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A Kentucky family had a lot to be thankful for this year after two-year-old Rocky Wayne was released from the hospital following a successful heart transplant surgery on Thanksgiving Day.  Rocky was diagnosed with left ventricular non-compaction cardiomyopathy (LVNC) — a heart muscle disorder where the lower left chamber of the heart, which helps the heart pump blood, does not develop correctly — five months after being born in Sept. of 2019. He then spent 123 days in the pediatric care unit before being sent home from the hospital to wait for a donor. His parents received the call on Nov. 24 that they were being offered a donor heart. Rocky received his new heart the following day on Thanksgiving, and he has since returned home to Bardstown, Kentucky to reunite with his older brothers.  Norton Children’s Hospital staff lined up and down the hall to send Rocky home with a celebration parade. Image source: Wave 3 News

This holiday season, Ohio siblings Tyler and Monica Slaven are hoping to meet their goal of bringing 11,500 toys to the Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus, Ohio – something they have done for the past six years as part of their annual holiday toy drive. The Slaven siblings’ journey to help children began in 2015 when they decided to team up and do something special for children who are in the hospital on Christmas. The siblings utilize their school’s vast network of students and staff to gather volunteers and supplies. “The school does a tremendous job of helping us get the word out every year and reach new people, since we are a statewide school,” said Tyler. “Seeing a child who truly understands … the joy of Christmas is priceless,” Tyler told Fox News. “We wanted to help the kids still have that joy, for those who are in the hospital during Christmas.”  The group of volunteers place toy donation boxes in various locations across the state and stop by businesses who help out with monetary donations as well as donating actual toys. Donations are collected until Dec. 10. In 2015, they were able to donate 800 toys to the hospital. One year later, that number more than doubled, totaling 1,700 donations. In 2017, they donated 3,000 toys. However, in 2018 and 2019, the toy drive broke the hospital’s record for the single largest donation with 9,200 and 20,300 toys, respectively.  “Once you get on the [hospital] property, it is just phenomenal. They’re so friendly and welcoming … and spirited,” Tyler Slaven said. “It’s a true joy to be around.”  Image source: NY Post

Brothers Mu Gay and Win Naing Soe, along with their parents Than Than Nyain and A Noung, fled persecution in their homeland of Burma where a brutal military regime reigned. They first fled to Thailand and lived in a refugee camp for 19 years before settling in Wellington, New Zealand in January 2019. The family car was stolen from outside their home in Maupuia on Nov. 20 and was completely destroyed. The thieves left the abandoned car at an old prison, and its removal became the family’s responsibility. Due to the family’s financial situation, they could not afford third-party insurance, so a crowdfunding page was started by Shelly Robinson, an ex-charity worker who worked in the camp where the family lived. The page has helped raise over $28,000. What a wonderful community of people you all are,” said Robinson. “We never in our wildest dreams thought we could raise this sort of money to help the family. In a time when we are all facing our own challenges, and the fast approaching festive season you have really shown them the kiwi spirit of kindness and inclusivity and for that we thank you.” However, Ben and Geraldine Everist donated their Mazda Premacy to the family. Insurance and a steering wheel lock where secured, too. The couple said that they were planning to sell their car, but when they saw the article, they thought it would be of more use to them. "A no brainer," they added. Mu Gay also received a job offer, and he will start working with a scaffolding business next week. Through a translator, A Noung said his eldest son, Mu Gay, was dancing for joy when he learned of the strangers’ generosity. “When we learned that so many people were helping we were very surprised, I never thought people would help like that. The comments and messages from people showing empathy makes us so happy and overwhelmed,” he said. Image source: stuff

