Lakelanders share their “random acts of kindness” stories

We already knew that Lakeland was one of the best places to live, but these stories just prove it even more.

A concert taking place at Bonnet Springs Park, seen from the rooftop bar

The kindness of these Lakelanders shines brighter than a Swan City sunset.

Photo by LALtoday

Recently, we asked our readers if they had ever been the recipient of a random act of kindness while living here in Lakeland. More than 60% responded yes and took a moment to share their stories with us. Grab your tissues — we’re about to get warm and fuzzy.

“Someone paid my family’s meal at a restaurant. It was such a nice gesture that we paid it forward several weeks later at another local, family-owned eatery.” — Reader TJ H.

“When our subdivision was destroyed by a tornado in 2019 in North Lakeland, the Kathleen Middle school students collected personal care supplies and delivered them to everyone in our neighborhood. What a sweet gesture for those young individuals.” — Reader Kathy S.

“Many years ago now, when money was very tight, and food was scarce. I came home from work to find a huge amount of food on my front steps, along with some goodies for my girls. It was so generous and so needed. It is many years later, but I will never forget how much this did for my family and myself. We were very blessed.” — Reader Joan R.

“While checking out at a Publix store, the woman in front of me turned around and gave me flowers she had bought and told me to have a nice day. The cashier told me that this woman does this frequently. She made my day! Now I carry on this random act of kindness occasionally to try to make someone else’s day!” — Reader Kerry R.

“At the Walmart on 98, a young man saw me unloading some heavy bags of garden soil. After the first one, he came over and generously threw the rest in the back of my truck for me. What took him 2 minutes would have taken me 15. I was very grateful for his help.” — Reader Dot L.

Looking for simple ways to spread kindness around Swan City? Check out these ideas.

More from LALtoday
This listing on New Jersey Road shows that your bathroom truly can be an oasis at home.
Get to know the all-star NFL athletes who once called Lakeland home.
Put your money where your community is and help us create a guide to small businesses by submitting your favorite local spots and sharing this page with a friend.
Whether you’re hosting at home or bringing your team to a sports bar, we’ve got a game plan that will have your guests naming you the MVP.
Grab your boo or your bestie to celebrate love, friendship, and everything in between at these Valentine’s Day events around Swan City.
The Polk Senior Games will draw 2,000 competitors and 700 volunteers to this year’s events. Learn how you can compete, help, or cheer people on.
We’re digging through the Lakeland Public Library photo archives to relive winter memories from years gone by.
Several familiar names were nominated for Catapult’s biggest night of the year. See who won big at the Lakeland Entrepreneur Awards.
Bookmark this guide for a curated list of events taking place each month that we’re most looking forward to.
Did you get your hands on the popular Strawberry Season Passports before they sold out? If not, no worries — just follow along with our editor’s tasty travels.