It only takes one act of kindness to brighten a gloomy day and, at times, restore our faith in life. Today, we’re sharing uplifting, true-life stories of strangers—or near-strangers—stepping in with acts of compassion just when they were needed most.

Prepare for an uplifting dose of positivism that will warm your heart.

I grew up very poor. When I was 13, I was at a classmate’s house and ended up staying for dinner. My mouth watered at the sight of the golden roast on the table. As everyone began to eat, I took a bite, but her mom’s sharp gaze made me freeze. In front of everyone, she declared, “Did you seriously take that little? That’s not nearly enough!”