Ebony Johnson, a kind, enthusiastic employee at an Ohio Dunkin’, had become so much a part of one customer’s morning routine that it was noticeable when she had not been working the drive-thru for several weeks in March.  When the 33-year-old returned to work, she shared with customer Suzanne Burke that she had been struggling financially while trying to find housing for her and her three children after being evicted. "I wanted to give up," Johnson told TODAY. "I cried. I come to work every day and nobody knows what I'm going through because I always try to have a smile for our customers." Burke left a note for Johnson, saying that if she wanted help, Burke would gladly do her best. ​​"When she experienced this hardship, I just wanted to see if I could help her just improve her life and the life for her kids," Burke explained. "I wanted to make sure that they had stable housing so that she could continue to provide the excellent service she does at Dunkin'." Johnson accepted the help, and Burke, who has experience working with social services, began reaching out to various businesses. Then, with the help from local designers and organization, Burke surprised Johnson and her kids on Dec. 3 with a new, fully-furnished home — just in time for the holidays. "I'm just so thankful we're back in our home," Johnson told WCPO. "The Lord really looked out for me because I kept praying and saying, 'Could I be at home before Christmas?' " “Oh my god, I’m so happy. Thank y'all so much," Johnson said through tears. "Thank you so much for helping me." Image source: Suzanne Burke, TODAY

Actor and activist Michael Sheen announced he is now a “not-for-profit actor,” explaining that he will use the money he earns from acting to support social projects.  Sheen said the turning point was when he organized the 2019 Homeless World Cup where the £2 million funding fell through at the last minute, so he sold his own homes to cover the costs. This is when he realized he “came out on the other side” and that it would not “ruin” him to do such things. “There was something quite liberating about going, all right, I’ll put large amounts of money into this or that, because I’ll be able to earn it back again,” he told the Big Issue. “I’ve essentially turned myself into a social enterprise, a not-for-profit actor.” The “Twilight” star says he wants to help others the way that so many people helped him. “I don’t want to just be someone who enjoys the fruits of what other people have done and then pull the drawbridge up,” he explained. “I’m at the stage of my life and career where I have a window of opportunity that will probably never be this good again. I’m able to get people in a room, I can open doors. I don’t want to look back and think, I could have done something with that platform. I could have done something with that money.” Image source: Vulture

Lawmakers in Chile passed a law to legalize same-sex marriage on Tuesday, marking a milestone for the conservative South American country at a crucial political moment as the county grapples with overwhelming demands for social change. The nation has endured a decade-long political battle regarding same-sex marriage, and this legislation makes Chile the 31st nation to allow gay marriage. “Today is a historic day, our country has approved same-sex marriage, one more step forward in terms of justice, in terms of equality, recognizing that love is love,” Minister of Social Development Karla Rubilar said after the vote. Chile’s Senate and lower house of parliament both voted heavily in favor of the bill, which was partially approved in November before the Senate sent it back to a committee to clarify ambiguities. The nation’s current president, Sebastian Piñera, has backed the bill and is expected to sign it into law before leaving office in March. "I think the time has come for equal marriage in our country," Piñera said in June, "In this way, all people without distinguishing by sexual orientation, will be able to live love and form a family with all the protection and dignity that they need and deserve." Chile will elect a new president on Dec. 19, choosing between progressive Gabriel Boric and social conservative Jose Antonio Kast, a practicing Catholic. While Kast disagrees with same-sex marriage, he says he would have signed the bill into law anyway had it been passed during his potential presidency. Image source: NPR

Rental Claus is a company that is providing Christmas tree shoppers with a sustainable option in which customers can rent the same tree each year. The trees are taken care of at Primrose Vale Farm in Cheltenham year-round. Rental Claus will deliver and collect the tree, and the prices start at £15 to £45. Primrose Vale Farm grows traditional Norway spruce trees in big 35-liter pots. “They spend their lives in the pots. So they are alive, happy and healthy in their pots,” Paul Keene, growing manager, told BBC. “Then, we rent them out for Christmas.” Customers come to the farm to choose their tree, enjoy it for three to four weeks, and bring it back after the new year. The farm looks after the tree for the next 47 weeks until Christmas season approaches again. “You can either have the same tree again, or choose a new tree each year,” said Keene. “We can get several years’ life out of each tree.” “We have about 250 to 300 people, families, that have the same tree year after year,” said Craig Tennock, commercial manager. “They actually name them. So it’s almost like a family member to many of these people.” “We like the ethos,” said one customer. “It doesn’t go in the bin, and it’s less wasteful. We like it.” Image source: Daily Mail

