How $100 of scrap metal made a difference, and other inspiring moments

How $100 of scrap metal made a difference, and other inspiring moments

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SALT LAKE CITY — The month of Thanksgiving gives us an opportunity to recognize the good in our lives and communities.

Like we do every week, we're sharing stories of goodness from our readers. If you've seen, done or experienced anything that encompasses the goodwill of the holiday season, let us know.

On giving what you can

Joseph C.

"For the last year, my husband and I have had financial issues. We finally decided we would see if we could make extra money recycling scrap metal. Eventually, we built a rapport with a big handful of construction supervisors at various ongoing projects. In a short period we started making a steady flow of cash each day. Some days were greater than others.

"There was one rare day that we were blessed by the site foreman. The haul was worth more than $700. About 10 minutes before the recycling center closed, we drove by a gentleman pushing a cart down the road as fast as he probably could go. I noticed that he only had about five aluminum cans and a small amount of metal, maybe $1.50 total. I told my husband to put a portion to the side for the man coming up the street, that we were going to share what had been shared with us by a very generous man. When the gentleman walked up, he looked as if he was going to have a heatstroke, as it was in the 100s that day.

Tell your story
Have you seen any moments of service or kindness? Do you want to share a story about something that made your day? Email a brief story (100 words or fewer) along with any photos or video to crosenlof@ksl.com.

"My husband got his attention and told him about the portion. The look on his face was of surprise, then instantly, tears ran down his face. He thanked us and told us that he never had anyone be generous just because and we didn't even know him.

"The next day when we were at the recyclers I was curious on how much he got. It had come to about $100. It was priceless to me to see him transform from looking defeated to hopeful."

On having a pure heart

Holly B.

"I left the store feeling bad about myself, frustrated that all the clothes I tried on didn't fit. There was a young, handicapped man outside shaking hands and giving strangers hugs. He shook my hand and gave me a hug. He was so loving and unaware of just how much he made my day. There is no handicapped there! Just a pure heart."

On sharing the sugar

Melo K.

Related:

"I was running errands with my sister's kids. We stopped at Krispy Kreme to get a treat. While in line, I called my best friend and found out she was in the hospital. I'm not sure if the man in front of me in line heard the conversation or not, but after I got off the phone, he offered to buy us a dozen glazed donuts and a dozen assorted. My nieces and nephew were so excited and couldn't believe that a stranger would be so nice. It was a much-needed act of kindness during a stressful day."

On helping a patient

Alisha T.

"I recently had part of a tooth filling break off, leaving a huge hole in one of my teeth. My dentist got me in as soon as they had an appointment available. I love my dentist because he’s so great, but I hate going to the dentist. I went in and got the filling fixed in around 40 minutes. I’ve had enough fillings to know fixes are going to cost a bit and I don’t have dental insurance. When I went to pay, they said they were going to fix it for free. Made my day."

Have you seen any moments of service or kindness? Do you want to share a story about something that made your day? Email a brief story (100 words or fewer) along with any photos or video to crosenlof@ksl.com.

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