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Company Sends SpaghettiOs To Mom Whose Daughter Has Autism

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  • Crystal’s daughter has autism and her favorite food was SpaghettiOs with Meatballs.
  • But when lockdowns started, stores had run out of supply and Ashlyn was not eating other food.
  • Upon hearing this, the whole community flooded her home with donations.

Back in March, when people were panic-buying food and other supplies for the long periods of lockdowns amidst the pandemic,  Crystal MacDonald was frantically looking for SpaghettiOs with Meatballs but couldn’t find one anywhere!

While for some it might have been just a precautionary measure during the stay-at-home orders, for Crystal it was extremely important. Her daughter, Ashlyn, has a severe case of non-verbal autism, and ever since she was 4 years old, SpaghettiOs with Meatballs was her favorite. However, since mid-March, she has been unable to eat other food.

“Before the pandemic, she would eat a few other types of foods like cheese pizza, yogurt and grilled cheese. Food is a very sensory experience for her and I believe that most foods are too much, texture and taste-wise, for her,” Crystal told TODAY Food.

Photo Credit: NBC Boston

“Once she lost her routine of school, and like so many people with autism, routine is vital to their mental health, she stopped eating other foods. I think the predictability of the texture and taste of the SpaghettiOs brings a sense of control and comfort to her in this time of chaos.”

The mother of five stopped working in April so she could take care of her kids while pursuing her accelerated nursing degree from Simmons University in Boston through online at the same time.

So when she realized the local stores near their home in Attleboro, Massachusetts, had run out of SpaghettiOs, she tried searching grocery stores, desperately trying to find one. She also tried alternatives like SpaghettiOs with Franks and others, but nothing worked for Ashlyn.

Photo Credit: NBC Boston

“I tried all the non-brand name versions I could. I even prepared them when she couldn’t see the can but she always knew it wasn’t SpaghettiOs and would refuse to eat them,” Crystal said.

A local paper,  the Sun Chronicle, picked up Crystal’s story and featured her in an article about food shortages that some people experienced. After that, the response of her community was overwhelming as donations poured!

“It has been an incredible experience to feel so much love from our community,” she told TODAY. “As a parent of a special needs child, it can be a lonely existence and one that you imagine others to not quite understand. Especially in these times of such turmoil and hardship, it has been incredible to experience such kindness.”

TODAY connected with the maker of SpaghettiOs, Campbell’s Soup Company, and they too were eager to help Crystal. Lisa Zahn, the company’s spokesperson, expressed happiness of how SpaghettiOs has become part of their lives and offered to send one year’s supply of SpaghettiOs and Meatballs to the MacDonalds family.

“ This is an amazing blessing and I can’t express my gratitude enough. I don’t have enough words,” Crystal said.

Source: TODAY.Com

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NFL Star Helps 218 Single Parents Become Homeowners Through Charity Partnership

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Quick Smiles:

  • In a heartwarming endeavor, former NFL star Warrick Dunn has brought smiles to the faces of 218 single parents by surprising them with brand-new homes.
  • Through a collaborative charity effort involving Warrick Dunn Charities, Habitat for Humanity, and Catholic High School, Baton Rouge has witnessed the transformation of lives as these homes offer stability and fresh beginnings.
  • Warrick Dunn’s Homes for the Holidays program, inspired by his mother’s dream, has left a lasting impact, creating a sense of hope and security for families in need.

Former NFL star Warrick Dunn has brought hope and happiness to 218 single parents in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, with the help of a remarkable charity collaboration. These heartwarming efforts are changing lives for the better, one home at a time.

In a heartwarming partnership between Warrick Dunn Charities, Habitat for Humanity, and Catholic High School, where Dunn himself graduated, 218 new homes have been built, furnished, and stocked with food. This incredible initiative aims to create stability and a fresh start for deserving families in need.

“Dominique and Miracle, single mother, first-time homeowner, I think it’s important to help change the community and the environment, create stability for a family that could potentially have good long-term positive impacts,” said Dunn upon returning to his hometown to welcome a new family into their home.

Catholic High School played a significant role in this initiative by raising $85,000 for the construction of one of these homes. Their support is a testament to the power of community collaboration.

“A new home, a new, fresh start, a new beginning—I’m totally blessed,” said Dominique, the grateful recipient of one of these homes. Her emotions were overwhelming as she entered her new home, a place of hope and security. The house was not only furnished but also came with a stocked fridge and a mortgage ready for signing, with Dunn’s charity standing by to assist with the down payment.

Warrick Dunn’s journey towards helping single parents began when he was drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 1997. In that same year, he launched Homes for the Holidays to fulfill his late mother’s dream of owning her own home. Over the years, Dunn proved to be an incredibly consistent performer on the field, earning three Pro Bowl selections and accumulating over 1,000 all-purpose yards in almost every season of his 12-year career with the Buccaneers and the Falcons. When he retired, he ranked 14th in NFL history for all-purpose yards (15,306).

Dunn’s dedication to both football and his community was recognized in 2005 when he was presented with the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award. This prestigious NFL award acknowledges a player’s excellence on the field as well as their outstanding community service.

