SALT LAKE CITY — Being nice to each other starts with a simple gesture.

This week for Make Your Week, we heard from people who were touched by little acts, like shoveling the snow and honoring veterans.

On seeing a need and filling it:

Amanda H.

"My husband and I were outside shoveling the snow off our steps and driveway while our daughter played in the yard. My husband looked over at our neighbor's house and asked me if I wanted to help him shovel it.

"It looked like the neighbors had not been home for a while, so we both went over and shoveled their driveway and porch and returned home. Later that night, while we were outside helping our 3-year-old build a snow tunnel in the yard, the neighbors came home. They stood in their driveway for a minute then came over and asked us if we had shoveled their driveway. We said yes, and their eyes teared up.

"The husband explained that he had slipped on black ice in their yard the night before and they were at the doctor's all day. He was in a lot of pain, and he was very grateful to us for removing the snow. His wife was just as grateful, and they both thanked us at least five times during our conversation. It feels good to help others, and I hope more people will become aware of everyone around them and offer assistance to those in need."

On watching out for others:

SW

"My dad and I went on a hike in Little Cottonwood Canyon last summer. It had snowed already in the mountains, and when Dad and I decided we couldn't make it to the top before the sun was too low we headed back down. Two gentlemen passed us on the way going much faster than we dared to go. They were a good 20 minutes ahead by the time we got down, and the sun had indeed set.

"When we got to the parking lot we saw a second vehicle still in the parking lot. The two men had waited for us to get down. It was unexpected, but a real touch of kindness to know if we had run into trouble there would have been someone watching out for us."

On serving just because:

Bethany P.

"The year 2014 ended pretty roughly for myself and my family. We were evicted from our home, we had a vehicle repossessed and ended up living in a house with no kitchen and a wood-burning stove for heat. I had gone to the gas station to put the last of my dollars into our old beat-up truck.

"I was walking around the truck getting ready to leave when a lady came running up to me asking if she could please fill up my tank the rest of the way. She had no idea the struggles we were going through, yet there she was. She is an angel, and I can’t thank her enough for her generosity."

On honoring those who have served:

Scott R.

"I am a retired funeral director. Over the years, I was always amazed at the caring and fellowship shown by members of the VFW, American Legion, along with active military and others in providing military graveside rites to honorably discharged veterans. It is always a touching moment when the rifle salute and the flag folding and presentation take place. These men do this of their own accord, are not paid for their service and many do it several times a day, several days a week.

"In the past year this service was given to my wife's father, and just today to my uncle — both World War II veterans. The numbers of WWII veterans is shrinking quickly. Their brotherhood and patriotism is amazing to see and very much appreciated by families at this difficult time. Know that your service is very much appreciated!"

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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