'Tis the Season

With all the nonsense of Black Friday, Cyber Monday and finding a parking spot at the mall, it's easy to forget the true meaning of the holidays. Put the religious affiliations of Christmas aside and there is a whole other meaning behind this time of year, giving. I don't mean giving the the most expensive high-end gadget of the season; I mean giving your time, energy and even a little money towards a better cause. Whether it's volunteering your time at the local soup kitchen or dropping a dollar in the Salvation Army bucket outside Walmart, you're making a difference to people that may not be as fortunate as you.

Even middle America is struggling around this time of year. Luckily Walmart, Toys R Us and many other stores have made an attempt to help out and put together a layaway program where you can "pay a little while getting a lot". However, we all know that this sort of thing can put a burden on people, credit is not always fun paying off. Recently I came across an article at the Huffington Post where for some lucky layaway-ers, Santa came a little early. Anonymous Santas are popping up and contributing, or completely paying off balances of customers who needed to put presents on layaway this year. Some customers where in such shock, they didn't even believe it!

"Toys R Us customers from Washington County, Pa., recently got a layaway receipt saying simply that their presents had been “paid for by Santa,” WPXI-TV reported. Thinking that the receipt was a scam, they called the store only to find out it was real, and four other families layaways were paid off as well." (huffingtonpost.com)

And this selfless giving seems to be contagious! Once people started hearing about it, more and more "secret santas" began contributing what they could; Toy's R Us also announced they will be donating $200 of toy's every time a a "secret santa" contributes to a customer's balance.

In a world that seems to always be full of "me! me! me!" this story was a breath of fresh air! The point of giving should never be about recognition, it should just be the simple satisfaction you get for making someone's day, even year! In the wake of Sandy Superstorm, many people who never thought they would have an issue putting the holiday feast on the table are now trying to assemble their lives back together. We all have those bags of clothes in the back of our closets with the word "Donate" written across them or the cans of food shoved in the back of our pantry that you haven't even looked at since last season. I hope sharing this will inspire you to help out, which ever way you can, as small as it may be. All I'm saying is making a difference to someone, especially around this time of year, is always very good news!

Visit the Huffington Post for the full article!

Putting a Little Faith Back in Humanity

So I don't know about you, but every time I turn on the news, it is filled with nothing but violence, a failing economy or some B-celebrity getting arrested for yet another drunk driving incident (guess who). After the horrific and unbelievable tragedy that took place this past weekend in Newtown Connecticut, I decided to put it in my own hands to create a forum where people can periodically escape from the misfortunes of this world and read about some light and happy news instead. I am by no means trying to ignore the outside world and I don't think that this outlet will instantly make the bad guys go away. I am simply just trying to bring together people's triumphs, accomplishments and joys to share with other people seeking a little refuge. I simply just wish to share some Good News!

So here goes the first post! I thought to start it out, I would share an article as well as some photos revolving around some random acts of kindness and bravery.

If you know me, you know I have become quite the Yankee fan over the past few years, no thanks to my boyfriend, Matt. And although he hasn't had all that great of a past season, Curtis Granderson has been one of my favorite players to watch. Along with his all star stats, Granderson has also started, Grand Kids Foundation, an organization focusing on funding educational programs such as the arts and sciences across the country. Recently I came across an article on the Yankee's website where he along with PricewaterhouseCoopers, took a trip down to Staten Island post-Sandy to donate over 2,000 backpacks to the young victims. Along with PS 39, schools across Coney Island, the Rockaways and many other schools will receive the donated backpacks. You can read the full article here.

It's really inspiring to me when I hear about genuine acts of kindness, especially from people such as star athletes, who may not necessarily have the time but make an extra effort to do so. And sure, you can argue with me all day that he should be practicing and working on his hitting (I am fully aware how he did in the post season!) but this makes a true difference to people! There are things that are bigger than us, and when we realize that, it is truly humbling. So thank you Mr. Granderson for making a difference to those kids!

And Now some photos that I came across that will hopefully make you feel good :)

A police officer who brought a homeless man a pair of shoes in Time Square, NY
via: Buzzfeed

A fireman giving a kitty oxygen
via: Buzzfeed

As one of the many who lost power during Sandy, this made my day when I saw this
via: Buzzfeed

The students from Texas A&M that stood up against the Westboro Baptist Church who tried to picket a funeral
via: Buzzfeed

Pretty awesome of Subway to do this, not sure where it is though?
via: Buzzfeed

If you would like to check out the rest of these great photos, please visit:
The 21 Pictures That Will Restore Your Faith in Humanity or 26 Moments That Restored Our Faith In Humanity This Year both via Buzzfeed.

And remember!! If you would like to submit some good news, please feel free to fill out our Good News! submission form