Today's Good News - November 26, 2009

Let's face it. Every day, when we turn on the television or the radio, or open a newspaper, we are bombarded with sad, violent, and depressing news.

It leads us to believe that there is no good left in this world. But it is not so!

Daily, there are thousands of small acts of kindness and service being performed by ordinary and not so ordinary people. The majority of these acts do not make the news. Nonetheless, they exist and touch the hearts of all those involved.

My hope, is to post as often as possible some of these positive bits of news to brighten someone's day, give someone hope, encourage someone to be an active participant.

Tune in, as often as these news articles will be posted, and start or close your day with a smile on your face and the renewed confirmation that there is still good left in this world!

Rome, GA, USA
Junior Air Force ROTC Cadet performs act of kindness.

A 14 year old Rome High School ROTC (Reserve Officer Training Corp) student, E. V., had just returned from a day long field trip when, upon leaving the school parking lot with his mother, was approached by a stranded motorist. The driver, a woman, asked if he was able to change a tire. The young man had learned this skill during a church activity and promptly agreed to help the woman. As the grateful lady offered the cadet some money for the job, he refused it and told her that it was his service to her.

This act of kindness did not make the local news, but it did warm the hearts of all.

Information was obtained by direct interview with the mother of the cadet.

Savannah, GA, USA
Young All State Chorus participant helps avoid parking fine.

A group of eight Rome Middle School students were visiting Savannah for the annual All State Chorus competition.

As they were walking from their hotel to the convention center where the competition was being held, a young lady, D.R., noticed that the parking meter of one of the parked cars had expired. Without missing a beat, she reached in her pocket, pulled out a quarter, and dropped it in the meter.

Only a couple of classmates noticed her act but promptly notified the others, including chaperones, and together they cheered for this chorus member who, by a small act, showed caring for a complete stranger.

The owner of the vehicle may or may have not noticed the unexpired parking meter upon returning to the car; however, those that witnessed the service felt inspired and proud of having such a friend among their midst.

Information was obtained by direct interview with one of the chaperones of the group.

Lindale, GA, USA
Pepperell Middle School students go above and beyond.

Every year, schools across Floyd Co. GA collect cans and other non perishable items to donate to the community. Every year, Pepper Middle School claims the winning title.

This year was not any different, except that they went beyond their usual act of service.

According to an article on the Rome News Tribune by Daniel Bell, Pepperell Middle school students not only collected non perishable food items to be delivered to the Salvation Army, but they also collected enough turkeys, roasting pans, flour and other canned goods to feed 22 families in their community.

What a great project for such young students!

Kurnool, India
Local church group helps with flood relief efforts.

As storms hit the southern part of Asia, a couple of provinces in India were hit the most leaving behind death and devastation.

A group of men, ages 12 and up, organized relief efforts, aided by their church, and brought much needed supplies to the camps set up in the different affected areas.

Click here to read the article.

All of these events happened in 2009. Some news bits are more recent than others. My hope is to continue with Today's Good News articles and to include more recent events as I stumble across them or as readers send them in.

In the meantime, let us all be thankful for all the small acts of kindness and service we receive and give during our lives and let us celebrate the good that still exists in our world today.

Happy Thanksgiving to all!

Note: I have only used initials for the first two bits of news information because they involve minors.

Daniel Bell, "Pepperell Middle provides Thanksgiving meals for those in need", Rome News Tribune
Elder Charles Kewish and Sister Carol Kewish, "Latter-day Saints make sacrifices to relieve flood victims", Church News, Asia Area Public Affairs