This time of year it seems the good people stories just fall into my lap. Something about the holiday season seems to bring out the best in people – most people, anyway. Here are just a few of the ones that touched me …
I’d like to start with a young lad I first highlighted in a ‘good people’ post in October 2022, Isaac Winfield of Redditch, Worcester in the UK. At only 11 years of age, Isaac had started his own foodbank in his garden shed to help people in need during the pandemic. Today, Isaac has taken his philanthropy a step further and is preparing to open a “gift bank” for moms and dads who can’t afford presents for their children, in addition to a fifth shed-born foodbank!
He went on to open additional food banks in his hometown of Redditch, in Worcestershire, England, after realizing how many people in his community needed a helping hand. His gift bank opened last week, after enlisting the help of the local Greenland Pub to store the hundreds of toys and gifts for needy families he’s received from donors. Said his mother, Claire …
“Christmas can be a stressful time and Isaac wanted to help as many people as possible have a celebration without worrying about what is under the tree. The response has been phenomenal. We’ll be holding present bank days another three times at this same pub and put on more dates if there’s still the demand.”
Isn’t it uplifting … encouraging … heartwarming to see one so young who cares so much about other people?
Next, another young man, Reed Marcum of McAlester, Oklahoma was a shy child. His parents divorced when he was only 7 years old and due to his shyness, he has long been a victim of bullying in school. But a few years ago, Reed found the courage to step out of his comfort zone when he discovered that some children he went to school with and others in his town would not have any presents under the tree at Christmas. McAlester has a poverty rate of 24% according to international statistics.
Although Reed was only ten years old at the time, in 2016, he proposed to his mother that they hold a toy drive to provide toys for those children who would not otherwise have them. Reed’s mother, Angie Miller, posted a video on Facebook explaining her son’s intentions, and asked for donations of toys or money to buy toys for a giveaway that Reed had decided to do as a 4-H project.
“There was a great response—lots of people went out and bought new toys to donate, or they sent money for us to buy them.”
Reed is now a college freshman, but he is coming home this Christmas to participate in the toy drive that was his brainchild seven years ago. They are estimating 10,000 toys will be distributed this year, and in addition to a special toy, each kid also receives a pair of socks, underwear, trousers, a shirt, gloves, and a hat.
Let’s head now to Sunnyside Elementary School in Cumberland County, North Carolina. The assignment given to the third-grade class was to read the book “Think Big. Work Hard. Be Kind. No Excuses.” and then write an essay expressing their thoughts for a chance to win one of three new bicycles.
Londyn Anderson shared her aspirations of joining the WNBA in her winning essay. She was the first recipient of a shiny new bike. As two more exceptional essays were read, the last two bicycles found their deserving owners.
Amidst the initial disappointment of those who didn’t win, a surprise awaited the entire class. Unbeknownst to them, a group of 60 volunteers eagerly stood by in the hallway, ready to unveil a monumental surprise.
The assistant principal took to the microphone, exclaiming, “Everyone gets a bike!”
The generous gesture was made possible by Old Fayetteville Insurance, the company behind the donation and assembly of the bicycles. Paige Ross, representing Old Fayetteville Insurance, emphasized that these bikes were a small token of appreciation for the students’ hard work during the fall semester, focusing on their academic endeavors and character development as highlighted in the book. This was the second year the company donated bicycles – the previous year saw 80 students from Westarea Elementary School receiving the gift of new bicycles. A company with a heart!!! Will miracles never cease …
And last, but not least … I don’t know much about Taylor Swift, don’t listen to her music, and until recently barely knew who she was other than wondering why she didn’t wear more clothes. But in the past year, I see her name weekly and am beginning to see that there’s more to her than I first thought.
A week and a half ago, devastating tornadoes wrought devastation on a number of towns in Tennessee including Hendersonville, where Taylor went to high school. Her response? She donated $1 million to Hendersonville and other towns that were affected by the tornadoes.
I’m also told that over the past year, Ms. Swift has made generous donations to food banks in every town she has visited while on tour, as well as distributing $55 million in bonuses to dancers, truck drivers, sound crew, and catering staff. Yes, indeed … this young woman has a good heart and is a true philanthropist. The world needs more like her!
The Orlando Police Department collected the names of children in need from local churches, counselors and community centers to bring smiles to kids’ faces this Christmas. The department’s officers and staff donated the money to buy the toys and personally delivered the gifts to the children at their homes. Officer Marcus Hyatt said the gift-giving helps to build trust with the community and “close the gap because so often law enforcement is portrayed a certain way.”
Thumbs up to the officers who participated in this toy drive … thank you, Officers!
This year, Michael is back on my radar. With the pandemic and related restrictions, many have lost their jobs and are struggling to pay their bills, and in September, Hurricane Sally hit the area, causing damage to homes and businesses. Once again, Michael Esmond stepped up to the plate … it cost him a bit more this year, but because of him, 114 families can rest a bit easier, knowing their gas and electricity bills are paid.
In her testimony, she said that lions protected her until the police came. Take a lesson from these three lions, hoomans!
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