Tatianna

Broward,FL USA

I am a 46yr old female. I have worked for many years, and never asked for anything from anybody. I moved here from up north in 2008. I had no job, money or place to stay. I worked at labor ready when they had a job for me. I ended up coming into some money that allowed me to put a roof over my head, and I opened my own business. I worked very hard to make the business work. From sun up to sun down. The location was in Margate, which was a bad move. The location was horrible. So I moved it to North Lauderdale, and within 3 months of being there the roof caved in from damage ect... I was told I could not operate the business due to violations of the building and owner being cited for the issues. I ended up moving the business for the 3rd time, and the new location was just as hard seeing, I was out 3 months of rent, and starting over again. I struggled each day and I am only 1 person, and this is my life. I had to make a choice of how to do this and I ended up getting evicted from my residence. All personal stuff was placed on the street for grabs. I only owned one thing in my life and it is a motorcycle. After a year and 1/2 of doing all I can, I needed money for temporary housing and I placed my motorcycle in the pawnshop for $2200.00, and the total pay back is $2700.00 the 30 day was on the 14th of December. I don’t care if I am living on the streets, I have been on the streets, homeless time and time again, but I had the one thing I can say I own and its my motorcycle. My business ended December 14, 2011 with an eviction and it was very hurtful for me cause it was all my hard work, and everything I had as far as financial wise. How come you can do as much as you can to succeed in life and then you are dealt such a horrible hand. I worked so hard, and through out this I find out that I have extreme high blood pressure, last taken 172/101 hypertension stage can have a heart attack or stoke, and I have nerve damage in my left arm. I penny pinched to get the medication for the blood pressure. All I want is my motorcycle back. Struggling to stay alive. Tatianna

victoria

Sydney,state Australia

When I was 18 my father was diagnosed with cancer and given 3 months to live. My mother at the time was very sick with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, and I was head of the family in many ways - looking after both parents and younger brother. I desperately needed help. An angel of mercy appeared in my life, in the shape of a woman I barely knew, she was a mother at the homeschool social group we had attended. Herself 6 months pregnant, with 3 young daughters, she took it upon herself to organise meals for us every week. Occasionally someone else cooked, but every week of those 3 months, she would bring around at least 4 prepared evening meals that she had cooked herself. To this day I am deeply indepted, and still looking for a way to pay it forward.

Dana

Los Angeles,CA USA

Yesterday morning I was walking down the sidewalk and got to the cornere, where i stopped to wait for the light to change to cross the street. I saw a guy in a wheel chair struggling a bit to get his chair up on the curb, so I offered to help along with about three other people who happened to be there. With several of us helping, it was easy to get his chair up on the curb, then when the light changed we all helped again to get off the curb and we all traveled across the street together. There was a curb cut on the other side so he was able to roll up without assistance, and he thanked everyone as we all sort of parted company and went our separate ways. It was a nice community moment and everyone was smiling and saying "have a nice day". Corny I know but it was a nice moment.

Rea

Johannesburg,state South Africa

My heart was completely broken when I lost my son Emile to suicide and with the help of other parents who were suffering the same loss I was able to survive it. Not only parents who lost a child but strangers whom I met on my blog. They have given me only love and support and kindness and now I feel I have to repay that loving gesture by supporting others going through a difficult time. Everything in our lives happen for a reason even though we can't see it at the time. Even from a tragedy good things can spring forth. Blessed Be and Namaste

