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Welcome to Caring’s roundup of our favorite good things that happened this year. These stories took us around the world and served as a reminder that we can all do good right where we are.
As we look to 2025, let’s reflect on the stories that gave us hope this year and, hopefully, will inspire us to continue doing good in the new year.
1. Notre Dame Cathedral reopened after five years of restoration
In Paris, Notre Dame Cathedral reopened and held its first service since a fire devastated the landmark in 2019.
2. A Mental Health Awareness Club supported kids’ wellbeing
At The Salvation Army in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, the Mental Health Awareness Club provided kids with a safe space to navigate their emotions.
3. Populations of endangered Narwhals were on the rise
Canadian officials found that narwhal populations are on the rise and the species may no longer be at risk of extinction.
4. The Lilly Endowment made a historic gift to support national parks
The National Park Foundation received a historic $100M gift from the Lilly Endowment that will support more than 400 national park sites across the country.
5. A teen invented a solar-powered device to clean water
17-year-old Zabeer Zarif Akhter created a solar-powered water purifier to help prevent waterborne diseases in regions prone to flooding.
6. Kids of incarcerated parents received summer camp scholarships
Across the U.S., The Salvation Army partnered with Prison Fellowship to provide summer camp experiences to children with incarcerated parents.
7. Donations on Giving Tuesday spiked
On Giving Tuesday, Americans donated more than $3.6 billion—up 16 percent from 2023.
8. Goats aided in the prevention of wildfires
In Colorado, 1,200 goats were hired to munch on dry vegetation in an effort to reduce wildfire risk.
9. Scientists used AI and detection dogs to sniff out cancer early
A new study from SpotitEarly found that using a combination of AI and cancer-sniffing dogs to assess patient breath samples allowed for early detection of cancer.
10. Women in recovery found purpose caring for animals
Caring for chickens gave women in recovery at the Cottonwood Residences in Arvada, Colorado, a sense of purpose and responsibility.
11. An emergency shelter kept unhoused individuals and their animals together
The Salvation Army Anaheim Emergency Shelter provided a safe haven for unhoused individuals and their pets.
12. Volunteers cleaned up after tourists littered New Hampshire’s White Mountains
After thousands of tourists visited the White Mountains of New Hampshire to view the fall foliage, a group of friends came together to clean up litter left behind.
13. An internship program brought students and seniors together
In Fresno, California, a partnership paired interns from local high schools with older adults living in affordable housing at the Silvercrest Senior Residences.
14. One man raised $12k for charity running around his Chicago block
Instead of running the Chicago Marathon as planned, one man ran his own marathon (79.38 times around his Chicago block!) and raised $12,000 for a local nonprofit.
15. A community center aimed to enrich the lives of adults with intellectual disabilities
The Salvation Army in Anacortes, Washington, partnered with Cascadia Clubhouse to foster an inclusive community for adults of all abilities.
16. A candle company donated candles to hurricane survivors without power
When western North Carolina residents were left without power during Hurricane Helene, Sparta Candle Co. donated hundreds of candles to those in need.
17. Design students gave thrifted denim new life to highlight recovery programs
Design students in Santa Monica, California, gave items thrifted new life to raise awareness for The Salvation Army’s recovery program.
18. A reading program expanded and supported youth literacy
The Reading Zone at The Salvation Army in Ridgecrest, California, expanded year-round in order to encourage youth literacy.
19. Viewfinders allowed colorblind park visitors a chance to see nature in full color
In Virginia, viewfinders were installed at Natural Tunnel State Park so colorblind visitors can view fall foliage in full color.
20. A Veteran-run organization kept thrift store shelves stocked
The Salvation Army partnered with veteran-run ReSupply for donation pick-ups in order to keep thrift stores stocked.
21. Meals served in a virtual community kitchen created real-life meals for hungry people
A new Roblox game featuring a community kitchen served one real-life meal to someone in need for every virtual meal served.
22. One woman aimed to make kids feel special by donating 500 new clothing items
A donor in Arizona used closeout sales to buy 500 new clothing items for children in need.
23. A service dog marched alongside her human companion in a university marching band
Winnie the service dog stole the show after she joined the University of Northern Iowa marching band with her human companion, Gabi Riessen.
24. Kids helped their community and found empowerment in a construction skills program
In Salem, Oregon, the I-Build youth construction skills program empowered kids while helping unhoused neighbors.
P.S. If you’re in need of further inspiration, head on over to our community of hopefuls on Facebook to keep the conversation going.
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