Acts of Kindness

Capturing the perfect photo of a child can be challenging. Kids often struggle with the tasks that come naturally to adults: sitting still, focusing, and giving a genuine smile. Instead, their smiles can sometimes resemble a forced grimace, reminiscent of Matthew Perry’s character on “Friends.”

This common issue was recently tackled in a viral tweet by children’s author Adam Perry, which garnered nearly 300,000 likes. Perry posted side-by-side photos of his 5-year-old son, showcasing the stark difference in his smile when prompted with a playful word—one that isn’t “cheese.”

On Twitter, Perry shared: “My son when I tell him to smile vs when I yell out ‘poop!’”

Perry, who has written books such as The Thieving Collectors of Fine Children’s Books, The Magicians of Elephant County, and The Big Book of Horrendous Diseases, explained his discovery in an interview with Good Morning America. He recounted how the method emerged during a hectic first day of school photo session. “We were rushing and struggling to get a good picture,” Perry said. “I noticed that if I shouted ‘POOP’ just before snapping the photo, it elicited a much better, more natural smile from my son. The results were so striking that I decided to share them.”

The unexpected popularity of Perry’s tweet took him by surprise. “I thought maybe 5 to 10 people would find it amusing,” he told Good Morning America. “But it kept gaining traction and now it’s at 297k likes. It even went viral on Reddit, Instagram, and Facebook.”

The tweet prompted many parents to share their tricks for getting kids to smile.

“Our family secret isn’t ‘cheese,’ but ‘cat butt,’” wrote John Horton.

Marie commented, “My kid loves it when I say ‘fart, poop, dootie’—it’s from Boss Baby and makes her laugh.”

Another user, USAF Lady Vet 410 FMS, offered a valuable tip from her experience as a school photographer. “I found that phrases like ‘chicken lips,’ ‘stinky feet,’ and ‘turkey toes’ produce the most natural smiles. Avoid telling kids to ‘smile’ if you want an authentic expression.”

Perry is thrilled that his simple trick has resonated with so many people. “Parents have told me it worked for them, and it’s even brought some laughter to adults as well,” he told Today.com.

Perry’s son is equally delighted with his newfound fame. “He’s excited to be ‘famous’—he even had his photo in the local paper,” Perry shared. “He’s enjoying his moment in the spotlight and thinks it’s all very cool.”

Anthony Sampson has long recognized the significance of mentorship. Growing up in Houston, he was guided by a mentor who instilled in him the value of community service and giving back. By the time he graduated and moved to Dallas, he was determined to pass on this wisdom to future generations.

As an Allstate insurance agent for 38 years, Sampson co-founded 100 Black Men of Greater Dallas/Fort Worth over two decades ago, where he remains an active board member. The organization pairs Black male mentors with young Black men, aiming to inspire them to realize their potential and make meaningful contributions to society. By fostering leadership and character, 100 Black Men strives to enhance the entire community.

“It means a lot for our mentees to see positive role models among Black men,” says Sampson. “Our motto, ‘What They See Is What They’ll Be,’ reflects this belief.”

Sampson emphasizes that effective mentorship helps young individuals develop the skills to address life’s challenges positively. To date, the Dallas/Fort Worth chapter has guided over 1,500 young people.

One such individual is Kynsington Hobbs. Now a high school senior, Hobbs began his mentorship with Sampson at age 13. He credits Sampson with broadening his view of success in the African-American community, particularly for those without father figures.

“Having a role model like Sampson showed me how to handle everyday tasks properly—like tying a tie or ironing clothes—that are often overlooked,” Hobbs explains. Attending a 100 Black Men conference was pivotal for him, reinforcing the organization’s message.

Jackson Session shares similar sentiments about his mentorship with Sampson. Initially joining 100 Black Men’s trivia bowl team at his high school counselor’s suggestion, Session later requested an internship at Sampson’s Allstate office. Though Sampson had never hired a mentee before, he agreed.

Session attributes his professional presentation skills and a scholarship from 100 Black Men of America to Sampson’s guidance. “He went above and beyond to support my education,” says Session, now a finance sophomore at Howard University. “Mentorship provides essential direction, especially with today’s numerous external influences.”

Sampson exemplifies the impact of Allstate agents and employees who contribute to their communities. For nearly 70 years, The Allstate Foundation has supported community initiatives through partnerships with organizations and nonprofits addressing critical societal issues. Their focus includes youth empowerment, combating domestic violence, and advancing equity.