Jacob McFatter

Pensacola,Florida United States

This story is not my own. This story belongs to a special person to me, we will call her K. This girl, has saved me. Before I met K, I was a hooligan. I was involved in a gang, I was a frequent partier and drug user. I hurt and stole from others for profit, and im ashamed to say, for my own pleasure. I was a horrible person, the type of guy you see at the corner store drunk, smokeing weed and hollering at women who would jump at the site of confrontation. But then, this beautiful angel walked into my life. Just as I was concidering dropping out of high school I had a class with this girl, we met and to be honest I was too shy to even approach her. Haha, she had to make the first move. I never thought she would even give me the time of day yet low and behold she stroke up a conversation and invited me to a party...something I was comfurtable with, plus the added bonus of being able to hang out with a girl. I dont know why I never picked up the signals but I never even concidered the thought of her wanting to be with me. Well as the story goes, boy meets girl. Boy falls in love, and girl makes a college man out of me. I am currently a working man, about to graduate on time, and attend college this summer. I signed a lease two days ago and have a car, coming from the neighborhood I grew up in this is like finding the needle in the haystack. I have a great mother, and my father instilled a good work ethic and a sence of right and wrong in me yes...but without K, I can honestly tell you I would be dead or in jail. And it's not just love, just by being around her you feel a sence of wanting to better yourself. She is an angel. I have a memory i'll never forget of us driving home from a local store when she saw a bum. It was pouring down, visibility was nearly none and just then the bum decided to head to the nearest shelter to get out of the rain and dry his soaked clothes, when she stopped the car and made me run in the rain to chase him down and hand him the change we had from the store. This type of thing happens everyday with her, I just hope that one day she recieves her due. I owe her my life, and hopefully, God permitting, I will marry this girl. I am sorry if this is not what you are looking for, its just late, and I was on my thoughts account fooling around when I saw a link for this and decided to show some praise. Thank you for reading my story. Jake M.

Tony Karas

Blackwood,NJ USA

I don't know if this counts but I listen to people who are depressed. I give them understanding, an ear to listen and a shoulder to lean on. I did this and failed for a thoughts member recently. Her handle was Bandred. She successfully committed suicide about a month ago. I just wanted her remembered. Recently I've been inundated with people who need help. I'm currently juggling 6 depressives of whom 3 are deeply depressed meaning they have suicidal ideations. I do what I can to help them value life and to keep them alive. It's not an easy job. It takes a lot of empathy and I think I'm well armed there. I want no recognition for me. I only look for recognition for those who suffer depression. It's a real killer.

Tony Karas

Blackwood,NJ USA

I don't know if this counts but I listen to people who are depressed. I give them understanding, an ear to listen and a shoulder to lean on. I did this and failed for a thoughts member recently. Her handle was Bandred. She successfully committed suicide about a month ago. I just wanted her remembered. Recently I've been inundated with people who need help. I'm currently juggling 6 depressives of whom 3 are deeply depressed meaning they have suicidal ideations. I do what I can to help them value life and to keep them alive. It's not an easy job. It takes a lot of empathy and I think I'm well armed there. I want no recognition for me. I only look for recognition for those who suffer depression. It's a real killer.

Karen

Orlando,FL USA

This weekend while in the checkout line I noticed that I had a $10 off coupon that I could not use. I asked the mom who was buying back to school clothing for her kids if she would like it. She was so thankful. It was nice knowing that not only did I inspire her but I also inspired the cashier. I have a good feeling that they will both Pay It Forward the next time an opportunity presents itself.

Margaret

Independence,MO USA

Last night at McDonalds, a couple in front of me had put in their order and I ordered 2 Mcdoubles, a larage french fry and 2 apple pies. We had to wait while they cooked the fries. They handed him his order and he turned to me and said "have you heard of pay it forward?" I said and he laid down a $5 bill and said this is for your supper tonite. I was very surprised to say the least and thanked him several times and told him that I would certainly pass it on. It was the night before my 85th birthday, which he did not know, of course, but it made it more special to me. I will certainly pass it on at my first opportunity. It sure made me feel good!

L. Hudson

Fallbrook,Ca. U.S.A.

I own a small business specializing in moderately priced gemstone jewelry. We have a once a month outdoor sale in the historic downtown district of a nearby town during special events: car shows, music festivals, etc. I make it a policy to give one customer thier pick of one item every sale. A young man looking for something special for a special girl, a husband looking for something to surprise his wife. The criteria is that they find something nice,find they can't afford it, and reluctantly put it down. I'm happy to tell them,'take it, it's yours.' I know I get a bigger thrill doing this than they can possibly know. Who knows? maybe some of the happiness is passed along.

Amanda Noesen

Tampa,FL USA

Sam was there for me when I needed help in Dublin!!

Mrs. Brown

Jacksonville,FL USA

Another simple act of kindness: my relative told me of a young couple, expecting their 2nd child, in October, and that the husband has lost his job, and can't find work now. They live up north. So, using the talents God gave me, and the resources, I made a crib sized quilt, 3 pairs of handknitted booties, 2 knitted caps, and a pair of infant mittens, and mailed it all off to them. No obligation, I just want them to know someone cares, and is trying to help them.

