Californian Lois Mayo has never been to Tennessee in her life, but one day she decided to load up her SUV and move there with her cats.

Then, Lois met Paris Barnes, a Walmart employee who quickly stepped in to help. After learning about Lois’s situation, Paris launched an online fundraiser and arranged a motel stay for her.

Paris is working with her to find a more permanent place to live. Lois has met many more people who wish her well, and has been incredibly touched by the compassion and generosity of the Tennessee community.

Her journey is a reminder that it’s never too late to begin again!

“You gotta follow your dreams and life begins at 80,"

Lois Mayo

A group of students from Louisa County High School is part of a special trade program that gives them the opportunity to repair used cars. These cars are then given away to deserving single mothers for free.

The program is an initiative of Giving Words, a nonprofit on a mission to repair and refurbish used cars and donate them to single mothers at no cost. The organization was founded in 2018 by Eddie Brown and his wife, Ginny.

To date, they’ve donated more than 60 cars, helping women like Jessica Williams, a single mother of three who had been working as a grocery store cashier to support her family.

This program is opening up new possibilities for single mothers while also making a meaningful impact on the students involved.

“Just the fact of the entire community coming together to help one person, I'm overwhelmed with thankfulness. So many people had a part in this, and I’ll never forget it,"

Jessica Williams, mom of three

FoodCycle is an organization that collects edible food from supermarket chains and delivers it to people in need. This food often gets dumped into landfills, which release methane that negatively impacts the environment.

Their mission is to inspire more businesses to donate food to those in need instead of throwing it away.

“I think people need to know more about success stories around the environment to also understand that it's possible to move the needle instead of feeling like it's so big, let's walk away. It's not too hard. It just needs to be one step at a time, and the past 20 years have shown me that,”

Nancy Beyda, Executive Director, Food Cycle

Visha and Ankeet Shah’s wedding celebration at the Oklahoma City Convention Center was put on hold due to a tornado warning.

Their 400 guests had to take shelter in a gymnasium downstairs, where a junior volleyball tournament happened to be taking place. The kids and guests went with the flow, dancing and cheering on the couple.

Everyone came together to turn it into an unforgettable experience. What seemed like a huge obstacle during their wedding turned out to be a defining moment in their celebrations!

“I was crying a little bit, but it was no longer sad tears. It was these joyful tears of complete strangers like encouraging me and encouraging us.”

Visha Shah, the bride

Social interaction is incredibly meaningful to the elderly. It helps them feel seen, valued, and connected to the world around them. Simple gestures can make a significant difference in their daily lives. 

Offering to help with everyday tasks like buying groceries, mowing the lawn, or giving them a ride to medical appointments can ease their physical burden and show that someone cares. These small acts of kindness not only ensure their safety and well-being but also provide opportunities for companionship.

Taking the time to check in regularly can lift their spirits and bring a sense of warmth and belonging. For senior neighbors whose families live far away, these moments of connection can help ease feelings of loneliness and isolation.

By being attentive and compassionate, you contribute to creating a supportive environment where they feel secure and appreciated. 

Take some time today to check in on one of your elderly neighbors. Ask if they need any help with errands or daily tasks.