“Kindness creates such a ripple effect!”
When first- grade teacher Kimber Bermudez shared the heartbreaking needs of her low-income students with the man sitting beside her on a plane, it sparked an incredible outpouring of generosity!
As her flight to Jacksonville, Florida, took off, Chicago teacher Kimber Bermudez smiled, excited about finally having time to go visit her parents. She was lost in her happy thoughts when, suddenly, the man sitting beside her struck up a conversation.
“So, what do you do?” he inquired, curiously.
“I teach first grade,” Kimber said, her eyes lighting up.
“I can see you enjoy it,” the man smiled.
“Oh, yes. Seeing my students learn and get that light-bulb moment—it’s just amazing,” Kimber gushed.
“It must be challenging at times, though,” he noted. Kimber’s face grew serious. “My school is in a lowincome area, and it can be heartbreaking, seeing kids in need of basic necessities like food, books and clothing,” she answered, sadness visibly gripping her heart.
The man nodded thoughtfully, then asked for her contact information, explaining his company often donates resources to schools like hers.
As Kimber jotted down her email address, a man sitting a row back tapped her shoulder.
“Excuse me. I couldn’t help overhearing. Do something for the kids,” he said, and slipped Kimber money.
Kimber was stunned, and noticing a $100 bill on top, she gasped. “You have no idea how much this will help.”
“Miss?” another passenger called from across the aisle. “I don’t have much cash, but you’re welcome to all I have,” he said, handing her $ 20.
When a third passenger gave her $10, Kimber burst into tears. “I’m not here to solicit contributions. I really am just on my way to see my parents,” she stammered.
“We know,” one of the men spoke for all three. “Keep using your gift of compassion to help those kids.”
When they landed, Kimber stepped off the plane in a daze, her amazement growing as she counted the cash in her hand—totaling $530!
My heart is in complete shock and awe right now, Kimber typed that night on Facebook, sharing her experience. The world may seem crazy, but there are always good people.
She’d soon learn how true that was. Her post went viral and, to this day, boxes of school supplies and more than $ 6,000 have been donated to the Carlos Fuentes Charter School where she teaches.
“My heart is overwhelmed at how one act of kindness created such a ripple effect,” Kimber marvels. “I’d do anything for my students— any teacher would— and this inspires me even more to make a difference in their lives and teach them that helping others brings such joy.” — Bill Holton