Giving

Inside 1 man’s journey from homelessness to successful business owner

U.S. Coast Guard veteran Stefan DeArmon found himself in a tough position after moving home to care for his aging parents. Faced with homelessness, his saving...

Giving Tuesday: 11 simple acts of kindness that families can do together

Giving Tuesday is the perfect time to reach out and make someone's life better.

This #GivingTuesday, make J.J. Johnson's short rib pie to share with others in need!

Chef J.J. Johnson, who works with the No Kid Hungry campaign, drops by the TODAY kitchen to show Al Roker how to make a short rib pie.

Omni Grove Park Inn National Gingerbread House Competition

These over-the-top gingerbread creations are worth big bucks — and they're totally edible

Looking for a little holiday crafting inspiration? Check out the winners of this year's National Gingerbread House Competition.

Global Girls Alliance: Learn more about the program, how you can help

The former first lady wants to help take action in support of girls education.

Shawn Mendes, Janet Jackson and more to perform at the Global Citizen Festival

The festival returns on September 29, 2018 with a star-studded lineup.

‘One America’: Small town welcomes thousands of refugees with Southern hospitality

The city of Clarkston, Georgia, is a destination for international refugees that packs 40 nationalities speaking 60 languages into the town's 1.4 square miles....

Teacher's dying request honored with backpacks filled for needy kids

The final wish of a retired teacher before she died from cancer was fulfilled at her funeral with donations of backpacks and supplies for needy students.

Teen helps man who is blind and deaf on flight: ‘It’s just something you do’

One passenger called it a "beautiful reminder" of the good in the world.

Abandoned puppy labeled ‘free’ in permanent marker finds new home

Marvella has brighter days ahead of her!

Bride's bouquet toss helps her brother pull off surprise engagement

A bride used her bouquet toss to help her younger brother surprise his girlfriend with an engagement ring at her wedding reception.

'Thankful' shelter dog saved from euthanasia snuggles rescuer during car ride home

Gregory, a 2-year-old beagle who had been scheduled to be put down, couldn't keep his paws off his savior on the way home.

Nobody wanted this dog with an unusual face until she saw him (and fell in love)

Beau Tox, a sweet yellow Lab with a sunken cranium and close-set eyes, has a new lease on life thanks to a compassionate animal lover.

Cat walked 12 miles to get back to his family, and they tried to euthanize him

Toby the cat walked 12 miles back to his original family after they gave him away, but they still didn't want him. Now he's found a new, loving home.

103-year-old woman gets sweet birthday surprise: a cat in need of a home

Lillian Grant received a precious gift for her 103rd birthday after losing her beloved cat, Sammy, over a year ago.

Meet the Neighbors Helping Neighbors — and learn how you can help

There are plenty of ways you — and your family — can volunteer in your neighborhood

See 96-year-old volunteer get a heartwarming surprise from Al Roker

As our Neighbors Helping Neighbors series continues to spotlight people making a difference in their communities, TODAY's Al Roker heads to Buffalo to meet...

This California chef feeds hungry kids in need

As our Neighbors Helping Neighbors series continues to spotlight people making a difference in their communities, TODAY's Sheinelle Jones sits down with chef...

How horseback riding changes the lives of kids with special needs

Launching Neighbors Helping Neighbors, TODAY's Jenna Bush Hager heads to the Sunnyside Equestrian Center in New Jersey, where a volunteer mom has gotten involved...

Courtesy of Perry Martin and Doreen Poreba

Missing cat reunites with owner after 14 years in ‘fairy tale’ ending

When Perry Martin received a phone call from his veterinarian telling him that his missing cat was alive, he was shocked. Thomas Jr. had been lost for 14 years....

Shelter workers slow dance with dogs and cats waking up from surgery

The dancing, singing and cuddling help shelter animals feel safe, loved and calm as they wake up from anesthesia.

Smiley the blind therapy dog may be gone, but here's how his legacy lives on

Smiley died in October after battling cancer, but his family is doing all they can to keep his legacy alive, starting with a blind puppy rescue and a statue....

‘Stranger Things’ stars cheer up kid after classmates fail to attend birthday party

Millie Bobby Brown and Gaten Matarazzo tweeted support for Aaron Alambat after his classmates didn't show up for his "Stranger Things"-themed birthday party....

Want to surprise a volunteer and support their cause? Tell us about them!

TODAY is looking to shine a light on a dedicated volunteer whose work is making a difference and bringing happiness into others' lives.

Puppy whose snout was tied up is ‘still wagging, trying to kiss everybody’

Despite the cruelty inflicted on her, Emerald is a happy dog who loves people. Law enforcement is looking for help finding who hurt the 9-month-old puppy.

Chick-fil-A cashier surprises regular customer with kind gesture

A Chick-fil-A cashier from Lubbock, Texas went above and beyond to return $3 to one grateful diner.

Austin Animal Center/Sarah Jurgensen Throop

After heartbreaking separation, man and pit bull have joyous reunion

Lewis Jimenez adopted Titus from a shelter but had to return the dog as his breed became increasingly unwelcome at his apartment complex. Now, they're reunited....

‘Heartbroken’ man is giving away engagement ring in touching contest

Steven Crocker is turning a broken engagement into something positive, by offering a free engagement ring to a couple "so in love" who can't afford it.

Knox County Humane Society No Kill Animal Shelter

Shelter provides dogs with big, comfy chairs to make them feel at home

Chairs that would otherwise end up in the trash are getting a second life helping shelter dogs feel at home until they get adopted.

This dog was returned to the shelter for being ‘too nice.’ We think she’s perfect

Helena is what's known as a "Velcro dog" who always wants to be close to the ones she loves.

This dog’s beloved toy was discontinued, but a caring stranger saved the day

Jaxon only loves one toy: a green plush alligator with big eyes and two pointed teeth. When PetSmart discontinued it, the dog's owner panicked.

Parents' inspiring paint job helps students 'look for joy' in school

Students at an Arlington, Texas, school were surprised and excited to find their bathrooms decorated with inspirational quotes.

This dog could no longer eat normally — so her family built a special high chair

Daisy's family worried she'd never adjust to eating and drinking in the dog-shaped high chair that her dad and brother made. They're no longer concerned.

Amal Clooney is in awe of 'courageous' Parkland school shooting survivors

The high-profile attorney joins other celebs who have donated and spoken out in support of the students.

7 ways to directly help the students and families of Parkland school shooting

If you feel inspired to support the victims' families or those healing from their wounds, there are concrete ways to help.

Man wrongfully incarcerated for 38 years leaves prison with puppy he raised

Malcolm Alexander spent decades in prison for a crime he didn't commit. With the Innocence Project's help, he went home — along with a dog named Innocent.

‘Grateful’ shelter dog holds hands with woman during car ride to foster home

Kim Mozena Rezac decided to take Regan home from the shelter after the dog's previous owner died. The animal "held" her hand for the whole 2 1/2-hour drive....

Facebook / Friends of Vance County Animal Shelter

Watch these shelter dogs beautifully transform when an officer sings to them

Chad Olds, an animal control officer, used to be a professional musician. Now, he's using his creative talents to serenade dogs at a North Carolina shelter....