Mrs. Brown

Jacksonville,FL USA

I regularly refill gallon water jugs, at our local grocery store, instead of buying brand new gallons of water. Almost every time I use the refill machine, I leave a quarter, dime, or nickel, near the change slot. I hope it will help someone else refill their bottles. Sometimes we don't always have enough change, or, we drop a nickel, and it rolls under the machine. Maybe by my leaving some small bit of money, at the refill machine, it will ease someone else's day.

Big Hippie

Somewhere South,GA USA

I carry a bag of teddy bears in my car. I stopped for a young lady who had had an accident. She had pulled to the side of the road, but the car that hit her took off. She was shaken up and terrified of what her parents were going to say. Since I'm a cop, I offered to call her parents and explain everything to them when they arrived. She accepted my offer. So I called her parents, briefly explained the situation and asked them to come to the site. Meanwhile I got a teddy bear and gave it to the young lady. She gripped that bear like it was her lifeline and cried into it. When Mom and Dad arrived, I explained the situation and stayed with them while they talked to their daughter. I explained that from the damage to her car, and the fact that the other car took off, that it wasn't her fault. Granted that didn't help with the cost of fixing her car, but she wouldn't be getting a ticket AND she was okay, other than being pretty shaken up. Mom was visibly upset and trying not to let me see her cry. I stepped back to my car, and brought Mom a bear too. Mom and daughter were both hugging those bears tight! It's amazing how batting and stuffing can make someone's life a little easier. I called the family a couple of weeks later and they told me they now carry bears with them as well AND had the opportunity to give some away already. Guess you never know.

Ashley Moore

Orlando,FL USA

This story is actually about my mom. One day when she was at a local fast food place she heard someone trying to get a job. The manager was going to give the job seeker employement, but she had to buy new shoes and something else in order to start. The job seeker was distraught becasue she did not have money to buy the required black sneakers and expressed this to the manager. My mom heard this interaction and as she was leaving she put money in an envelope with a note wishing the person success and told them to get the shoes they needed. I always thought this was such a kind thing to do. My mom and I have tried to do many other things like this. When I was in highschool every single Sunday we would go and feed the homeless. We would bake all night on Saturday, sell the baked goods at Church on Sunday and then anything that was left we took and distributed to a local homeless community that we knew about. This made us feel so good and it really helped them. We encountered several people that turned their lives around and got back on their feet. We would share anything extra that we had, clothes, shoes, whatever and it really seemed that just the knowledge that someone cared helped them to decide to make changes for themselves. I really love this concept and this site. Great jobs guys!

Tony Ray

Flemingsburg,Ky USA

Jess (my fiance) and I were sort of down on our luck. We had come out to Oregon from Kentucky to work for a company that was resetting auto parts stores. About two weeks after getting here the company lost the contract and told everyone to go home. We were devastated. With less than two weeks work, we would end up spending more to get here and go home than we had made. I didnt know what to do. A friend of mine from thoughts.com had told me if I ever made it out this way I could crash on his couch for awhile, so we went south to Gold Beach. On the way we stopped into a rest area to stretch our legs and use the facilities. A young boy, couldn't have been more than 20, was sitting by the trash can. He was surrounded by what I can only guess was his few earthly possessions, a tattered back pack, a milk jug of water, and a sign asking for any change the passers by could spare, and it broke my heart. I couldn't imagine the kind of misfortune that could befall someone so young that would leave them this destitute. I had no money. I didnt even have a few quarters to give him. I asked the boy where he was heading, and he simply said "south" I offered him a ride. I may not have been able to put a dollar in his pocket, but I could at least take him as far as I was going. He seemed taken aback by my offer. He was scared, and that further hurt my already aching heart. He declined my offer but thanked me sheepishly. As I walked to the car I wanted to do something, I wanted to offer anything, I had a need to show this boy that whatever ills had affected his heart that I meant him no harm and truly cared. I told Jess about him. For a few moments we discussed what to do, and then I couldn't sit any longer. We had bought a few groceries when we came out to Oregon. A job like we had it was cheaper to buy real food than to get take out for every meal. I popped the trunk, filled a plastic bag with things I knew he could fix or eat without much cooking and walked back towards him. He must have thought my bag was for the trash receptacle because he started to move out of my way, but stopped when I said simply "here. I aint got much, but I ate today. Now you will too" and walked away. I didnt want a thank you, I didnt need to discuss further the case of this young man. I only wanted him to eat. To know that someone cares. I got back to the car and tried to stiffle a tear. I looked out the windshield at the cars passing by on the interstate and said "there but the grace of God go I" and put it in drive. As I pulled away from building I looked in the rear view mirror and saw the boy reach into his bag and pull out one of the "tootsie pops" I had put in there amd. with a smile on his face he handed it to a child who was walking by with his father hand in his........