This fall, The Allstate Foundation collaborated with DonorsChoose to introduce a Racial Justice and Representation category. This new category allows donors to fund classroom projects aimed at increasing diversity and inclusivity. Donations to these projects, which the Foundation matched up to $1.5 million, help teachers who, like Sampson, serve as positive mentors and support students’ success.

“Mentorship is about guiding youth toward success,” Sampson says. “If I can inspire them to dream, those dreams can become goals and, eventually, reality.”

Owning a pet can be quite costly. Annually, dog owners may spend between $250 to $700 on food, while cat owners might shell out around $120 to $500. Despite the expense, many of us willingly invest in our pets because of the joy and companionship they bring into our lives.

However, for some, managing these costs can be challenging, no matter how much they love their pets. This is where Kenneth and Jill Gonsalves stepped in to help.

Kenneth once witnessed a man at a store struggling to gather enough change to buy pet food. Moved by the situation, Kenneth offered to buy the man some extra pet food. But later that evening, he couldn’t shake the thought that the man might be facing even bigger struggles, such as affording food for himself.

Kenneth shared the experience with his wife, Jill, and they immediately felt compelled to take action. By December 2020, they transformed a farm stand into a community pet food pantry where anyone in need could take what they needed or leave what they could.

Jill recalls, “Many might have seen that man counting change and perhaps even helped him out, like my husband did. But only someone like Kenneth would turn that moment into something much bigger, leading to the creation of our pantry.”

Initially, the couple stocked the pantry with pet food they purchased themselves, spending a few hundred dollars. To spread the word, they set up a Facebook page and shared their efforts on local community groups like Buy Nothing.

“At the start, we weren’t sure if people would even use the pantry,” Jill admits. “We just hoped to help folks get through the holidays.”

Word quickly spread, and soon donations started pouring in. Before they knew it, the Gonsalves were returning home to find their pantry overflowing with contributions from the community.

Jill reflects, “We’ve distributed thousands of pounds of food. Orders from our Amazon Wish List alone brought in hundreds of pounds of dry food, cases of canned food, and countless toys and treats. And that’s not even counting the many drop-offs, online orders, and monetary donations we’ve received.”

The couple also received numerous thank-you notes from those they helped. One note expressed gratitude, saying, “I want to thank you for helping us feed our pets. My husband and I both lost our jobs recently, and we’re hoping for better days ahead.”

Another person wrote, “Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I’ve been out of work for over a month, and things have been tough. Thanks to generous people like you, my pet can continue to eat, and it brings me peace.”

Jill believes that the pantry’s setup as a farm stand allows people to feel more comfortable. She notes, “One visitor told us how much they appreciated being able to browse without feeling watched, which is something we’ve worked to maintain.”

While the Gonsalves don’t know exactly how many people they’ve helped, they are confident that their pantry has made a difference. “We’ve had regular visitors since the beginning and others who come a few times before moving on,” Jill explains. “We hope that those who don’t return no longer need our help. In the end, the goal is for no one to need us at all.”

The price of eggs has seen a dramatic rise recently, and it’s no surprise given the combination of avian flu outbreaks and shifting consumer preferences towards more egg-based diets. With nearly 58 million birds affected by the flu, and the demand for eggs climbing as people reduce their meat consumption, egg prices have surged, impacting both households and small businesses.

One local business feeling the crunch is Sweet Anna’s Bakery in Dallas, North Carolina. Owner Courtney Johnson was struggling with the increased cost of eggs and other ingredients, which led her to raise prices at her bakery. However, a unique solution came in the form of a fifth-grader named Rylen Robbins.

Rylen, who keeps 21 chickens, found himself with a surplus of eggs. His family, overwhelmed by the daily production of 18 to 19 eggs, decided to sell the extras. Rylen’s father shared the availability of these eggs on social media, which caught Johnson’s attention.

“I saw his post about having extra eggs, and with the rising prices, I decided to reach out,” Johnson told Fox & Friends. “I asked if he could supply me with as many eggs as he could.”

This unexpected partnership soon began to bear fruit. Rylen was able to offer Johnson eggs at a significantly lower price than store-bought ones. While Johnson previously paid around $2.42 for five dozen eggs, she now sees store prices at $6 to $7 per dozen. Rylen’s eggs, however, were priced at a more affordable $3 per dozen.

Despite the overall trend of egg prices beginning to decrease, they remain high, and Johnson continues to seek ways to manage costs without further hiking up her prices. The arrangement with Rylen, though unusual due to his young age, has proven beneficial for both parties.

