However, the community was determined to keep the cherished tradition alive.

Donations poured in. Neighbors banded together to help the family rebuild and get the display up and running just in time for the holiday season.

"It was amazing how the people that have been coming to our display for 35 years, they stepped up and they said we want this display to continue," said Mike Gaddy.

 

Preschoolers learn the importance of kindness and sharing

“It doesn’t matter how big or small you are. It’s the size of your heart that matters.”

The preschoolers in Mt. Juliet are learning the importance of this message through a unique philanthropy curriculum.

These children are provided opportunities to be helpful to others and give back to the community. They are encouraged to engage in acts of kindness.

"It's not always about reading, writing, and arithmetic, which we do here. But it's also about the heart, and that's where kindness starts," said Shesta Kimble, a teacher at the Learning Experience.

The school organizes monthly events to raise funds for local nonprofits. This class of preschoolers has set a goal to raise $5,000 for the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

 

A holiday party brings cheer to homeless community

Volunteers gathered at the Camillus House to spread holiday cheer to those who need it most.

Camillus House offers shelter, food, and care to people facing homelessness.

At a holiday dinner party, more than 400 people were served a hearty meal and given backpacks with gifts.

Apart from amazing food, guests were able to receive emotional comfort as well, since many of them have no family around. Being surrounded by kind people, decorations, music and platters full of food gave the guests a reason to smile.

"I (have) a new family, I never knew they were here all these years and they brightened up my life," said Roblyn Woodstock, a client at Camillus House.

The dinner party was a rewarding experience for the guests as well as the volunteers.

"I was going through some issues and I've always thought that the best way to deal with those is to try to help somebody else out," said volunteer Jim Sullivan.

 

Bridal shop owner hosts 'real women' modeling sessions to help boost confidence

There's just something about twirling in a big, puffy wedding dress. It makes women feel special. 

Mandy Abramson is giving everyone a chance to try on a wedding dress, regardless of their relationship status.

She aims to encourage women to look beyond the retouched photos on social media and challenge body image insecurities.

A terminally ill woman, an 80-year-old who wanted to try on the dress of her dreams, a woman who wanted to do something positive for herself for her birthday - women from all walks of life tried on wedding dresses in Mandy's shop in Skipton, England.

Mandy wants every woman who visits her shop to walk away with a genuine smile on their face.

Mandy said, “Twenty-five years in this job and I’ve met women who are all facing their own struggles and insecurities, and just because they don’t see themselves in the models in the bridal boutique magazines, they still deserve to feel beautiful, and it’s a huge boost for them.”

 

Have a Great Week Everyone!

And there you have it! Another week of positive news to put in your pocket. 

As always, if you have a story of your own to share, or want to point us toward someone amazing we should feature, please reach out in the comments below, or DM us on our Instagram page. 

Have a great week ahead everyone!

Photo by Jonathan Borba

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  • Freda says:

    Just live Positively do not accept negativity from any where or any one.

  • Anjell says:

    I agree Freda. We have to learn how to love and support one another.

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