What Kindness Looks Like When It’s Working

It may sound like a platitude, but kindness truly has the power to make a lasting impact. Simple, selfless acts of empathy can influence lives far beyond their immediate reach. Contrary to the cynicism often seen online, kindness is actually on the rise. The COVID-19 pandemic sparked a “benevolence bump” that still exceeds pre-pandemic levels. Research shows that kindness benefits not just the recipient, but the giver too—improving mood, lowering blood pressure, and even easing chronic pain. Most importantly, kindness is contagious. A Harvard Business Review study found that witnessing it makes people more likely to pass it on.

Here, experts share real-life examples of kindness in action.

Retired Firefighter Quietly Protects Neighbors

There is a retired firefighter in Port St. Lucie who checks up on his neighbors during every storm. Nobody told him to. No one pays him. He carries a thermal scanner and a tool belt, and after any hurricane, he knocks on doors, especially those with seniors. If there is water pooling under drywall, he flags it. If there is mold starting to grow, he tapes the area and gives instructions. Then he moves to the next house.

What impresses me is that he never makes it a big deal. No social media. No flyers. No referrals. Just an old habit from his rescue days. His kindness does not look glamorous. It looks like duct tape and mildew masks. But he has saved people thousands in damage, and in some cases, their health.

He reminds me that kindness, when done right, should feel like preparation, not reaction. He does not wait for someone to beg for help. He looks for problems before they become severe. That kind of attention? Rare. That is genuine.

David Struogano, Managing Director and Mold Remediation Expert, Mold Removal Port St. Lucie

Teacher’s Selfless Act Saves Lives

One real-world example that stands out for me is when I was involved in the response to the Santa Fe High School shooting in 2018. Amid chaos, there was a moment when a local teacher, despite being injured, shielded students from further harm. She could have evacuated with the others, but her decision to stay with the kids and protect them showed remarkable courage and kindness. Even in the most terrifying circumstances, that act saved lives and made a profound difference.

What made this moment so impactful was that it wasn’t just about her bravery; it was about the ripple effect of kindness, especially under pressure. The way the first responders rallied around each other, the community support, and the teachers’ resilience all showed how kindness can be a force in the most tragic situations. In a time when fear and panic often take over, those small but significant acts of kindness create trust, provide hope, and build connections that can ultimately help people heal. That’s why it resonated so deeply – it was a testament to the human spirit.

Joshua Schirard, Director, Byrna

Community Laundromat Restores Dignity

One story that really sticks with me is when a community in Detroit came together to open a free laundromat for low-income families. It wasn’t flashy or heavily funded, just a group of people recognizing an often overlooked basic need. For many of us, clean clothes are a given, but for families struggling to make ends meet, it’s a challenge that affects confidence, school attendance, job interviews, and basic dignity. This community effort didn’t just provide clean clothes; it gave people a sense of care and respect. That kind of kindness—quiet, consistent, and rooted in empathy—has ripple effects. It reminds me that even simple things like laundry can be an act of service. That’s part of why we started Good Laundry. We wanted to reimagine laundry as more than a chore, and instead as a way to do some good. Seeing others take something ordinary and turn it into a lifeline is incredibly motivating. It shows that when kindness meets practical action, it doesn’t just change lives—it restores hope. That laundromat didn’t solve every problem, but it brought dignity back into people’s everyday lives, and that’s a powerful kind of impact that often gets overlooked.

Dan Steiner, Co-Founder, Good Laundry

Bus Driver’s Compassion Prevents Tragedy

I once heard about a man named Darnell Barton, a bus driver in Buffalo, who spotted a woman on the edge of a bridge. Without hesitation, he pulled over and talked her down from there, literally saving her life that day. It was a simple act—just stopping and talking—but it demonstrated how powerful paying attention and reaching out can be. Everyone on that bus and the people who heard about it later were reminded of the impact a little compassion can have.

What really resonates with me about this story is that it didn’t just change the woman’s life; it sparked a ripple effect throughout the community. People began discussing mental health more openly and how to help others in distress. It’s a perfect example of how one small gesture of caring can not only prevent a tragedy but also encourage an entire community to come together. It always reminds me to stay alert—you never know when a kind word or a moment of your time might make all the difference to someone.

Alex Cornici, Marketing & PR Coordinator, Insuranks

Surgeon’s Unwavering Care Transforms Lives

During the 1984 famine in Ethiopia, a lone surgeon stayed behind after most international staff left. Dr. Catherine Hamlin, already known for her work in obstetric care, kept her clinic open under extreme shortages. She did not run. She continued stitching torn tissue, treating fistulas, and feeding whoever came through the door. That year, over 2,000 women walked for miles, barefoot and bleeding, just to see her.

Her impact was not in volume. It was in dignity. She never called it charity. She called it work. That distinction matters. Kindness, in her hands, was procedural. She scrubbed up the same way each morning, even when there was no anesthesia and no electricity. Her calm became infrastructure. The women started staying. Then volunteering. Then training.

