Weekly Uplifting Stories - October 23rd, 2023

One glance at the top news headlines is enough to set anyone off into a downward spiral.

But focusing too much on things you can't control will hurt your mental health. No doubt, there's a lot wrong with the world, but we also have many examples of people doing the right thing and lifting others. 

You have to make a conscious effort to improve your ability to take in good news.

Kindness in words creates confidence. Kindness in thinking creates profoundness. Kindness in giving creates love. - Lao Tzu

This week, we have found wonderful stories about:

• A 10-year-old boy celebrates his birthday in a special way
• Hundreds of people receive free medical care
• Students receive a hands-on learning experience 
• This fitness program caters to people with Down syndrome

Thoughtful young boy forgoes birthday gifts to donate goods to furry friends 

For his tenth birthday, Finn Niedermeyer had a special request for his friends and family. He decided to forgo birthday presents and asked his loved ones to bring cat and dog food to his birthday party. 

Finn chose to donate a trunk full of goods to the Animal-Focused Nonprofit Greenhill Humane Society to celebrate his big day.

"Proud and also not surprised because he is a super, super sweet kid. Has always been," said Finn's mom, Angela Green.

Even the people at the Greenhill Humane Society were surprised by this gesture. 

"It's incredibly generous and so inspiring to see that young folks care about shelter animals other than themselves on their special day, on their birthday, of all days," Sarah Bouzad.

This young boy's selfless act of giving up birthday gifts to help shelter animals is a reminder that the gift of giving is the greatest gift of all.

South Bay's underserved population receives free medical, dental, hearing and eye care

The Healthy Living Fair in San Jose, California brought health care to the people who need it most.

This fair was organized by Congregation Shir Hidash in partnership with Sacred Heart Community Service. 

"Everybody deserves really great healthcare. It doesn’t matter what their stage is in life, we want to make sure everyone gets the care they need," said Kevin Fell with Shir Hadash.

Free health, dental, and vision screening was provided to hundreds of people who can't afford it, or don’t have insurance. Makeshift offices were set up to ensure all the services were in one place.

Community organizations such as Tzu Chi Medical and the Lions Club as well as nursing students from Mission College and San Jose State University all came together to meet the medical needs of the South Bay's underserved population.

Children learn life skills in Mother Nature’s classroom

Students at Latimer School in San Jose, California learn patience, responsibility, self-sufficiency, and other crucial life skills in this unique classroom. 

Spread across 3,300 square feet, this classroom has zero books and desks but it contains 60 varieties of flowers, herbs, fruits, and vegetables. The Latimer Garden helps children get closer to nature and embrace the joys of growing and harvesting their own food. 

"We are a project-based learning school here at Latimer. We like to give our kids hands-on opportunities and what better opportunity than coming out to the garden and playing, harvesting, and finding out about bugs and creatures that live here," said Latimer principal Hilary Gill. 

The children are very curious to learn about the world that surrounds them. This garden gives them the opportunity to explore with all their senses in a stress-free environment. 

This Boxing program is fostering a more inclusive environment for people with Down Syndrome

This fitness program is empowering individuals with Down syndrome by giving them tools to build their physical strength as well as social skills. 

Down To Box is a nonprofit that curates training regimens specifically for people with Down Syndrome. 

"It's really bridging the gap between the boxing community and the Down Syndrome community," Jonathan Gainey co-founder of Down to Box.

Apart from building coordination skills, and improving self-defense and physical fitness, this weekly program allows both children and adults to share lots of laughs and make new friends as well. 

What's Your Uplifting Story?

And that wraps it up for this week! 

Do you have any Uplifting Stories of your own? You can contact us in the comments below, or reach out on our Instagram page. We might just share your story in a future article.

Thanks everyone for reading, and have an uplifting week ahead. Take care and see you next week! 

Photo by Pavel Danilyuk