Circle of kindness

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

“IT MADE MY DAY TO HELP HIM OUT!”

I was grocery shopping when an elderly gentleman, who looked frustrated, stopped me and asked if I knew where he could find honey. I always carry the store directory because I sometimes have trouble finding items on my list. So I looked up honey and another item he needed. He thanked me, saying he never even knew there was such a thing as a store directory. After I left him, I decided to go to customer service and get him a directory. When I tracked him down and gave it to him, he was so grateful. It made my day to help him out! — Brenda Scott, Syracuse, NY

“MY SECRET SURPRISE CHEERED HER UP!”

After my father-in-law passed away, my mother-inlaw understandably lost her holiday spirit. The family tried to lift her mood by visiting often, but the house devoid of her specially decorated Christmas tree and over-the-top holiday decorations seemed to compound her sadness. So on a whim one day, I picked up a tabletop tree and decorated it with bright lights and some funky decorations. Then I left the tree on her doorstep with a note signed, From Santa. The surprise turned her mood around and she had fun guessing who her Secret Santa could have been. After seeing her joy, I’ve now made it my tradition to leave a Christmas tree on the doorstep of someone I know who might need a little holiday cheering. — Monica A. Andermann, North Bellmore, NY

“MY HEART IS STILL SMILING!”

While serving as an elementary school principal, my staff and I organized a “Pay It Forward Week,” encouraging staff, students and their families to carry out at least one act of kindness. I shall never forget paying for a medium cup of coffee and telling the barista that I wanted to “pay it forward, please.” I just asked that she allow me to drive off and out of sight before telling the customer behind me. The barista and I shared smiles that sent me on to work feeling the world was a better place. I drove to school thinking my coffee tasted better than ever. My heart is still smiling. I’m ready to “Pay It Forward” again and again and again! — Sandy Mitchell-woods, Knoxville, TN