germanus sorror oris

manila,manila philippines

i used to be a heartless person. i hate strangers. i hate people entering my life. i only befriend those at my age, nothing's younger or older. but not until i've met this 17 year old girl, room mate of mine. i'm 5 years older than her. though i'm rough and stubborn, she didn't get intimidated like others. she treated me nicely and she's so sweet. now we're good as real sisters. she somehow changed me, i now entertain strangers. i realized i'm paying back what she did to me to others... now i've met a new room mate and trying to built friendship with her in my own initiation

missingchristopher

Upper Darby,Pa. USA

Laura Did Pay It Forward Several years ago, when I was getting a new car, I decided not to use my car as a trade-in. I don't really believe you get anything on a trade-in, I just think it's a numbers game that makes you think you do, but somehow it never seems to actually come off the price of the car you're buying. My husband and I decided we would just sell it for whatever we could get, and leave it at that. There was a woman named Laura, who had worked for more than twenty years, at a well known fast food place. She had been at the same store for so many years, that the kids that had come there for so long, were now bringing in their kids, and she knew everyone's name. We noticed one day that her car was not in the parking lot when we pulled in, and wondered if she had finally stopped working, but she was there when we went in. She told us that she was taking the bus to work, since her car had broken down, and it was taking her nearly two hours each way, everyday. My husband and I talked about it and decided that we would just give her my car instead of selling it. We talked to her about it, and after refusing several times, she finally agreed. We met her a few days later at the office where the title would be transferred and signed the car over to her. They also sold insurance there, so my husband paid for the first year of insurance for her, along with all the transfer fees. She thanked us a dozen times and cried, saying that we could never know how much we had helped her. A couple of years later, she became very ill and was no longer able to work. We were told that she had moved a few hours away, to go live with one of her daughters. We tried to keep track of how she was doing, and were told that she had several aneurysms, and they were not operable, so anything could happen, at any time. We thought about her a lot over the next year or so, but never heard anything about how she was doing. Last week my husband came home and told me that he had seen my old car in the parking lot of another fast food place, so he went in to see if it was her. He didn't see Laura anywhere so he asked if anyone knew her. One of the women working there said that Laura had recently moved back here and was living with another daughter. He mentioned that he had noticed the car out in the lot and that he thought is was the one she used to drive. My husband was shocked when the woman said it was the same car and Laura had given it to her! The woman went on to tell my husband that when Laura became ill and had to leave, she had given the car to her. She told the woman that the car had been given to her a few years ago, and she felt she should do the same thing, since she wasn't able to drive anymore. We think it's a great story and it's nice to know that if you can make a difference in one person's life, they can make a difference in another person's. It's a real Pay It Forward story

