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.