Just when I feel like I'm losing hope in humanity, something always manages to restore my faith in people, like this story: A former Los Angeles entertainment lawyer did the kindest deed most people wouldn't do–give up his home to a family in need. Tony Tolbert, a 51-year-old professor at UCLA, met Felicia Dukes at a local women's shelter where he learned that she was struggling to support her 4 children.
Tolbert is no stranger to random acts of kindness, and told the shelter that he wanted to donate his house for a year to Dukes and her family. Meanwhile Tolbert moved back home with his mother as the his home's new inhabitants settled in.
This story is simply amazing! The fact that this man just gave up his home for this family is truly the most selfless thing I've ever heard. It sure helped that he had a great example to learn from growing up too!
According to the New York Daily News, Tolbert's kind heart stems from home as his father was always willing to spare a room to those in need. His dad's thoughtfulness influenced him in many ways. "It planted the seed that that's something you do, take care of other people who are in a position where help is needed," he told the newspaper.
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Tolbert is also studying Tibetan Buddhism, a religion which encourages people to be generous in order to received good karma. He hopes that his gift encourages others to do good deeds, and meanwhile is beginning to adjust living at home with his mother. Meanwhile, the Dukes could not be more overjoyed to be together again as a whole family.
You don't have to be super rich to do something generous and Tolbert encourages others to do the same. "A lot of us have something to offer that can help make a contribution to someone else's life," he said. "A lot of us forget that we can actually make a difference."
I couldn't have said it better myself! The Dukes family is so lucky that they met an individual as kind as Tolbert. Not many people would be willing to give up their homes to a stranger–let alone a whole family. I hope others do become influenced by Tolbert's generosity and continue to pay it forward.
Image via CBS News
