Today is Labor Day.  Traditionally this is viewed as the last weekend of summer.  Torrence and Thurman Thomas spent their summer hanging out at the pool.  Sounds pretty relaxing for a couple of young men, but they did much more than sit in the sun.  They dedicated their time to an important cause.  Teaching kids…Read more »

Sesame Street and the IRC, International Rescue Committee, are partnering to bring comfort, education, and joy to Syrian refugee children living in dire circumstances.  This is just the beginning of the joy as there are plans to expand the program globally.  Click the first link below for an introduction to the program.  Click the second link to…Read more »

Is COVID-19 stressing you out?  One Alabama principal recognized that students, teachers, and parents are all stressed out by the reopening of schools during the pandemic.  Dr. Quentin Lee, principal at Childersburg High School, decided to bring some levity to these heavy times.  The school’s website states, “We take COVID-19 very seriously, but wanted to…Read more »

Today’s story is about a man who put his new skill of sewing to good use. Brian Travers, a former doctor, lost his hearing in 2002.  Since then, he has relied on lip reading  to communicate with those around him. He decided to make masks with a clear window to help the deaf and those…Read more »

Many families have been home all summer.  Staying safe by staying close to home.  So, how do you pass the time?  The mom in today’s Story of Joy took her kids on adventures via sidewalk chalk.  Sidewalk chalk?  Yes!  It’s a great story with beautiful artwork and a beautiful message of paying it forward.  Click…Read more »

Never underestimate the power of mentorship.  This story shows that gift first hand where one young man’s experience led to him paying it forward.  It illustrates the beauty of when we give things like time and wisdom it can lead to receiving joy and knowledge…mentor and mentee teaching and learning from one another.  Click the…Read more »

You remember that old back-to-school essay question . . . What did you do over the summer?  Most students won’t have much to write about after months of staying at home because of the pandemic, but Thomas F. Khairy has something to say.  He had an article published in the prestigious New England Journal of…Read more »

This COVID-19 patient’s recovery was arduous, but his care team was there every step of the way.  The messages they left on his window were encouraging.  After he recovered, he was able to leave them a message of gratitude.  A huge thank you to all the doctors and nurses who give selflessly to help the…Read more »

Teachers didn’t get to finish out last school year like they planned.  They’re not starting this school year in the classroom with their students.  Yet, teachers find a way to reach their kids.  This teacher usually has a publication party for her students.  Every year she has a stuffed animal created to be an exact…Read more »

On Monday we brought you the story of child prodigy and jazz musician Matthew Whitaker.  Today we’re bringing you the story behind the story.  Katy Textor was the producer of the story, but she died before the story was completed.  In today’s Story of Joy, her friends and co-workers remember her and the dedication and…Read more »