UniversalSeductress

Keswick,Iowa USA

#EARTH (this is for the earth day challenge on thoughts.com) Making Earth Day all year long 1) Buy what I need not what I want. (I really work at doing just this and have found not only does it help the Earth but it also helps me to save ~ and with saving I am able to then gift others when needs arise.) 2) Replace light bulbs with the energy efficient ones. If you cant afford to replace all at one time then as an old light bulb burns out replace it with the energy efficient kind. (I had started buying a pack of energy efficient bulbs once per month and soon all light bulbs will be the green kind.) 3) During spring cleaning take everything you have not used for a year that is still worth using and donate to places of your choice. (I first ask around my neighborhood ~ valley ~there are enuff young couples starting out that are always grateful for gently used kicthen ware or furniture and even some gently used clothing.) If you have used something in a year's time it is safe to bet you never will again anyway. 4) Here where I live we have an option to recycle at the curbside on the usual garbage day. Also in Iowa we have a five cent per can or bottle deposit. So I am committed to using the green recycle bins for paper, cardboards, and plastics. And the 'deposit' containers I bundle together leaving them at the same time ~ usually they are taken away by someone who can use the five cents per bottle or can even before the recycler truck arrives. 5) When choosing home cleaning products and laundry supplies look for the Green Friendly ones ~ they mean less pollution and they work great if not better than many more chemically nasty products. 6) I used to be a bottled water freak til I moved here to the pristine stix where the water remains clear and less chemically treated so now I use two large cobalt blue bottle with ceramic stoppers and keep them filled with the awesome tasting clear well water. I sit them in the sun once filled for about an hour and then stick them in the refrig. Delicious. Refreshing. better for me and better for the earth. 7) Plants. Plant some. And treat them like the living breathing entities they are. I have had a crazy thing I have done since a child ~ any plant I am 'in charge' of I talk to and care for like any child or pet. They care for me right back. 8) Adopt a beach, park, street, neighborhood and walk it once a week to clean up any trash. After doing this for a while you may even find other things you can do along with picking up trash. Altho I can no longer walk an entire park I still am able to walk my neighborhood once per week. We have a lovely scenic neighborhood here. I hope others will make Earth Day a habit that lasts all year long.

Amelie

New York,New York USA

#earth I took a pledge with the Sierra Club to help make the earth a little greener :) http://www.sierraclub.org/earthday/sweepstakes/

Kristen

Orlando,FL USA

#earth I am drinking water out of a glass instead of using a plastic bottle in honor of Earth Week.

smitty41

Manchester,NH United Staes

As a member of the Parrot Heads, we unite to do anything to make mother earth more beautiful than we found it. Thank you Jimmy Buffet for your love of nature and fellow mankind. Parrot Heads Unite.

Douglas Robinson

Keller,Texas United States

Over the years I have been, I guess you could call it, a professional volunteer, working for many non-profit agencies and ministries. I have always felt that one person can make a difference and that an act of kindness truly does change the timeline of history. I presently work in security for a defense contractor in Fort Worth, Texas. Several years ago, while working in the lobby of a high security building, I got into a conversation with an employee regarding the birth of my first grand-daughter. While we were talking, a young woman, wearing a medical smock, stood waiting for someone not for from the security counter where I was standing. The woman worked for Carter BloodCare,a local blood collection agency, who was having a mobile drive in the parking lot in front of the building. As I talked to the employee, he asked me if I had ever done any children's entertainment, as he was familiar with my volunteer work with various charities. I told him, "Well, between you and me...I was "Gabby The Mime" for many years here in Fort Worth and did shows at all the local hospitals." At that point the young woman who apparently had heard me, pushed the employee aside, pointed a finger at me and said, "You...are Gabby The Mime?" At first I was rather surpized by the question and jokingly answered, "I guess that depends if there is an attorney involved." Then I saw that half of her face was covered with scar tissue. Her lips, nose and one ear had obviously been rebuilt with extensive plastic surgery. The young girl began to cry and told me that 20 years before, she had been brought to Cooks Children's Hospital in Fort Worth, after her face had literally been torn off in an attack from a pit bull. Gabby The Mime had visited the hospital that day and done a special show in her room and had covered the room with pink balloon animals. During the time I was performing for children as Gabby The Mime, no one knew my identity. It was a very special ministry and that anonimity allowed me to focus everything on the needs of the children. Only my wife and God knew who I really was. It was not until a number of years later that a local newpaper found out who I was and published a story. Gabby The Mime then retired. She now was working both with Carter BloodCare and as a volunteer for children at a local hospital to pay forward the act of kindness she felt many years ago in that hospital room. What would be the chances that we would meet as my identity at that time was unknown? I work also with Carter BloodCare as a volunteer, a 63 gallon blood donor and a new character, "Captain Platelet". Even as that young lady touched by life with her story, I will continue to touch others.

Victoria S

Orlando,FL

I found one of the cards and I read it and went to this site to see what it was about. I decided to do a Pay It Forward, too. I was in line at Mcdonalds and notice a mom with three kids behind me. I gave my order and let the cashier know I wanted to pay for the person behind me, too. They ordered and he put everything on my card and let the woman know I had paid for her. I told her why and I passed on my card to her asking her to Pay It Forward. It made me feel good and I can definitely see myself doing it again.

