Despite the hardships we face in our lives, what ultimately defines us is how we show up for one another through them.
With each act of compassion, we create space for healing. Something as simple as sharing your story or volunteering just a few hours a month could inspire others to find their way to the path of hope and healing.
The more we practice kindness, the more natural it becomes.
“Wherever there is a human being, there is an opportunity for kindness.” – Lucius Annaeus Seneca
Let’s have a look at a few acts of kindness that are making the world a better place for everyone.
- An organization supports the independence of children with disabilities
- A man turns his vision into reality
- High school teachers adopt kids to help them graduate
- A 25-year-old launches a thriving business
Positively Uplifting Stories | July 28 2025
One man is on a mission to create barrier-free support for children with mobility impairments.
Des La Rance has been converting bicycles into wheelchairs for over thirty years! Des is a member of Surface Sunrise Wheelchair Trust, an organization that produces low-cost wheelchairs for disadvantaged people around the world.
Des and his team of volunteers meet twice a week to build special wheelchairs from repurposed bicycle parts, providing mobility to children in need. To date, they’ve helped more than 11,200 kids!
“This is a project that’s helping humanity, and that is the main thing that I’m so proud of,” said Brian, a volunteer.
Carousel serves as a testament to the power of compassion and hope.
Scott Harrison is a Vietnam War veteran, who battled with post-traumatic stress disorder long after his tour of duty ended in 1968.
A small carousel music box became a source of comfort and strength during his most difficult times. He ultimately decided to make a life-size version of the music box.
Over the course of more than two decades, he brought that vision to life. Scott purchased a broken-down carousel and handcrafted brand-new animals for it.
This Carousel of Happiness is now bringing healing and joy to the community.
“Absolutely, every day, just to go to that carousel and see everybody having such a great time, is good medicine for me. Because I started out trying to treat myself, and then it just changed into something that I could do for others,” said Scott.
Teachers adopt kids from foster care to keep them in school.
Brittany is one of the nearly 400,000 children across America who are in the foster care system.
She was about to be transferred to a residential placement when Nicole Brabson, a teacher at Mumford High School, and her husband stepped in and adopted her so that she could remain in the neighborhood and graduate from Mumford High School.
This was made possible through a program called The Village at Mumford, led by the Park West Foundation. The initiative aims to ensure that every student from the local high school has access to a supportive placement within the community, allowing them to stay in school and thrive.
“If each school and basically the surrounding community, which would involve the church community as well, we are going to keep our kids, they will graduate from the same schools, they’ll become productive adults,” said foster care advocate Saba Gebrai.
25-year-old chooses an unexpected path to serve his community.
At 25, Brandon Hollingsworth launched his laundromat business, Don’s Laundry, on Hollis Avenue in Queens Village, New York.
Brandon followed in his parents’ footsteps, who own two full-service laundromats. He created a roadmap for his entrepreneurial journey and meticulously saved money to bring it to life.
His determination and drive to forge his own path are inspiring the entire community!
“Reach for the stars, like do it, do it scared, do it, no matter what it is, go for it,” said Brandon’s mother, Nicole Hollingsworth.
Have a Wonderful Week Everyone!
From Brandon, the entrepreneurial Queens Village Laundromat owner to The Village at Mumford who helps foster kids get the placement and education they need and deserve, we hope these stories have reminded you of the kindness that exists all around us.
We’ll see you next week for more inspiring stories – have a great week ahead and take care!