Interestingly, Johnson and Rylen’s families have a history together. Johnson has previously made birthday cakes and other treats for the Robbins family, adding a personal touch to their business relationship. Through this arrangement, Rylen is not only supporting Sweet Anna’s Bakery but also helping keep costs manageable for the broader community.

 

Support for interracial marriage, specifically between white and Black Americans, has reached an all-time high, reflecting the growing acceptance of diverse relationships in the United States. 

This shift in public opinion marks a significant change from the attitudes of previous generations and highlights the progress made in social and cultural norms regarding race.

A Look Back at History

Interracial marriage was once a deeply controversial issue in the United States. For much of the country’s history, laws prohibiting such unions, known as anti-miscegenation laws, were prevalent, particularly in Southern states. These laws were designed to prevent marriages between white people and those of other races, especially Black people. It wasn’t until the 1967 Supreme Court case Loving v. Virginia that these laws were ruled unconstitutional, paving the way for interracial marriages to be legally recognized across the country.

At the time of the Loving decision, approval of interracial marriage among Americans was low. In 1967, only about 20% of the public approved of marriages between Black and white people. However, the decades that followed saw a steady increase in acceptance, as social attitudes began to shift, and the idea of racial equality gained momentum.

The Current State of Support

Recent surveys reveal that support for interracial marriage between white and Black Americans is at an all-time high. According to a 2021 Gallup poll, 94% of Americans approve of marriages between people of different races, with support for Black-white marriages specifically also reaching record levels. This widespread approval is a significant departure from the past and reflects the changing demographics and cultural attitudes of modern America.

Several factors have contributed to this shift. The increasing diversity of the U.S. population, along with the growing visibility of interracial couples in media and public life, has helped normalize these relationships. Additionally, younger generations, who are generally more open to diversity and inclusion, have played a key role in driving this change in public opinion.

The Impact of Increased Support

The rise in support for interracial marriage has had tangible effects on American society. More interracial couples are choosing to marry, and these unions are becoming more common across all regions of the country. This trend is also reflected in the growing number of multiracial families, which are now a significant part of the U.S. population.

Increased acceptance of interracial marriage has also helped to challenge and break down long-standing racial barriers. As more people form relationships and families across racial lines, the divisions that once separated different communities are slowly being bridged. This cultural shift is contributing to a more inclusive society where people are valued for who they are, rather than the color of their skin.

Challenges and Opportunities

Despite the record-high support for interracial marriage, challenges remain. Some interracial couples still face prejudice and discrimination, particularly in more conservative or racially homogenous areas. However, the growing acceptance of these relationships suggests that societal attitudes are continuing to evolve in a positive direction.

The increasing support for interracial marriage also presents opportunities for further progress in the fight against racism and inequality. As acceptance of diverse relationships grows, it can help to foster greater understanding and empathy among people from different backgrounds, ultimately leading to a more just and equitable society.

Conclusion

The record-high support for interracial marriage between white and Black Americans is a powerful indicator of the positive changes taking place in the United States. As attitudes continue to evolve, the growing acceptance of these relationships serves as a reminder of the progress that has been made and the work that still lies ahead. 

By embracing diversity and fostering connections across racial lines, society can continue to move toward a future where equality and inclusion are truly realized.

Navigating pregnancy can be challenging under typical circumstances, but for an inmate, preparing for a baby while incarcerated presents an even greater challenge.

This was the reality for Katie Bourgeois, who was serving a short sentence at the Louisiana Transitional Center for Women in Tallulah, Louisiana. With her due date approaching in May, Bourgeois found herself in a desperate situation as she faced the prospect of her baby potentially entering foster care due to a lack of suitable caregivers.

Bourgeois, whose release was scheduled for July, had no family members available to take custody of her newborn. Fearing that her baby might be taken into foster care if she couldn’t find someone to care for the child, Bourgeois turned to Roberta Bell, a correctional officer at the facility.

Bell, who had been working at the center for over three years and was known for her dedication to helping inmates, had become a source of hope for Bourgeois. The idea of Bell stepping in as a temporary caregiver had started as a running joke among the staff, but it soon became a serious possibility.

Bourgeois approached Bell and earnestly requested that she take on the role of legal guardian for her baby. “She was very concerned about Child Protection Services taking her baby and not knowing where it would be, given her short time left to serve,” Bell told WLBT. “She said, ‘I need somebody to get my baby when I have it because I don’t have anyone else.’”

