Circle of kindness

Readers share little reminders of how much goodness there is in the world

“I’M SO PROUD TO HAVE HELPED OUT A TEACHER!”

I was shopping for school supplies when I came across a woman on a motorized scooter. She was not able to reach the products that were on higher shelves, so I gave her a helping hand. We chatted, and she told me she was an elementary-school teacher who was shopping for her class. We parted only to meet up again in a different section. Our conversation resumed, and she told me that she would likely need to put back several of the supplies because though she wanted to help her students, it was just too expensive. Without pause, I reached into my wallet and handed her a $20 bill. She started to cry and thanked me profusely. I thanked her back and explained as a parent, I appreciate the job she does and honor her position. — Perryn Gutkowski Ojevwe, Smithtown, NY

“WE WERE HAPPY TO LIGHTEN HER LOAD!”

My friend Kathy called me in tears. Her basement had flooded, her possessions were ruined and she had neither the strength nor energy to tackle the job of cleaning it up. Living alone and working many double shifts, she was exhausted. Hearing her plight, my daughter and her boyfriend drove right over and surprised her with muscles and manpower. Kathy was overwhelmed that these kids offered their help. They certainly lightened her load and made me proud. —Tami Ludwick, Bronson, MI

“IT MADE MY DAY TO HAVE SUCH AN IMPACT ON SOMEONE!”

While my husband and I were waiting at the airport for our daughter and granddaughter’s arrival, I struck up a conversation with a woman who was waiting for

her flight to depart. We were discussing all the new restrictions for carry-on luggage. She admitted she had struggled to get everything she needed in her bag and had just realized she’d forgotten her eyeglass case. I carry a spare eyeglass case in my purse and offered it to her since there was no place in the airport to buy one. She was so appreciative! It really made my day to know that something so small had made such a positive impact. — Mary M. Edwards, Cape Coral, FL