Smile
Store Owner From Alaska Makes Weekly 14-Hour Boat Trips To Costco to Buy Supplies For City During Pandemic

- Toshua Parker who owns the Icy Strait Wholesale in the City of Gustavus, Alaska, decided to take weekly trips to Costco to refill supplies.
- Gustavus is accessible only through boat or plane, and with the current pandemic and the storms, the delivery of supplies has stopped.
- So, he and his team decided to do the 14-hour weekly trip to make sure the supplies for the people are enough.
Amid the global pandemic, an Alaskan man refuses to let his people go hungry—that is why he takes a boat trip to Costco once every week.
Toshua Parker, a resident from the City of Gustavus in Alaska, has started taking boat trips going to the Juneau Costco every week since March in order to restock the food supplies for the people in his small city—which is only accessible through a plane or boat, according to a CNN report.
Toshua owns Icy Strait Wholesale and it’s the only place the people in Gustavus can buy groceries from. Together with his staff, they travel 50 miles to the state’s capital using a 96-foot long converted military landing craft for a total of 14 hours going forth and back.

“It’s funny because for us, this doesn’t seem like a big deal,” Toshua told CNN. “Alaskans are fiercely independent and resourceful; you really have to be to survive here.”
“When a problem arises, we don’t typically look to someone else for help, we just find a way to do it,” he said.
Before the virus outbreak, Toshua’s store usually receives delivery of stocks through Alaska’s ferry system from the local Costco. But the operation of the ferry stopped when the pandemic came and the storms damaged the city’s dock severely.
Because of that, the people were worried about the supply of food and other necessities dwindling. Toshua and his team just can’t let that happen, so they took action, thus the weekly long boat trips.
“The town needed to be supplied with groceries so we just did whatever it took to make that happen,” Toshua told CNN. “Just another day in our world.”
When the weather gets bad during a trip, they turn around and stay in Juneau until it’s safe again to travel.
“No reason for panic buying. Our supply chain may be occasionally delayed but it’s holding,” Parker posted a photo on Facebook of the supplies for “ToshCo” as what the residents in Gustavus fondly call his store. “We’ve got you covered Gustavus!”
Although Toshua is getting a lot of praise for what he’s done, he said his employees are the real heroes.
Source: PEOPLE

Heroes
Kind Hearts Shield Convertible From Pouring Rain! [Video]

Quick Smiles:
- Four benevolent souls rush to the aid of a stranger’s convertible soaking in the sudden rain, bringing smiles to all who witness.
- Using a pop-up tent, these unsung heroes ensure the car is shielded, showcasing a spontaneous act of kindness and community spirit.
- This heartwarming scene rekindles faith in humanity and serves as a wonderful reminder of the goodness residing in people’s hearts.
There’s a certain kind of magic in witnessing spontaneous acts of kindness, especially when they unfold amidst unexpected storms.
In a moment caught in a TikTok video, we see the world becoming a bit warmer, a bit kinder, as four empathetic individuals rush to the aid of a convertible caught in the unrelenting rain.
We might not know who the owner of the convertible is or why their roof wasn’t up, but what we do know is the compassion and community spirit that filled the air as the rain poured down.
It’s a delightful scene, witnessing these kind souls, strangers to the car owner, springing into action to shield the soaking car.
In a display of teamwork and kindness, they bring over a pop-up tent, meticulously ensuring it’s stable and securely placed over the car. Every careful adjustment, every thoughtful touch, encapsulates the essence of human connection and shared responsibility.
While it’s probable the car had suffered some damage, the considerate efforts of these kind hearts unquestionably made a difference.
In a world teeming with haste and individual concerns, witnessing such unprompted acts of generosity and care is indeed refreshing. It’s moments like these, where kindness is the hero, that bolster our faith in humanity, reminding us that the spirit of altruism and compassion is alive and well.
This uplifting incident is a beacon of hope and inspiration, gently nudging us to look around and extend a helping hand, to add a sprinkle of kindness in someone’s day.
After all, the essence of life is intertwined with the moments of goodwill we share, the smiles we spread, and the hearts we touch.
Isn’t it wonderful to realize that the world is still full of people willing to go that extra mile to spread joy and alleviate discomfort? It’s these endearing acts, these gentle whispers of kindness, that truly make the world go round, creating a symphony of love and compassion for all to hear.
So here’s to the kind souls who protect and care, who spread love without a second thought. Let’s follow in their footsteps and color the world with kindness, one thoughtful act at a time!
Cute Animals
Golden Buddies’ Sun-Filled Day of Play Spreads Joy and Smiles! [Video]

