(I have to leave very early the next morning for a long trip so I decide to go get gas the night before because my car is almost empty. I don’t have any cash on me and plan on using a gift card. When I pull up to the pump the machine is not accepting my rewards card so I go in and wait in the long line of customers to pay inside.)

Me: “Hi, I wanted to put $10 on pump 3 but the machine didn’t accept my rewards card so I figured I’d do it inside.”

Employee: “I’m sorry, but some of our machines are down so we can only accept cash or credit. Rewards cards and debit are not currently working.”

Me: “Oh, well, that explains that. I wanted to pay with a gift card so I’ll just do that here.”

Employee: “No problem and thanks for understanding. For the inconvenience we can give you a dollar’s worth of free gas.”

(As he says this he tries to run my gift card only for it to not go through.)

Employee: “This is the first gift card I’ve seen since our system went down and it appears that they are not working either. Just give me a moment.”

(He then steps off to apparently ask a manager what to do.)

Employee: “Do you have any other form of payment or is there anyway you could come back tomorrow?”

Me: “No. I only have debit and you said that wasn’t working. Also, I really need this gas tonight as the warning light has come on in my car.”

Employee: “Here is what my boss told me. I will pump your gas for you and we will hold onto the gift card and ring it through in the morning. That way you can still get your gas.”

(He then proceeded to follow me out to my car and fill it up with the right amount of gas. When he was done he told me I was good to go and not to worry about it because they would ring it up the next day. I was so appreciative of the employee’s help. He could have just told me to leave, but instead went above and beyond to help me out. Also, I called back the next day to thank him and the store and make sure everything went over well when the systems came on line. They did and I was grateful for the station’s help.)

(I have just found out about a discount grocery store. This store has items that are close to expiration dates and sell at a really low price. I usually can’t afford to get all the groceries needed for my house.)

Cashier: “Your total is $27.47.”

Me: “Oh, I don’t have that. Let me put a few things back.” *starts looking at the items I will return*

(An an older fellow I assume is the owner is bagging my things.)

Man: “Tell you what. You pay what you can, sign the receipt, and come back when you get caught up and pay us, okay?”

Me: “Thank you! I don’t have much, and I have family coming and don’t want my house to be empty; this means so much! *near tears as I sign the receipt*

Man: “Not a problem. You come back when you get caught up, if you get caught up, and pay us, all right?” *pats my shoulder as I leave, while I’m almost crying*

(Sir, you have no idea how much that meant to me. I got enough groceries for snacks, and even a full meal, when I had nothing. I will continue to shop there just on principle.)

(After another stressful day at work, I have to walk in the rain for 20 minutes to get to my bus stop. I’m about 15 minutes into my walk when I see a woman who has a huge umbrella.  We both arrive at the bus stop at the same time.  It’s still pouring rain and I have another 20 minute wait for my bus.)

Woman: “You’re welcome to share my umbrella!  This thing will cover both of us.”

(I thank her and we share the umbrella while we wait for our separate buses. I’m never one to have a conversation with a stranger but she and I have one of the best conversations I’ve had with anyone. After 20 minutes go by, her bus comes first.)

Woman: *to driver* “She’s waiting for the [Later Bus].  Can you wait a few minutes so she’s not left in the rain?”

Bus Driver: “No problem. The [Later Bus] is only about two minutes behind me.”

(Sure enough, my bus was there within two minutes.  Thank you, random stranger and bus driver, for your kindness!)

(I am a frequent customer at my local card shop. I am at the counter when I see a young kid, maybe seven or eight, come up.)

Kid: “Um, excuse me?”

Employee: “Hi! How can I help you?”

Kid: “I was wondering, how much is this pack of cards?”

Employee: “Oh, that’s $4.50.”

(The kid’s face falls.)

Kid: “Okay, thank you.”

(He begins to walk away.)

Employee: “Wait, how much money do you have?”

Kid: “I only have $3; I thought that would be enough.”

Employee: “Well. you’re lucky! Today, just for you, we’re having a sale. Two packs for $3!”

(The kid looks confused, but then starts beaming. He buys his packs and walks out with a huge smile on his face. I walk over to the employee.)

Employee: “Yeah, that kid comes in here all the time. I see him look at the cards and then walk out. I thought maybe money was tight, so there ya go.”

(I bought what I was there for and left a HUGE tip.)

(It’s chilly so I’ve decided to get a cup of cocoa on my way home and stop at a VERY well known coffee shop. It’s my first time going to this shop seeing as I don’t drink coffee.)

Barista: “Hi there! What’re you interested in today?”

Me: “Uhm, can I just get a medium hot chocolate with whipped cream?”

Barista: “Are you sure you don’t want a large? They’re free today!”

Me: *looking around for any promotional banners* “Are you sure? Is there some kinda promotion going on?”

Barista: “Nope. Register’s broken so the drinks are on the house today!”