Before agreeing to take on this significant responsibility, Bell sought approval from her superiors to ensure that she would not be violating any rules. However, weeks passed with no response. As the baby’s delivery approached, Bell took the initiative to provide Bourgeois with her contact details so that the hospital could transfer the baby to her care upon birth.

Bell’s decision led to her termination from the correctional facility, but she remained resolute in her commitment to supporting Bourgeois. On May 17, baby Kayson Bourgeois was born, and Bell, now no longer employed at the facility, took him to her home in Mississippi.

Each year, approximately 58,000 pregnant individuals are incarcerated, with many babies born while their mothers are behind bars, according to the Prison Policy Initiative.

Typically, new mothers are allowed only 24 hours with their newborns in the hospital before returning to prison, with the baby then placed with a relative or in foster care. Only 12 states offer prison-based nursery programs, making the separation from their children a common and distressing outcome.

For Bourgeois, having a correctional officer willing to risk her job to ensure her baby avoided the foster care system was a blessing. Despite the personal cost, Bell expressed no regrets about her decision. “I wouldn’t change a thing because this is who I am,” she told WLBT.

Bell’s long-term goal remains to open a recovery home for women exiting prison, but for now, her focus is on caring for baby Kayson and ensuring he has everything he needs.

 

Supporting youth mental health is a vital concern that requires a multifaceted approach. As mental health issues among young people become increasingly recognized, finding effective ways to provide hope, healing, and help is essential. 

This article explores how to support the mental well-being of youth and offers practical strategies for fostering a positive environment.

1. Understanding the Scope of Youth Mental Health Issues

Youth mental health issues are diverse and can include conditions such as anxiety, depression, ADHD, and eating disorders. Recognizing the signs early and understanding the scope of these issues is crucial. Symptoms may range from persistent sadness and withdrawal to difficulty concentrating and drastic changes in behavior. Early intervention can make a significant difference in the effectiveness of treatment.

2. Creating a Supportive Environment

A supportive environment is foundational for promoting mental health. This includes fostering open communication and creating spaces where young people feel safe to express their feelings. Encouraging healthy dialogue and providing a non-judgmental space for discussions can help youths feel understood and less isolated.

3. Educating and Raising Awareness

Education plays a key role in supporting youth mental health. Raising awareness about mental health issues helps to reduce stigma and encourages young people to seek help when needed. Schools and community organizations can provide programs and workshops that teach coping skills, resilience, and stress management.

4. Encouraging Healthy Lifestyle Choices

Promoting a healthy lifestyle is essential for mental well-being. Encouraging regular physical activity, a balanced diet, and sufficient sleep can have a positive impact on mental health. Additionally, teaching mindfulness and relaxation techniques can help young people manage stress and anxiety.

5. Providing Access to Professional Help

Access to mental health professionals is crucial for effective treatment. Schools, community centers, and healthcare providers should offer resources and referrals to mental health services. It’s important to support young people in seeking professional help and ensuring that they have access to therapy, counseling, or psychiatric care when needed.

6. Involving Families and Caregivers

Families and caregivers play a pivotal role in supporting youth mental health. Educating parents and guardians about mental health issues and involving them in the support process can enhance the effectiveness of interventions. Family counseling and support groups can also provide valuable resources and guidance for managing mental health challenges.

7. Promoting Peer Support

Peer support is a powerful tool in mental health care. Encouraging young people to connect with peers who share similar experiences can provide a sense of belonging and reduce feelings of isolation. Peer mentoring programs and support groups can offer a platform for sharing experiences and coping strategies.

8. Addressing Socioeconomic and Cultural Factors

Socioeconomic and cultural factors can significantly impact mental health. Addressing these factors involves recognizing the unique challenges faced by different communities and ensuring that support services are accessible and culturally sensitive. Tailoring interventions to meet the needs of diverse populations can improve the effectiveness of mental health support.

9. Fostering Resilience and Coping Skills

Building resilience and teaching coping skills are essential for managing mental health challenges. Programs that focus on problem-solving, emotional regulation, and positive thinking can empower young people to handle stress and adversity more effectively. Resilience training can provide valuable tools for navigating life’s ups and downs.

10. Encouraging Open Dialogue and Seeking Help

Finally, fostering an environment where seeking help is normalized and encouraged is crucial. Breaking down barriers to accessing mental health resources and creating an open dialogue about mental health can help young people feel more comfortable reaching out for support.

