Yes, Virginia. There still are good people in the world.

It used to happen once in a while. Then, the pace of the occasions began to increase. Now, I see them regularly, and it warms my heart.

The occasions I’m talking about are acts of generosity and kindness in which good people reach out to share what they have with others. I’ve noticed this primarily on social media, but I see it happening in other places within my community too. I see people posting boxes of good food obtained from a restaurant, food pantry, or food producer’s surplus. Not only do they take the time and effort to gather and haul it, but they also arrange it and make it accessible for anyone who could use it. I often see people posting about “cabinet cleanouts” when they offer food they know they will not use and might benefit someone else.

I’ve seen brand new winter coats offered in the cold weather so someone who had none could keep warm. It is the same with hats, scarves, and mittens, some of which were handmade. I can’t count the number of times I have seen sprouts and seedlings offered during gardening season, simply because someone purchased or planted more than they could use. And of course, there’s frequently excess produce from someone’s garden. I’ve seen post after post about people paying for the person behind them in the drive-through or behind or in front of them in the grocery line. The list goes on.

Then there are the grassroots initiatives started by individuals. For example, there is a young woman who has been rescued from a terrible domestic abuse situation. She now collects toiletries, personal items, snacks, and toys to make care bags for moms and their kids rescued from such dire circumstances. The restaurant around the corner of my house initiated a pay-it-forward program. Patrons are encouraged to purchase a meal and the ticket is placed on a bulletin board in the hallway. Anyone can come, take a ticket, and enjoy a good meal, no questions asked. The board is kept full via human kindness. A nearby gas station owner gives away food from the hot spot and bakery at the end of each day. He also runs fundraisers for students, sports programs, shelters, and more. Donate to the cause and you’ll receive a discount from his store. In addition, he has taken under his wing a young man who lives in a group home, assuring he has proper clothing and hygiene products.

All of these efforts give me hope and restore my faith in humanity. Sometimes the world can seem like a cruel, heartless place. In reality, I believe, the cruel and heartless are the minority. There are good people in this world and we will find them if only we look around us.

Yes, Virginia. There still are good people in the world.