JoAnn Coaten

Toronto,Ontario Canada

I was always taught to do kindness to others and it will somehow be repaid back in kindness. One day I was out shopping with my daughter, and, at lunch decided on getting Chinese takeout. I was behind a young lady and lo and behold she had forgotten her wallet at the store where she worked in the mall. Rather than letting her be embarassed by not paying for her food and thusly having it deposited in the waste, I reached forward with the money to pay for her meal. She, thanked me , told me to come to her store and she will reimburse me. I remembering my parents, told her, not to worry about it and one day when someone needs a little extra in paying for something to reach down in her heart and pay for them. A month or so later I found myself shopping at the store that she worked in and as I reached to the sales counter ready to pay for my purchase was told that my purchase was free. I asked how, why, and the young clerk whom I had paid for her meal came forward and said, I am paying it forward. You showed me kindness, now I am showing you kindness. I started doing small favours for people and it has enriched my life greatly. I thank you for showing me that kindness begets kindness.

nica0226

Boston,MA USA

Growing up, I felt I always had to be good and proper. My husband showed me when it was ok not to be proper, and perfect. That has meant a lot for me over the years. I recently was surrounded by people how all had traumtic events as part of their lives. I did not consider what I did for some of them as paying it forward, but rather paying it back. One woman was new to Boston. She has seen the scenic scenes, but needed help finding the other areas, actual shopping zones, and the like. I spent a day, mapped out the best local spots, and then showed her how to get to them. I had a great time, and now she is happier knowing where to go for what. Another woman, girl, was looking at getting accepted to colleges, and needed to write admission essays. I am a writer, and I have worked in college admissions. I spent an afternoon fine tuning her essay, and making suggestions on other ways to go with it. Again, I do not see that as paying it forward, as paying it back.

MrCox

Shanghai, China

I was in Harbin in northern China/Siberia a couple of months ago for the International Ice Festival. Let me tell, that is some cold weather. It was -25 Celsius during the day which is about -13 Fahrenheit and colder than that after the sun goes down. I was walking with my mother, sister, and brother-in-law down a busy street, looking for an ATM so we would have some money the next day. All of their ATMs were small rooms in the side of their banks that were closed and safe-ish from the cold. It was still freezing in there. The first booth we went to had two homeless men sleeping on the floor. One of them was sitting on a five gallon bucket, and the other stretched out across the floor. I could see the shoes of the man on the floor, and they looked like two t-shirts with rubber soles. His toes were all frostbitten and black. I'm not a very compassionate person usually, but that hit me right in the stomach. I couldn't shake the image or feeling. After stepping into the room, not seeing the men, I quickly turned around and took the family to a different ATM. Later that evening I went out for a beer alone because the rest of the crew went to sleep early. Still thinking about the pain that man must be in daily from the cold stuck with me. I had a nice pair of boots with thinsulate and wool socks on to keep me warm. Having another pair of boots back in the hotel, I thought I should give these to that man. I didn't want my family to know what I was doing, so I walked back to the ATM room. Sure enough, he was still out on the floor, and his black toes still showing. I started taking off my boots and gently woke him. With my broken Chinese and thick American accent, I told him I was giving him my shoes because I was his friend. He just stared at the boots speechless and half asleep. I left him in just my socks, but turned around because I forgot to give them to him. He was still just staring at the boots minutes later. Gave him the socks and ran really fast down the street towards my hotel. I like giving.

Hojasanan

Talent,Oregon USA

Never heard of a "Pay it Forward Card"... Saw the movie, though, and loved it! About 10 or 12 years ago, while I was engaged to my husband, I needed a car, and neither of us had any money to buy one. He prayed that he'd be able to provide one for me somehow. Some friends gave us a Toyota Tercel 4-wheel drive station wagon. That thing was still running beautifully when we gave it away a few years later. Since then we've given away 2 other vehicles. Now that the 6 of us are on bicycles, my hubby tunes up old bikes that people are "cleaning out" and re-sells them to help make ends meet. A lot of those have "wound up" finding homes with folks who couldn't afford to pay for them. Fun Stuff!!!