Quick Smiles:
- Golden Retrievers, Oatmeal and buddy, bring laughter and light with their delightful playdate in the park.
- A viral TikTok clip captures the furry friends embarking on various adventures, from splashing in puddles to a friendly game of chase.
- This heartwarming moment reminds us of the simple joys of play and friendship, echoing the importance of socialization and health for our four-legged companions.
Isn’t it delightful to see our fuzzy companions frolicking in the sun, playing chase, and splashing about in mud puddles?
We find a piece of pure, unadulterated joy in a playful moment caught on a TikTok video by @goldenchilaquil, featuring two adorable Golden Retrievers, including one named Oatmeal.
Their wagging tails and ecstatic greetings set the tone for a day filled with happiness and simple pleasures.
Amidst the sun’s gentle warmth and the park’s vibrant green, our golden buddies engage in amusing escapades, each one brimming with joyful zest.
For our lovely fur-babies, much like us, socialization is a key aspect of a fulfilled life. Interaction with their furry peers not only helps them learn appropriate behavior and essential life skills but also fosters a sense of confidence.
Regular social engagements not only ward off feelings of anxiety and depression in our pets but also mitigate the chances of destructive behavior.
Active play brings along myriad health benefits as well. Remember the joyous splashes in the puddles? That swimming is a superb low-impact exercise, aiding muscle development and promoting joint health.
Even the sheer act of running around the grassy expanses can do wonders for their cardiovascular health and keep those extra pounds at bay!
But it’s not just about fun and games. Oatmeal and his charming friend share activities that are therapeutic, enhancing their physical and emotional well-being. In the act of digging and running, they find moments of stress relief and joy.
In our fast-paced lives, we sometimes overlook the simple joys. The laughter and happiness radiating from Oatmeal and his friend serve as gentle reminders to step out and relish in the unabated joy of play and companionship.
A sun-filled day in the park, a wagging tail, a splash in the puddle—sometimes, that’s all the therapy we need, to paint our lives with the colors of joy and happiness.
Let’s take a cue from our golden buddies. Let’s slow down, embrace the warmth of the sun, the laughter of friends, and the sheer delight of living in the moment. After all, a happy heart and a joyful spirit are timeless treasures!
Smile
Jersey Man’s Free Lawn Care Spreads Joy Nationwide [Video]

Quick Smiles:
- Brian Schwartz, a big-hearted New Jersey man, mows lawns for free, bringing relief and joy to seniors, the disabled, and veterans.
- The nationwide movement, “I Want To Mow Your Lawn,” has sprouted international roots, with over 500 volunteers actively brightening lives in 46 states.
- Beyond lawns, Brian’s team spreads happiness by aiding in sustainable garden planning and tackling various yard tasks, leaving a lasting impact on communities.
A Sprout of Kindness
In the heart of New Jersey blooms a tale of joy and compassion, where Brian Schwartz’s resilient spirit and generous heart have cultivated a garden of happiness for many.
After facing job loss, Brian didn’t succumb to despair; instead, he decided to pull-start a nationwide movement to automate and scale kindness, radiating positivity in the world.
“I want to mow your lawn,” declares Brian, his commitment resonating so genuinely that it has even earned a trademark!
His volunteering journey began as a beacon of support for seniors, the disabled, and veterans, helping them with lawn care, hedge trimming, and tree cutting—all without charging a penny.
Sprinkles of Fulfillment and Unity
“Every lawn mowed is not just grass cut; it’s relief provided, a burden eased, and a community strengthened,” Brian shares with radiant warmth.
Helping individuals like Edna, a devoted teacher, or Peter, a D-Day Veteran, isn’t just a service; it’s an embrace of fulfillment, a whisper of encouragement, making every task incredibly rewarding.
Brian’s initiative, “I Want To Mow Your Lawn,” has blossomed beyond borders, with like-minded organizations in Australia, the UK, and Canada joining in.
Over 500 volunteers across 46 states have now become the agents of change, sprucing up over 2,000 lawns and weaving threads of unity and care in communities worldwide.
The Legacy of Love
Behind this canvas of kindness is Brian’s late father, a symbol of pride and encouragement, who believed deeply in Brian’s vision.
“The notion of him looking down with pride, knowing that we’re making a tangible difference, is a powerful driving force,” says Brian, his eyes gleaming with a mixture of remembrance and joy.
It’s not merely about helping the immediate community but also about nurturing the values and principles of the next generation, like his young son, Dylan, who absorbs the essence of their noble work.
Sustainability and Lasting Impact
Brian’s endeavors don’t just stop at lawn mowing. He’s steering people towards more sustainable garden planning, introducing innovations like rock gardens, native gardens, and environment-friendly equipment.
Brian’s collaboration with major equipment makers and partners like Project Evergreen and Raising Men Lawn Care Service amplifies his impact, making every lawn a canvas of joy and sustainability.
Surprisingly, “I Want To Mow Your Lawn” also advocates for “No Mow May,” a petition emphasizing the importance of untouched lawns as vital food-producing havens for pollinators during spring, which has garnered substantial support.
Spreading Joy Beyond Lawns
Peek into the organization’s YouTube channel, and you’ll see the smiles aren’t just limited to greener lawns. Whether it’s piles of leaves, snow, or ice, Brian and his merry band of volunteers are on a mission, spreading cheer and solving problems, leaving no lawn unloved.
This cheerful journey, sprouting from a simple desire to make a positive impact, paints the world with strokes of kindness, unity, and love, showcasing that the simplest acts can sow the seeds of widespread happiness and hope.
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