Sometimes the news can be, well, not so inspiring. When headlines get you down, it’s important to remember that positive things are still happening all around us. Here are five hopeful and encouraging stories to pay attention to this week:
Kindness Gets Crafty
Sheza Hasan, a mother in Toronto, Canada, found a special surprise on her doorstep this week. A stranger had made more than 25 plush dolls, each dressed in a hijab, for her children and other children in her community. Hasan, a Muslim woman who wears the hijab, noted a lack of representation for her and her sisters in toys–particularly dolls–while growing up. “It’s not just handing out a doll,” Hasan said. “It’s something that my kids could identify with, it’s something that I could identify with, and something that kids in my community could identify with.” Read more.
Celebs Come to Puerto Rico’s Aid
Celebrities are stepping up in the wake of Hurricane Maria to bring desperately needed aid to Puerto Rico. Jennifer Lopez has been raising awareness on Univision and Telemundo, and she is leading by example, pledging $1 million to help the island, which was then matched by “Despacito” singer Daddy Yankee. Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban helped out Mavericks guard J.J. Barea, lending the team’s private jet so Barea, who has family on the island, could fly out supplies. Mr. Worldwide himself, Pitbull, sent his own private jet out to help transfer cancer patients to the U.S. so they can continue their treatment. Major acts of kindness and extreme boons to the relief effort have also been carried out by A-Rod, Ricky Martin, and Gina Rodriguez, just to name a few. When asked about his role in the relief effort, Pitbull replied, “Thank God we’re blessed to help. Just doing my part.” Read more.
This Could Bee a Big Step
Cedar Rapids, a small city in Iowa, wants to help the bees. Partnering with the Monarch Research Project, which is dedicated to saving monarch butterflies, the city intends to convert 1,000 acres of land into a pollinator habitat. The team will utilize unused land, planting wildflowers and prairie grass to attract bees and prevent invasive weeds from taking over. This project will give the declining bee population back their habitat that had been destroyed after years of increased human development. Read more.
School Counseling from Man’s Best Friend
When you’re feeling stressed, upset, or angry, what could be better than receiving unconditional love and support? The New York City Department of Education answered that question for its students by starting a new program that employs “comfort dogs” to ease schoolhouse angst. Essentially, schools adopt rescue animals to facilitate happiness among staff and students. The dogs have been proven to help children socially and emotionally, calming them down in moments of distress. A simple pet or wag of the tail has already caused positive results in city schools. Read more.
All Dressed Up for Picture Day
Seniors at North Farmington High in Detroit, Michigan, have started a tradition that puts Senior Skip Day to shame. After a few students decided to dress in costume for their senior ID photos, the trend quickly caught on, and then went viral. Soon-to-be graduates hilariously dressed as everyone from Audrey Hepburn to Woody from “Toy Story” will make you wish the DMV was as generous with its photo regulations. Read more.