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:
Restaurant in Berlin Turns Supermarket Leftovers into Beautiful Meals
Do you hate wasting food? A non-profit eatery in Berlin, Germany, called Restlos Glücklich, which translates to “Completely Happy,” makes delicious meals from items discarded by supermarkets. “These are products [grocery stores] can’t sell because customers wouldn’t buy them,” Completely Happy team member Wiebke Hampel told The Huffington Post. “They don’t look fresh enough, or have spots, or the dairy products are close to their expiration date.” Food waste is a huge problem. In the United States alone, 40 percent of food goes uneaten and much of it ends up in landfills. Completely Happy is setting an example we can all follow. Bon appetit! Read more.
Teacher Shares Post-Election Messages of Love and Inclusion
A California school teacher’s letter to her students is going viral in the tense aftermath of the election. The note, written by Senora Tarman, assures her diverse class that they are loved and belong, no matter who they are. The message reads:
“Dear undocumented students, in this classroom, there are no walls. You belong here. You are loved. Dear black students, in this classroom, YOUR life matters. You are loved.”
“Dear Muslim students and students of Middle Eastern descent, we know you are not terrorists. You are loved,” Tarman continued.
She then went on to address Mexican students, writing: “you are not rapists or drug dealers. You are loved.”
“Dear female students, men cannot grab you. Men WILL respect you – demand it. You are loved.”
“Dear LGBTQ students, you are perfect just as you are. You are loved.”
Tarman emphasized the unity of the class, saying that they would get through “this day, this month, this year, together,” and “respect each other and learn from one another.” Read more.
Clothing for NICU Babies Gives Hope to Parents
After Amanda Huhta’s son spent 110 difficult days in the NICU, she knew that she needed to do something to support premature babies and their families. She was dismayed when she could not find clothing to fit her 1 pound 12 ounce baby boy when he was at the hospital, but a handmade outfit from her mother was a glimmer of hope. She decided to start Twenty-Five and Four, an organization that makes and delivers free vests for tiny babies. Twenty-Five and Four is completely funded by donations and has volunteers in every state that help to either design or deliver the vests to babies.
McDonald’s Customer Gives Entire Staff $100 Bills
The employees of a McDonald’s in Fort Worth, Texas, didn’t expect anything out of the ordinary when one of their regular customers stopped by. But before he ordered, the man handed the cashier a $100 bill and proceeded to hand one to every employee. The employees greeted the man with ecstatic thanks and hugs, saying that he was a “living angel.” The man asked to remain anonymous, but it is known that he was recently diagnosed with cancer and is no doubt going through a tough time. Despite this challenge, the man decided it was a great time to spread some joy. Read more.
Heroic Cop Saves Animals from Fire
After saving all of the animals inside a burning pet store, New Jersey police officer Rafael Burgos is being hailed a hero. When he and his partner responded to a 911 call about the burning pet store, the fire was already well into an advanced stage. The smoke was so thick that it was difficult to see if anyone was trapped inside. Officer Burgos fought his way in and began to search for people, but instead he found dozens of frightened animals trapped inside their cages. He courageously saved every single one of them, and afterwards, a local veterinary hospital offered to treat all of the animal’s’ injuries. Officer Burgos himself went to the hospital for injuries, but the heroic cop is expected to make a full recovery. Read more.