A single act of kindness can brighten a bad day and perhaps restore our faith in the goodness of life. In this compilation, we present moving real-life stories about strangers—or scarcely known people—who showed compassion when it was most needed. Prepare to be inspired by stories that elevate your spirits and remind you of the power of selfless acts.

Story 1:
At 20, I was a single mother struggling to make ends meet. My family had abandoned me, and I was working at a nail salon to survive.
One day, this lady, a first-time client, forgot her Chanel bag. I put it in the lost & found.

2 weeks passed, and she didn’t return. My boss asked, “Do you want that bag?” I eagerly opened it, but there was nothing inside but a crumpled paper with 2 words: For you.
I didn’t understand but took the bag with me anyway. Then, I unzipped the inner pocket and was shocked to find $700 inside. It was the biggest blessing that came at a time when I needed it the most.

A year later, I discovered that this lady was not a random client who forgot her bag. The bag was actually a way to help me. The woman was a friend of my boss, who had orchestrated the whole thing. My boss knew I was struggling and too proud to ask for help, so she found a way to give me the money anonymously. Her kindness saved me during the hardest time of my life.

Now, 8 years later, I no longer work there, but I still think about her generosity. On tough days, it reminds me that there is still good in the world.

Story 2:
A homeless man gave me the last few coins I needed to get on the bus because I was turning in my exam project with a deadline. I tried to give him something out of my bag, but he refused. He said, “Next time you see a homeless person, give them the money back.” © Sozle / Reddit

Story 3:

Story 4:
Camera; shuttlecock; pinwheel and summer with clothespin on wooden desk
Riding to work one hot summer day in Prague on a tram with no AC—crowded, hot, and miserable. I was sweating rivers, but couldn’t even reach my handkerchief because the car was so packed.

I was just standing there, feeling miserable, when an older woman smiled at me and handed me a napkin from her purse. I thanked her profusely. © FingerprintFile513 / Reddit

Story 5:

Story 6:
My dad is an oncologist. One day a week, he would go to a rural hospital to help out. His patients would complain of upset stomachs, and he would advise them to take a specific medicine. Several of them told him it wasn’t in their budget.

He knew, from past experience, that they were too proud to accept charity. So he had a nurse stock up on that medicine and started handing it out to his patients, claiming he had received it as “free samples.” © _h***yowlscissors/ Reddit

Story 7:
Flying home after Basic Training to spend Christmas with my family, I found out the flight was overbooked and there was only one seat left. The couple in front of me were debating which of them should take it.

The guy said, “You should take it, it’s your family. I’ll catch a later flight.” Then the woman looked back, saw me, and asked where I was headed. I mentioned I was going home to see my pregnant wife and my family. She then told the woman at the counter that I should get the last seat.

It ended up being the last Christmas with my dad, and my whole family wasn’t devastated. © jackfaire / Reddit

Story 8:

Story 9:
My brothers, my mom, and I were in a restaurant eating lunch. We didn’t have much growing up, so a Sunday lunch was a big deal. Nothing fancy, just a mom with her three boys.

When my mom asked for the bill, the waitress said it had been paid by the couple at the next table, who had already left. I’m almost 40 and can still remember it vividly. © thiswasneverthat0927 / Reddit

Story 10:
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!”

Before I could react, she grabbed my plate and heaped it with food. I was stunned but touched—I think she understood just how much that meal meant to me. The food was delicious, and I savored every bite. As I ate, everyone at the table kept staring at me.

The next day, I came home from school and was surprised to find my friend’s mom at our house. It was the first time she and my mom had met. My mom’s face was flushed red.
She turned to me and said, “Mrs. Cooper brought us a Sunday roast because she knew how much you liked it.” I walked into the kitchen and saw our fridge stocked with fresh produce and food. My mom, though shy and clearly a bit embarrassed, couldn’t hide her happiness.

Over time, my mom and Mrs. Cooper became friends. She started visiting us regularly with her family, and what began with a simple meal turned into a beautiful connection that I’ll never forget.

Story 11:

Story 12:
I was sitting in a restaurant with my youngest, eating breakfast after going through a difficult and emotionally draining experience with my ex, I struggled to keep the tears at bay.

A kind woman came up and discreetly pressed a tissue into my hand. Until that moment, I felt so alone in the world with my pain. It is a moment that saved me. © Hinsan2 / Reddit