【推荐2】I’m 62 now and always planned to volunteer with older people when I retired. I knew there was such a big gap in the care and support this generation receives and I found the thought heartbreaking-no one should have to feel lonely and stuck at home.

Since I started volunteering three years ago, my team of volunteers have set up seven groups in our town. We host tea parties for those aged 75 and older who live on their own and regularly provide support, friendship and companionship for the most isolated older people in the community.

Working with my older neighbors is rewarding. To hear their stories and the hardships they have overcome is inspiring. I feel like I’m making a positive difference to the lives of older people by sharing my time with them, helping them stay active and social and making it clear to them that they are valued by our community.

As an area coordinator (协调人), I also help recruit(招募) and manage volunteers, without whom none of the work would be possible. So many go above and beyond what’s asked, giving their time, energy and kindness, just because they care. I’ve found so much enthusiasm from people wanting to make the lives of our older neighbors better, and they are a constant source of inspiration for me.

I’ve met so many amazing people from all walks of life (各行各业). It’s one of the best things I’ve ever done and it has enriched my life so much. I will keep focusing on reducing loneliness and isolation among the elderly and helping older people enjoy the old age that they deserve.

【推荐3】My friend Jason and I wanted to do something to help other people who are less lucky and help us grow at the same time. After we decided that we would volunteer in Nepal, I did some surveys on the Internet and I found an organization called Volunteer(志愿者) Nepal and felt strongly that it was the right choice for us.

While making our plans, Jason and I realized that others might like the chance to be a part of our experience. So before leaving for Nepal, we asked the people we know whether they would be interested in donating(捐赠) money or goods to Nepal Orphans Home.

One friend, whose family owns a shop called Drake Supermarket, told others about it. Many people wanted to donate something. We received donations that filled 29 boxes with sporting goods, toys, coloring books, pencils, children's books, and more, The boxes were later taken to Drake's warehouse(仓库) where I prepared them for shipment. Drake agreed to ship them to Nepal for free .

The boxes had arrived at the Volunteer House when we arrived there. The next day, Jason and I opened the boxes. The children from the orphanages(孤儿院) stood in a line and were able to choose a gift. This took about an hour, but the looks on their faces and the happiness that we saw in their eyes made it one of the best days of our life.

We visited the orphanages there in the following days. Being with the children at the orphanages was both sad and wonderful. I’m sure that anyone who has volunteered will understand what I mean by that. My experience as a volunteer was very useful. It has changed me as a person and the way I viewed life in the past.

【推荐2】Life began in Hawaii in 1985 for musical celebrity Bruno Mars. His dad, Pete, was a percussionist (打击乐手) and his mom, Bernadette, was a singer and dancer, so it seemed natural that Bruno would one day become a musician. At age 4, Bruno officially joined in a show, and audiences adored him. That early introduction to show business helped him develop confidence. He says, “Performing from such a young age just got me so comfortable on stage. Growing up performing — that was normal for me.”

After graduating from high school, Bruno decided to move to Los Angeles to pursue a music career. It wasn’t easy, though. He was used to performing regularly as a musician in Honolulu, Hawaii. But LA’s competitive atmosphere was nothing like that in Hawaii. “It’s not like in movies, where you walk into a record company and you’re given all these great songs. You have to write what the world is going to want to hear. I learned that the hard way here in LA,” Bruno said.

Though the enticement to give up was great, he never did. Bruno found that he could make money and become established by writing songs for famous singers. In 2010 Bruno caught a lucky break when he was asked to record one of his songs. It rocketed to the top of the charts. That same year he released his first original solo single, Just the Way You Are, which also hit number one. The song’s success brought Bruno instant fame and star status.

Since then Bruno Mars has received numerous music awards and honors. He has sold more than 130 million records, making him one of the best-selling artists ever. Many of his fans and peers consider him a musical genius and one of the world’s best performers.

【推荐3】The doorbell rang, and a few minutes later, to her complete astonishment, Elizabeth saw Mr. Darcy walk into the room. He hurriedly began to ask how she was, and she answered with cold politeness. He sat down for a few minutes, and then getting up, walked around the room. Elizabeth was surprised but said nothing.

After a silence of several minutes, he came towards her and said. “I have struggled with my feelings, but without success. You must allow me to tell you how much I admire and love you.”

Elizabeth, who was unable to believe what she heard, stared, blushed, and was silent. Her silence encouraged him to speak and tell her about his strong feelings for her. He spoke well, but unfortunately, he did not speak only of his love for her, he also made it very clear that he did not consider that her family was good enough for him. He explained that it was only because she herself was so unusual that he had decided to ask her to marry him.

In spite of her powerful dislike for him, Elizabeth at first felt sorry that she was going to cause Darcy pain. Then, as he continued to insult her family, she began to feel angry. When he at last finished speaking, she said, “I believe that in a situation like this, the lady is supposed to thank the gentleman. Unfortunately, I have no desire to thank you, as I have never wanted your good opinion. I am sorry to have to cause you pain. However, I never meant to do so, and I am sure you will soon forget me.”

【推荐1】Our hero’s origin story started this past February in the Perine family living room in Birmingham, Alabama. Austin, a 4-year-old boy, and his father, Tad Perine, were watching a program on Animal Planet about a mother panda leaving her cubs. “I told him that the cubs would be homeless for a while,” Tad says. “Austin didn’t know what homelessness meant, but he was sad and wanted to know more.”

Seeing this as a teachable moment, Tad took Austin to the Firehouse Ministries, a local shelter that provides housing, food, and other services for homeless men. As they drove by the redbrick building, they saw a group of 25 homeless men standing on the street corner. “Dad, they look sad.” Austin said. “Can we take them some food and make them smile?” That day, Austin used his allowance to buy each man a Burger King sandwich and handed the food out himself. Seeing what their presence meant to the men at the ministry, Austin and Tad returned the next week.

After he returned every week for five weeks, word of Austin’s acts of kindness spread through social media and national news outlets. Burger King jumped aboard, agreeing to donate $1,000 a month for an entire year toward the cause. Soon, churches and shelters across the country began inviting Austin to come to distribute food in other areas. Whereas before Austin and Tad could feed 25 to 50 people at a time; now, thanks to corporate and community support, they can feed 800 to 2,000 people at once.

As for Austin, he continues to give out food, smiles, and his inspirational message of love. “It makes me feel like I’m saving the day.”