I grew up very poor. When I was 13, I was at a classmate’s house and ended up staying for dinner. My mouth watered at the sight of the golden roast on the table. As everyone began to eat, I took a bite, but her mom’s sharp gaze made me freeze. In front of everyone, she declared, “Did you seriously take that little? That’s not nearly enough!”

It only takes one act of kindness to brighten a gloomy day and, at times, restore our faith in life. Today, we’re sharing uplifting, true-life stories of strangers—or near-strangers—stepping in with acts of compassion just when they were needed most. Prepare for an uplifting dose of positivism that will warm your heart.

I grew up very poor. When I was 13, I was at a classmate’s house and ended up staying for dinner. My mouth watered at the sight of the golden roast on the table. As everyone began to eat, I took a bite, but her mom’s sharp gaze made me freeze. In front of everyone, she declared, “Did you seriously take that little? That’s not nearly enough!”