In Sycamore, Illinois, nine-year-old Ethan Wargo turned an ordinary summer afternoon into something extraordinary when he set up a “compliment stand” outside his house. Inspired by a storybook character who ran an insult stand, Ethan decided to flip the idea and hand out kindness for free, because, as he says, happiness shouldn’t cost anything. At first, only a few neighbors stopped by, but once his dad posted about it online, people began showing up in droves. Ethan greets each visitor with questions about their day and offers heartfelt, personal compliments that light up faces and spark laughter. Many return again and again, bringing tips or encouragement, while his twin sister sets up beside him selling artwork. Together, they’ve even bought a mini-fridge for their shared lounge from the tips. What started as one boy’s small act of kindness has grown into a joyful community ritual, reminding everyone who passes by that a simple word of encouragement can be even more refreshing than lemonade on a summer’s day.
Stories of Joy 