As a wise man once put it, “Happiness can be found even in the darkest of times, when one only remembers to turn on the light.”
In a world overrun with media coverage on white cops killing black teenagers, global acts of terrorism in which innocent lives have been taken, transgender hate crimes, and Republican Debate coverage, it can be difficult to remember that there are actually good people in the world doing good things.
While we can all do our part in being kind to others, helping those less fortunate and spreading the light, the people featured in these stories went above and beyond in making the world a better, more comfortable and inspiring place.
To remind you that not all is lost, here are my top 10 favorite stories of 2015 that will restore your faith in humanity.
1. Cop Donates Kidney To Coworker
When Police Sgt. Burrel “Chip” Davis’ life was in jeopardy due to two failing kidneys, coworker Officer Eric Crowder made sure that his family wouldn’t be left without a father by donating one of his own kidneys.
Tennessee cop donates much-needed kidney to fellow officer
2. Donor Pays One Year’s Rent For Homeless Family
After ABC7, a local Chicago station, aired Latoya Ellis’ story where she had been laid off and evicted from her apartment, viewers gathered together to give her family the surprise of a lifetime. Anonymous Donor Pays One Year’s Rent In New Apartment For Homeless Family
3. This Hairstylist Does Something Incredible Every Weekend
Every Sunday, Max Bustos, a New York-based hairstylist, wanders the streets of the Big Apple looking for homeless people in need of haircuts they may not be able to afford. The results are absolutely stunning.
New York City hair stylist transforms the looks of the homeless
4. The Woman’s $4.3 Million Surprise To Homeless Children
Adoring, but not being able to have children of her own, Lady Fardell (aka “The Fair Lady of the Hill”) left homeless children and their families over $4.3 million.
Australian Woman Leaves A $4.3 Million Dollar Surprise For The Homeless In Her Will
5. Secret Santas Pay Off $500 K On Layaway Items In Walmart Stores
In what was the most heartwarming story of the holiday season, it was discovered that 3 of Santa’s little helpers spent over $500K to pay off items purchased on layaway for struggling families. For these families, these anonymous donors saved Christmas. Secret Santas pay off nearly $500K in layaway, inspiring others to pay it forward
6. adidas Debuts 3D-Printed Sneakers Made From Trash In The Ocean
While evidence points to the fact that we’ve crossed the threshold to the point of no return in regards to reversing the effects of climate change, there are companies out there who are doing what they can to mitigate the negative impact of pollution on the planet. adidas and Parley For The Oceans have created a 3D-printed sneaker that is made of the trash we throw into the ocean. It’s not only helping reduce the amount of trash in the ocean, it’s super stylish too.
These 3D-Printed Sneakers Are Made From The Trash We Throw Into The Ocean
7. A Flight Attendant Feeds A Disabled Man Who Had Trouble Feeding Himself
When Fan Xuesong, a flight attendant, saw an elderly gentleman struggling to feed himself, she knelt down and helped him. He was so overwhelmed by her kindness, he immediately broke down into tears.
This Flight Attendant Saw A Man Struggling To Feed Himself, So She Knelt Down And Fed Him
8. A City In Kentucky Found An Ingenious Way To Let People Pay Their Parking Fines
Lexington, Kentucky is changing the way people pay for parking fines by allowing them to donate canned food to feed the homeless instead. This program, which ran through the holiday season, garnered over 6,200 cans for God’s Pantry Food Bank. A Kentucky City Is Letting Residents Pay Parking Tickets With Canned Goods
9. Social Media Grants A Star Wars Fan His Last Wish
This story is one of my personal favorites of the list. Daniel Fleetwood, 31, was terminally ill with only 2 months to live when his last wish, to see Star Wars: The Force Awakens, was posted to social media by a friend of his family’s. J.J. Abrams & Co. made his wish come true by inviting Daniel to see an unfinished version of the movie. Several days after watching the film, Daniel passed away.
A ‘Star Wars’ Fan Dies After Getting His Last Wish
10. Fisherman Rescues A Shivering Puppy Stranded On Floating Ice
When a black canine was spotted floating on a piece of ice in Siberia, a nearby crew decided to take matters into their own hands and save him. A Brave Fisherman Rescues A Shivering Dog Stranded On Floating Ice In Siberia While it’s easier to condemn the state of humanity to that of barbarity, it’s important to remember that every second of every day, there are people out there who, through acts of kindness, are making the world a better place. Let’s make 2016 even better than 2015 by opening our hearts and helping those around us.