There’s no shortage of bad news out there, and consuming too much of it can negatively affect your mental health. With all the bad out there, it can be hard to remind yourself that it’s not all that exists. This is why March 13 has been deemed National Good Samaritan Day. It’s a day to recognize the good news stories and appreciate those who have committed selfless acts to help others. It’s a way to ensure these good news stories aren’t buried by the bad ones.
Here we’ll take a look at some of the most amazing good Samaritan stories from the past year or so, which is a perfect way to honor National Good Samaritan Day.
Good Samaritan Helps Father and Son Locate Homemade Kayak
When this father and son duo left for a three-daykayaking adventure along the Missouri River, the idea was that it would be a wonderful bonding experience. Not only would it be a scenic adventure, but it was poignant since the kayak was homemade. While their adventure started on a high note, by the second day, things took a turn for the worse.
What seemed like a good place to set up camp that evening next to the river proved to be a huge mistake. When they woke the following day, the river had swelled, and no beach was left. And what’s worse, one of the kayaks had drifted away.
The two managed to make it back okay but were understandably upset about the missing kayak. They decided to post their misadventure on social media, and the story went viral quickly. A good Samaritan commented on the story, stating that he had a small private plane and would be happy to join the search and help look by air.
The pilot was also an avid kayaker and wanted to help them. Thanks to his actions, they defied all odds and found the missing kayak on a sandbar about six miles from camp.
Baby Rescued from Locked Vehicle by Good Samaritans
The minute a baby is involved in these good Samaritan stories, more emotion is tied to them. Babies are so helpless and innocent that others need to look out for them. This good Samaritan story is about parents who accidentally locked their baby in the car at a gas station in Texas during the hot summer month of July.
Thanks to the sweltering Texas heat, time wasn’t on their side, making the situation both serious and dramatic. A good Samaritan rushed over to help by using a tire iron to smash the front windshield. Another man grabbed the little one, handing the baby to the distraught father. Of course, it was all caught on video and shared on TikTok for everyone to see and enjoy those good news vibes.
This was a terrifying situation that, thankfully, had a happy ending.
Man Reaches Into Burning Car to Save Another
Usually, when you see flames, you run as far as you can from them, but in this case, a good Samaritan rushed into the fire to save another. This particular good news story took place in Florida last September when a drunk driver crashed his car, which then burst into flames.
The good Samaritan was driving home in his car, witnessed the crash, and immediately jumped into action. He quickly stopped his vehicle and ran to the car engulfed in flames, pulling the driver out. The fire was spreading so fast there’s no telling how much longer the driver would have been able to survive if not for the actions and quick thinking of the good Samaritan.
Woman Rescued from Apartment Fire by Good Samaritan Neighbor
Here’s another case where someone saw flames and, rather than run to safety, headed straight for them without a second thought. This story occurred in Stamford, CT, in September 2023 when a second-floor apartment caught fire while the woman resident was inside.
Firefighters were quick to respond, but it was a neighbor who first spotted the woman trapped at her window. The neighbor – John Frroku – quickly grabbed a ladder and set it at the window so she could escape. Even with the firefighters on the scene, every second counts in a house fire, so this woman likely owes her life to the good Samaritan next door.
Group of Swimmers Rescued by Good Samaritans in Long Island
Open water is perfect for sports and cooling off on a hot day, but it can also pose a risk to those unprepared for changing conditions. That was the case in the waters off Long Island last July when the Beach Patrol was called to respond to a group of swimmers who found themselves in trouble. The swimmers struggled to breathe and keep their heads above the water when good Samaritans spotted them.
After calling the Beach Patrol, they decided not to wait and rescued the three in the water. Each one was suffering from exhaustion, which made for a dire situation. The Beach Patrol assessed them on the scene, and all of them were sent to the hospital. It’s just another reminder that you can never take open water for granted.
Be Inspired
These stories seem to pour in regularly from all across the country, showing that some are willing to put their safety at risk to help another person. While recounting these good news stories is a fabulous way to honor people on National Good Samaritan Day, they can inspire you to show kindness and compassion to others. You never know when you may be called upon to be a good Samaritan, and you may even end up being one of the good news stories of the year.