We sent out a call to readers on Tuesday and asked if they had seen any acts of kindness amid the global coronavirus crisis. Here are just a few of the many small moments of service happening in Utah and around the world.
Yesterday, there were messages going back and forth on our neighborhood GroupMe thread about what stores had what products, which ones were better stocked, etc.
I said that I just had one roll of paper towels left, and asked if anyone saw a package when they were out and about, I’d love for them to pick it up. Within 20 minutes of sending that message, I had seven rolls at my door.
Annie Osmond
Highland
We live in an apartment complex so we don’t see our neighbors very often. However, the other day our next door neighbor checked on us and told us to let them know if we needed anything. I am 70 and my wife is 68 and we appreciated the concern from our neighbors.
Michael Heslop
Cottonwood Heights
Within 20 minutes of sending that message, I had seven rolls at my door. — Annie Osmond, Highland
My San Antonio, Texas, neighborhood Facebook page has been full of checking up on each other and sharing food and staples.
One family was out of town and got home to an empty fridge. As soon as they posted, there were over 25 replies offering help. Many specific asks and many willing to offer. People are offering to help watch each other’s children. Neighbors are checking up on each other. We are pulling together.
Echo Roberts
San Antonio, Texas
My wife was shopping in Big W — Australia’s smaller version of Walmart — yesterday. The store had just emptied another crate of toilet paper within seconds of bringing it out, and a woman pushing a stroller asked an elderly man whether he needed toilet paper. He said he did, and the woman kindly gave the man her whole packet.
Simon McMillan
Newcastle, Australia
I had run to the store to grab some children’s Motrin last week for my toddler who had some teething pain. Well they were all sold out at three stores. I came home and vented to my sister who immediately brought me a new bottle she had.
Then I was talking with my neighbor about how we were a little low on our toilet paper. We have 8 kids so we run out fast. A couple days later he brought me children’s Motrin and toilet paper that he had found after going to three different stores. My other friend was going to the store to wait in line and asked all of her neighbors if they needed anything. I actually needed milk but couldn’t get away so she brought me two gallons. That was so helpful!
Annie Hiatt
Lehi
To the lady who made my daughter cry in the grocery store parking lot:
My daughter came home from the grocery store in tears today because of what you did. She recently had her first baby. She had a difficult pregnancy; she’s having a difficult postpartum recovery; her family is struggling with many things. And then this coronavirus thing took over our lives, and some people aren’t very nice. And you saw her today in the parking lot, with her meager baby supplies in hand, and you approached her, and gave her one of the only two packages of toilet paper the store allowed you to buy. She came home in tears and with toilet paper.
Thank you, beautiful Angel Lady. God bless you. Now, because of you, I am in tears, too.
Ann Flinders
Orem
Our neighbor had checked on our outside gas line before we even had a chance to think about it after the first earthquake.
Another friend brought by two extra Chromebooks to help my five kids with all their new online school assignments.
Jodie Edgington
Mountain Green
I work at one of the big general merchandise stores on the night shift. I deal with the customers who can’t find supplies during the day or who work during the day and come into my store in the middle of the night.
I am encouraged by the compassion I am seeing. — Cassandra Hopkins, Bountiful
A family asked me to look through a pallet of boxes for hand sanitizer. After searching for 20 minutes — during which time two other parties had shown up and were waiting — I found a box of six bottles. I gave two of the bottles to each group. Immediately, a woman ran up and asked, “Did you just find hand sanitizer?” Two of the groups immediately gave her one of their bottles. We all went away calm and happy.
Later, when my coworker realized I was out of toilet paper, he gave me the six-pack he had just purchased and refused to take money for it. I am encouraged by the compassion I am seeing. Together, we can make it through this. “One should seek for others the happiness one desires for oneself.”
Cassandra Hopkins
Bountiful
Small, big or somewhere in between — it all makes a difference. Share your experiences and photos with the Deseret News, and we’ll continue to help your story uplift and inspire others.
Submissions can also be sent to letters@deseretnews.com. Use “Act of kindness” in the subject line.