412 Food Rescue is a non-profit organization based in Pittsburgh that rescues “perfectly good but unsellable food that would otherwise be wasted,” according to its website. The organization began in 2015 and has since saved 20 million pounds of food throughout the region, thanks to the work of thousands of volunteers. “I’m so grateful to the city of Pittsburgh,” 412 co-founder and CEO Leah Lizarondo said in an email statement to the Business Times. “Our volunteers here have demonstrated just how powerful we are when we work together. They are spearheading a movement that is already reaching across the country, changing the way we approach food waste and hunger.” 412 Food Rescue works with 800 fod retailers and 600 non-profit partners to redirect excess food from restaurants and grocery stores so that it can be served to those facing food insecurity. Participating organizations use the 412 Food Rescue App to notify nearby volunteers of any excess food they have.  The 20 million pounds of saved food translates to more than 16 million meals served. According to Lizarondo, the organization has now saved 68 million pounds of food in total throughout its network of 13 cities. Image source: 412 Food Rescue

“Superman” star Henry Cavill joined Lorraine Kelly, host of British talk show “Lorraine” on Monday. Cavill brought his pooch, Kal, to join him for the appearance, where he was promoting season two of his Netflix show “The Witcher.”  The conversation quickly turned from talk about the Dec. 17 premier of Cavill’s show to his canine companion and how the American Akita has saved his mental health. “Kal is gorgeous. Is he your best friend in the whole world?” asked Kelly. "He really is (my best friend)," the 38-year-old told Kelly as he stroked Kal. "We go everywhere together. He's 8 now and he has saved my emotional, psychological bacon plenty of times." Cavill added that they have “an incredibly close bond.” “I’m not surprised,” said Kelly. “I don’t think we deserve dogs, to be honest. They are the bestest things ever.”

 

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As for his “Superman” character, Cavill says that he keeps his suit in his wardrobe, “ready and waiting for the phone call” to reprise the role. "You look back and you just think, what a wonderful opportunity,” said Cavill regarding his DC Comics Character. “And even if I were to stop acting tomorrow and go live on a yacht or boat somewhere, a sailing boat, and just travel the Med... I can still look back and say I've worn a cape and leaped about the place and entertained some people." Image source: PC Gamer

21-year-old University of Bristol student, Ella Lambert, taught herself how to sew by watching YouTube videos during the beginning of the pandemic. She has since launched Pachamama Project, a volunteer-run non-profit that is fighting period poverty. Pachamama Project is named after the goddess of fertility, Pachamama, a figure revered by the indigenous people of the Andes. Lambert is studying languages and is from Chelmsford in Essex, located in the eastern region of England. She established the non-profit in August of last year with her friend Oliwia Geisler. Lambert wanted to work in refugee camps abroad in summer 2020, but coronavirus restrictions forced her to stay home. So, instead, she began sewing sustainable period products for women. Since then, more than 30,000 pads have been made, including a discreet matching pouch — all made from donated materials. Lambert has brought in more than 1,000 volunteers across the U.K., Germany, Italy, France and the U.S.  Having experienced painful periods herself, Lambert hopes to break the stigma associated with talking about women's’ menstrual cycles. “I’ve always really struggled with period pain, like absolutely atrocious period pain which would mean that I’d have to miss out on school and cancel plans last minute,” she told PA News. “So although I’ve been really lucky, and I’ve never had to experience period poverty as such, I do know what it’s like to have to miss out on really important things and appointments because of my period. “This seemed like a really easy way of combatting period poverty and making sure that people didn’t have to deal with that because they had the products they needed that would last.” Image source: NewsChain