It only takes a single act of kindness to turn a bad day around and, at times, rekindle our faith in life. Today, we’re bringing you heartwarming, real-life stories of strangers—or near-strangers—stepping in with gestures of compassion right when they were needed most. Prepare yourself for an uplifting dose of positivity that’s sure to warm your heart.

I grew up very poor. When I was 13, I was at a classmate’s house and ended up staying for dinner. My mouth watered at the sight of the golden roast on the table. As everyone began to eat, I took a bite, but her mom’s sharp gaze made me freeze. In front of everyone, she declared, “Did you seriously take that little? That’s not nearly enough!”

Before I could react, she grabbed my plate and heaped it with food. I was stunned but touched—I think she understood just how much that meal meant to me. The food was delicious, and I savored every bite. As I ate, everyone at the table kept staring at me.