Supporting youth mental health requires a comprehensive approach that involves education, awareness, and accessible resources. By creating a supportive environment, encouraging healthy habits, and providing access to professional help, we can help young people find hope and healing in their journey toward mental well-being.

 

One of the most cherished aspects of childhood is building friendships. Beyond just having fun, these bonds provide kids with a sense of belonging, boost their self-esteem, and help them develop essential social skills. Therefore, it’s heart-wrenching when children face isolation and bullying from their peers.

In Amarillo, Texas, a young boy named Shayden was so desperate for friends that he began knocking on doors in his neighborhood. During one of these visits, he approached the home of Brennan and Angel Ray, and their doorbell camera captured the moment.

Shayden explained through the camera, “I just wanted to see if you knew any kids around, like, 11 or 12 because I need some friends. Bad.” When Brennan mentioned that they didn’t have any children his age, Shayden revealed, “Well, um, they’re not my friends anymore because they’re bullies to me.” Despite the Rays having only a 2-year-old daughter, Shayden responded warmly, saying, “They’re just like the most cutest things I have ever known.”

The video of Shayden’s search for companionship touched many hearts, with viewers expressing their sympathy and support online. Comments poured in from people who shared their own experiences of bullying and wished for Shayden to find happiness and true friends.

The video quickly went viral on TikTok, amassing over 67 million views. The Rays decided to leverage this newfound attention by setting up a GoFundMe campaign to support Shayden and his family. They aimed to raise funds for a gaming system, school clothes, amusement park tickets, and any other needs Shayden might have. The Rays assured that all donations would go directly to Shayden and his family, and hoped to raise awareness about bullying and suicide prevention.

In a follow-up video, the Rays visited Shayden’s home and had the chance to meet him in person. They discovered his rock collection and enjoyed watching some of his favorite online videos.

“We finally got to meet Shayden!” the Rays shared on TikTok. “He was just as joyful in person as he was on the doorbell camera.”

While it’s disheartening that Shayden had to seek friends in such a manner, the overwhelming response from the public has been heartwarming. It demonstrates the kindness and support of many, showing Shayden that he is valued and that there are many caring people eager to make him feel welcome and loved.

Four-year-old Matthew Hoobler attended his first major league baseball game on August 14, sitting in the front row with his father and 2-year-old brother at Chicago’s Guaranteed Rate Field. According to Block Club Chicago, the family was there to watch Matthew’s dad’s favorite team, the Detroit Tigers, play against the Chicago White Sox.

During the TV broadcast, the cameras caught young Matthew enjoying a large hot dog when, in a surprising moment, the frankfurter slipped from its bun and fell to the ground. The boy’s reaction—a dramatic facepalm—was broadcast for all to see.

The announcers humorously commented on the incident, exclaiming “Oh, the horrors!” and “Oh, the humanity!” as the hot dog hit the floor. The video quickly went viral, amassing over 2.3 million views after the White Sox shared it.

Block Club Chicago later identified the family as residents of La Grange, Illinois. Following this, The Wiener’s Circle, a renowned hot dog stand on Chicago’s north side, extended an invitation to Matthew. The offer included all-you-can-eat hot dogs and a tutorial on how to hold a hot dog properly, taught by the stand’s famed staff.

Known for its lively atmosphere and its notorious “curbside abuse” where staff playfully hurl insults, The Wiener’s Circle also offers a $20 “chocolate shake” with a surprising twist. Matthew had the chance to learn from the best, even mastering the technique of holding a hot dog upside down.

Matthew’s father, Rob, told Block Club Chicago that despite his son’s dramatic facepalm, he wasn’t too upset about the mishap. “He’s more of a bun fan. He prefers the bun over the hot dog itself. So, when he started eating the bun, the hot dog couldn’t stay in place,” Rob explained. “I didn’t think about picking it up, even though a hot dog at the stadium costs $5.”

Rob also noted the humorous comments about the five-second rule. “Maybe at home, but not at a major league stadium,” he added.

In a related hot dog story, The Wiener’s Circle also highlighted another viral video that week. The video, which has nearly 10 million views, shows a man using a hot dog as a straw to drink his beer at a New York Yankees game. This controversial move has drawn mixed reactions. While some have celebrated the inventive use of the hot dog, others, including Nicolas Heller, known as newyorknico, have humorously suggested that the man should be arrested.

The Wiener’s Circle praised the creative use, calling the hot dog the “most environmentally friendly, edible straw known to man” and noting it tastes great with mustard.