What makes it powerful is the repeatability. Anyone can be gentle once. Maintaining that level of care through chaos, year after year, is harder. She did it without applause. Just purpose. That is why her name matters less than her model. Kindness can be sterile, scientific, even surgical—and still save lives.

Renato Fernandes, Clinical Nutritionist, Saude Pulso

Pay-It-Forward Wall Sparks Neighborhood Generosity

A café in Melbourne started a “pay-it-forward wall” where customers could pre-pay for coffees for strangers—especially for those experiencing homelessness or tough times. People wrote short, encouraging notes on the cups, like “You got this” or “Better days ahead.” It wasn’t just caffeine—it was connection. Locals said it made them feel seen, not judged, and it sparked a ripple effect of generosity across the neighborhood. The impact wasn’t just the free coffee—it was the reminder that small kindnesses, done consistently, can restore dignity and hope.

Justin Belmont, Founder & CEO, Prose

Driveway Sharing Eases Paramedics’ Stress

In 2018, a man in Manchester offered his driveway to paramedics working shifts at the hospital next door. It was just one spot. He left a simple note on the door: “You can park here. You work hard. Thank you.” Over the next 12 months, he received 300 handwritten letters from ambulance drivers. Some started calling it their “lucky spot.”

The magic here lies in the small radius. One driveway. One car. Yet it reduced parking stress for dozens of people working brutal hours. That ease had ripple effects. There were no missed handovers and fewer late arrivals. One technician said it helped her keep a job she was ready to quit. Sometimes kindness works best in concrete and asphalt.

There were no hashtags or campaigns. Just paint on the curb and a decision to share what one could. It makes you think—what would happen if more people stopped waiting for big gestures and started drawing chalk arrows to their spare space?

James McNally, Managing Director, SDVH [Self Drive Vehicle Hire]

Princess Diana’s Handshake Shatters AIDS Stigma

Princess Diana shaking hands with AIDS patients in the ’80s wasn’t a photoshoot. It shattered stigma. No gloves. No fear. Just decency in a moment when others hesitated. It told the world that these men weren’t dirty or doomed. They were human, and they deserved dignity.

For healthcare, that one gesture flipped a public narrative. That single image did more than a decade of pamphlets. Kindness, when it’s bold and visible, turns into policy. That’s the kind of moment you frame and fight to keep alive.

Sarah Gibson, Director, Proactive Healthcare

Dolly Parton’s Book Program Scales Literacy

Dolly Parton’s literacy program has mailed over 200 million books to children across the world. She started it quietly in her hometown. No headlines. Just books. Today, children in remote corners of the US receive monthly reading material delivered to their doors—for free.

That’s the kind of kindness that scales. It grows without demanding attention. We often reference her model when designing welcome packs for residents. Thoughtful. Repeatable. Impactful. And built to last far beyond any one person’s name.

Toni Norman, Senior Marketing Manager, Tingdene Residential Parks

Businessman’s Guidance Transforms Struggling Peer

Years ago, I witnessed how kindness could transform an individual’s life. One of my fellow businesspeople in my group had been hard hit and had reached rock bottom. Instead of giving him a quick fix or cash, I gave him my time to listen and offer guidance. I shared my experience and introduced him to people who might be able to help him. It wasn’t a flashy move, but it gave him what he needed to turn things around and carry on. One day in the future, it became clear. His company was booming, as was his demeanor. It was a lesson to me that kindness is not always in the form of giving money or material things. Sometimes it is simply showing up for the person, being a helping hand when they need one.

The true power of kindness is the support that it provides, either in sharing information, advice, or simply reminding someone that they are being thought of. It develops trust and healthier relationships. In a world where competitiveness appears to be the norm, these small acts can play a huge role. Helping another human being is not only for them; it strengthens the entire community and inspires others to do the same. That is how change happens.

Julian Klenda, Founder and CEO, Maine Lobster Now

About From the Heart

HeartBeat Blog’s From the Heart series is a heartfelt exploration of the many ways we can create a kinder world. Making a difference and paying it forward don’t have to follow a single path—just because someone chooses a different way to contribute doesn’t mean their impact is any less valuable. Acts of kindness, generosity, and positive change take many forms—some visible, some quiet, but all meaningful. True change happens when we acknowledge and respect the diverse ways people give back, whether through direct action, advocacy, education, or simply offering support in ways that might not be immediately obvious. Every effort counts, and the key is not to measure impact by our own standards alone but to recognise the many ways people strive to make the world better in their own way.

From the Heart captures this spirit through essays, opinions, poetry, non-book reviews, and musings—sharing both everyday and extraordinary moments that inspire change. Alongside these reflections, you’ll find news, event announcements, and updates from the Store with a Heart community, celebrating the many ways we can impact lives and lift one another up. Whether through personal stories, creative expression, or reflections on life’s small but meaningful acts, From the Heart offers an open space to inspire, connect, and celebrate the journey toward a better tomorrow.

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