Jen Rogers

Los Angeles,CA Country

Yesterday I was randomly approached and given a Pay It Forward Card that brought me to this site as well as a coffee gift card. I didn't want to break the Pay It Forward cycle so I went ahead and Paid It Forward the next opportunity I had. As I was in line getting my coffee the person in front of me was short on cash. So I told the cashier that I would cover the difference and I just handed the card on to them. I hope the cycle will continue with them.

MG

,So UTAH

While on a road trip my husband and I ran out of gas. Stupid, yes... but we got sidetracked... LOL Anyway, we laughingly started out on foot. We knew there was a gas station a few miles up the road. We hadn't gotten far when a nice elderly man pulled over and offered us a ride. He told us that he was a car salesman and was transporting the car he was in to another town for pick up by the new owners. Well, when we got to the gas station we thanked him and figured we would just buy a gas can and some fuel and head back on foot. This gentleman would have none of it. He said he was a man who followed things through from start to finish. So, we got our gas and he drove us all the way back to our car and waited until we had the car running before leaving. We tried to compensate him in some way but he just told us to put in the karma bank ... What a guy!!!

CMH

Roy and Layton,UT USA

My girlfriend took my step daughter shopping for my husband and I to help us avoid the usual teenager - parent stand off at the clothing store. Everyone came out happier... all bc my friend sacrificed some time from her day and some fuel to help us out. How great is that!?

RG

Layton,UT USA

Bought flowers for my neighbors. One just for fun, the other cuz she is from Lebanon and recently had a miscarriage and has no family here, the other cuz her sister died a couple weeks back and the last is the girl across the street who graduates from HS very soon. Of course the card is blank so none of them know who sent them or why... hopefully it isn't creepy for any of them! Maybe I just have spring fever!! Who cares... I hope they enjoy them.

CME

Roy,UT USA

Last night I was on my way to pick up 2 of my 3 boys from football practice. There was a man on the corner with a sign that said "Out of work and hungry. Anything will help" Now he was standing there on crutches with a boot on is leg. Always makes my heart sink when I see something like that. My youngest son was with me and I said "After we get the boys we are going to come back and give that man this money." He said "why" and I read him the sign. I said "We don't want someone's tummy to be hungry do we" and he said "nope". So I got the other two and we head back in the direction of the man, which is a little out of our way. It's hard sometimes to wonder if someone really needs your help or if its a scam and I decided this time I was going to follow my heart and hope that we were truly helping someone. (I'm a single mom and just got laid off so my boys were a little confused) As I explained to the other two what we were doing they all smiled. Sure enough the man was still there so we pulled over and my oldest hopped out and handed him the money. He smiled at my son and said "thank you sir. God bless you" and looked at me through the truck window and waved. It made my heart feel so good to help and hope that he didn't go to bed hungry last night and that my boys were so happy to help too! I hope they can learn to just believe in people and think positive about people and help where they can!

Heather McFarland

Houston,TX USA

Type your story hereEvery once in a while I stop for breakfast at the local Whataburger near my work. Sometimes, when I know I have a little extra cash on me I will treat the person behind me in the drive thru line and purchase their breakfast as well as mine (although it has been 4-5 months since I have done so). I am a regular at this particular establishment and they all know my order and can usually tell me what I am getting when they hear my voice through the speaker – that is sad I know. A couple of times they have told me that my decision to pay for the person behind me has caused a chain reaction sometimes 15-20 cars back and it not only blesses the next person but it blesses the staff at Whataburger because they can see goodness in people’s heart. My reason for telling you about my silly action is this: today I received a package here at the office. There was nothing but my work address on the outside of the box and the courier who delivered it would not tell me who it was from. Timidly (yes, I can be timid!) I cut open the box and found a note. The note read: Thanks for the Whataburger Breakfast. That’s it. Nothing else. Inside the box is a huge red can of pretzels. Chocolate covered, yogurt covered, white chocolate covered with stripes and plain pretzels. Evidently someone that I had purchased breakfast for at Whataburger some months ago found out who I was and wanted to thank me. I think it’s very cool and a tad bit scary, so I am going to focus on the very cool part and allow it to make my day that much brighter! I guess that it is true, what goes around, comes around.

Tiffany

Manhattan,New York USA

I paid for someone's coffee in line who forgot their wallet.