SALT LAKE CITY — Christmas is in less than a week and it looks like the Christmas spirit is causing people to make an extra effort to show kindness to those around them.

On Mondays, the KSL.com “Make Your Week” column features these uplifting stories sent in from people outside the newsroom. To send in the stories that have made your day better, email them in 100 words or less to fjolley@ksl.com. Photos and videos are encouraged.

Coming to someone’s aid

Leslie W.

“On Nov. 1, I had a bad car accident on Wasatch (Boulevard) in Sandy (following my foolish attempt to knock away loose balloons from my field of vision.) Unfortunately, I totaled my car when I obliterated a brick mailbox and ran into a pole, injuring my neck, chest, jaw and hands. Kind strangers immediately stopped to help. One called 911, another directed traffic, while another checked on me and turned off my smoking engine. All stayed until the ambulance arrived. I am forever grateful for the compassion and aid of these kind strangers.”

Donating toys for a cause

Amy H.

“So my friend Connie had a beautiful baby girl in Dec of 2010, and then March of 2011, her daughter passed away of SIDS. So in memory of her daughter, every year they take up a toy donation. People donate unwrapped toys and donate them to Primary Children's Hospital. It’s amazing what they are doing.”

Chris T.

“State Trooper Nathan Wood in Cache (County) took it upon himself to collect over 300 stuffed animals and 50 blankets for the Utah Highway Patrol Association to take to Primary Children's. There was a shortage of animals this year and he was able to collect these toys in under two weeks to make sure every child could get one. He is the father of six and so this took time and effort away from his own family to make sure the kids at Primary's had a smile.”

Helping refugees

Cydney C.

“I wanted to tell you about a man named Don Ward. He taught high school in Salt Lake for many years, and after retirement, continues to substitute teach. He has taught many refugee high school students, and got involved with Utah refugees that way. Don has led hundreds of drives, collecting thousands of coats, thousands of pairs of shoes, thousands and thousands of pounds of food, and so many more items. He has headed up dozens of Eagle Scout Projects and led a Sub-For-Santa program for hundreds of refugee families. He speaks multiple times a week for different wards and organizations, and does it all for free. He is associated with no organization, and receives no reward.

"Don has been fighting cancer for many years and turns 75 years old soon. In between cancer treatments, he drives from Draper to South Salt Lake almost every single day after substitute teaching, to help refugee families. In all my life I have not met someone who does so much for so many.”

Selfless neighbors

Jeanine J.

“While my daughter struggled with a painful physical and emotional battle (with cancer), her husband and five young children were also given help in the form of daily meals, weekly housecleaning and child care. Miracles occurred regularly for them, but the angels nearby were the most generous. They canned the peaches from their tree, gave them a freezer filled with food, came by in the morning to do the girls' hair before school, and created Christmas and Thanksgiving this year.

“Prior to her death, the neighborhood set up a schedule of friends to sit with my daughter when family could not be there. They painted her nails, entertained with musical numbers — even in the hospital — and gave massages. The list goes on. These wonderful people deserve recognition for all that they have done over the year. It has not ceased since her passing, but the commitment of compassionate service has continued since my daughter's heartbreaking death on Oct. 27.”

Paying for someone’s meal

Pete A.

“On the Wednesday before Thanksgiving, I stopped by the Mimi's Café in Sandy to pick up a Thanksgiving feast that I had preordered and paid for. I was on my way home from work so I was still in my military uniform. A gentleman behind me in line asked the cashier if he could pay for my order (not inexpensive since it was a feast for 8-10 people). Although I appreciated the gesture, I insisted that it was not necessary. There was no talking this gentleman out of this. He expressed that this was his way of showing what he was most thankful for! So sir, on behalf of all soldiers, I am humbled by your act of kindness.”

A thoughtful Jazz game

Roxanne J.

“Me and my son are in Salt Lake City for medical (treatments)— he had to have reconstructive surgery on his kidney. We have been staying at the Ronald McDonald House which is an amazing place. We were gifted tickets to the Jazz vs. Nuggets game Dec. 3. … He spent his first birthday in the hospital for another surgery. … So far, two out of three birthdays have been spent dealing with medical stuff away from home. So I was excited to take him to his first basketball game.

“We met some of the dancers by an ice cream place. My son was sure happy to see them and the mini (Jazz) bear in the car. The girls got my son an ice cream and I asked them if it was possible to make this experience special. They said they would do what they could. When we got to our seats … I took a picture of him by the court and talked to a lady in an orange shirt. I told her it was almost his birthday and he had been recovering from major surgery and I wanted to make this super extra special. … Shortly before halftime, Jazz Bear came up to us, gave my son a bag of goodies and a huge hug, and also covered us in silly string. It was such a blast. The girls came and delivered a huge poster of all of them with all their signatures, and said they were hoping to get a basketball signed by bear for him. My son enjoyed every minute.”

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