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One of the most notable moments in Dunn’s philanthropic journey came after Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans. Dunn called upon NFL players, except those from the New Orleans Saints, to donate at least $5,000 to the relief effort. His initiative garnered over $5 million in contributions, highlighting the significant impact of his charitable work.

Warrick Dunn’s website has become the hub for his three charitable organizations, showcasing their incredible work. His Homes for the Holidays program partners with local community organizations to reduce the burden on new, single-parent homeowners. This includes fully furnishing their new homes, providing downpayment assistance checks, and ensuring their pantries are stocked with essential food items.

The heartwarming moment when Dominique first walked into her new home is a testament to the positive impact of Warrick Dunn’s charitable efforts. The joy and gratitude in her eyes reflect the transformative power of community, collaboration, and compassion.


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Beagles Rescued From Animal Testing Lab Get Second Chance at Life

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Quick Smiles:

  • Three beagles, rescued from a life of despair in a lab, embark on a joyful journey to their forever homes in Canada.
  • The Beagle Alliance, dedicated to giving a second chance to animals in distress, has transformed the lives of over fifty animals since its inception.
  • The loving and resilient nature of beagles shines through, highlighting the enduring bonds humans can forge with these wonderful creatures.

In a world filled with fleeting moments, the uplifting tales of Nik, Axel, and Otis, three loving beagles, bring an enduring warmth and joy. Rescued from the cold confinements of an animal testing lab, their journey to love-filled homes in Canada paints a picture of hope and resilience. Their sweet tales are a whisper of kindness in a bustling world, a true testament to the change love can bring.

The Beagle Alliance, spearheaded by Lori Cohen, serves as a beacon of hope, dedicated to providing a loving embrace to animals escaping from research and neglect.

“These three weren’t very socialized,” reveals Lori, emphasizing the silent struggle of animals ensnared in research. The organization, undeterred by the challenges, has woven a tapestry of hope and new beginnings for 52 animals since its founding.

Nik, Axel, and Otis’s voyage from captivity to love highlights their inherent resilience and forgiving spirits. Unraveling the layers of trust and learning to embrace the joy of being cherished pets, their journey is a beautiful dance of transformation.

“They’re docile. They don’t bite back. They’re very forgiving,” Lori states, illuminating the gentleness nestled within beagles.

The beagles’ loving disposition and their journey to freedom unravel the untold stories of countless others who endure the pains of animal testing. Lori’s revelations and The Beagle Alliance’s unwavering commitment emanate a message of hope and compassion, shedding light on the lives overshadowed by secrecy and igniting a dialogue on compassion and empathy.

The story of these beagles is not just a story of freedom—it’s a story of enduring love and companionship. It’s a tale of discovering joy in simple pleasures, of leaving behind the shadows and stepping into the nurturing warmth of a loving family.

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Their journey is a gentle nudge, a reminder of the love and beautiful bonds we are capable of sharing with our furry companions.

Lori’s insights echo a need for awareness regarding the clandestine world of animal testing and the importance of stringent protection laws. Yet, the tales of rescue and relentless efforts of The Beagle Alliance and its peers color the world with hues of kindness and love, paving the way for a harmonious coexistence.

Every gentle wag, every leap of joy from Nik, Axel, and Otis symbolizes a world where kindness reigns supreme, a world where every creature, small or big, experiences love and happiness.

Let’s allow their stories to weave into our hearts, inspiring kindness and fostering a deeper connection with all the beings we share this wonderful world with.


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Donkey’s Delight Over Unicorn Toy Wins Internet Hearts [Video]

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Quick Smiles:

  • Joy Unbridled: A donkey’s sheer delight upon receiving a pink unicorn toy is the internet’s latest obsession.
  • Reactions Galore: Netizens pour love and laughter in response, with comments reflecting the universal appeal of pure happiness.
  • Wholesome Content: The video serves as a heartwarming reminder of the simple joys of life, providing a much-needed lift to spirits. 🌟🦄

Ever witnessed a child’s elation upon receiving their favorite toy? Now, imagine that multiplied several times over – but with a donkey and a bright pink unicorn toy.

This isn’t your usual farmyard tale but one that’s leaving netizens around the globe smitten.

Picture this: On a sunny day, TikTok’s screen lights up with a video from user @debbieschluterman. It captures the unmatched glee of a donkey as it spots a luminous pink unicorn toy nearing its pen. The jubilation? Oh, it’s palpable! As he hears the soft crinkling of the toy, his delightful grunts echo pure ecstasy.

On receiving the toy, what follows is an absolute spectacle – dashes in joyous circles, some playful biting (with a caring caution from mom), and even a mighty ‘lion-esque’ roar. Concluding his performance, the unicorn toy finds a place atop his haystack, symbolizing its new-found importance.

Social media was buzzing post this electrifying performance. @kathyburton48 encapsulated the collective sentiment perfectly: “I could watch him all day! He made me as happy as that unicorn made him!”

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Echos of concern, love, and unadulterated joy resonated in the comments. @McMedic’s remark indeed holds universal appeal: desiring someone to be as thrilled with them as the donkey is with his unicorn toy. Now that’s a wholesome benchmark for relationships!

Every so often, the internet showcases content that acts as an antidote to blue days. This video is undoubtedly one such gem. Watching a donkey dance in glee with a unicorn toy is probably the serotonin boost we didn’t know we needed!


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