19 Of California's Most Touching Acts Of Kindness In 2019

CALIFORNIA — Have you been touched by a random act of kindness this year? Perhaps it was a stranger buying your Starbucks, or someone holding the door for you on your way into a store. It turns out, Californians have done some incredibly nice gestures for each other this year.

From rescuing kittens from the freeway to helping a high school coach diagnosed with cancer, we know how to take care of each other (and our furry friends) in the Golden State.

Here are California's 19 most touching acts of kindness in 2019:

1. Firefighters Rehang Fallen Flag At Home Of Kincade Fire Evacuee

The patriotic act of kindness touched the Windsor resident, a U.S. military veteran who wasn't sure if his home would still be standing.

2. Fans Rally For Special Needs Pooch Whose Wheels Were Stolen

Violet is "perfectly imperfect," says her foster parent and Camp Cocker Rescue. After her form of mobility was stolen, she needs more help.

3. Watch: Subway Singer Meets Cop Who Changed Her Life

She was the homeless subway singer. He was the cop who got the world to listen.

4. Stolen Ashes Returned To Husband After Monrovia Burglary

A Monrovia man came home to an unmarked package waiting for him on his doorstep. A glass heart containing his wife's ashes was inside.

5. Pleasanton Woman Soothes Dying With Sweet Lullabies

Barbara Monsler has spent the last 10 years singing melodies at the bedsides of those in their final hours of life.

6. 'Freeway Kitty' Rescued By CHP In Riverside County

The little fluffball was scooped up from the median after being spotted by an officer and is recovering from its ordeal at Animal Services.

7. Student Loses Hand In Accident: Marin Community Rallies

Fundraiser underway for Luke O'Heidhin, a senior at Sir Francis Drake High School in San Anselmo, whose hand was severed over spring break.

8. Friends Pitch In To Keep East Bay Bookstore Running

As the owner of a bookstore recovers from emergency amputation, friends —and friends of friends— have stepped up to keep his business going.

9. 'Overwhelming Turnout' For Santa Rosa Food Drive, Distribution For Kincade Fire Evacuees

Donations were being accepted Friday at the Santa Rosa Fire Department Training Tower on West College Avenue.

10. Cop Babysits An 8-Month-Old During A Family's Medical Emergency

The Suisun City police officer recently had an emotional reunion with the family and offered to babysit for them again — anytime.

11. East Bay Woman Recognized For Saving Elderly Neighbor From Fire

The Contra Costa County Fire Protection district this week presented Samantha Barnhouse the Carnegie Hero award.

12. Community Rallies Around Palos Verdes Coach Diagnosed With Cancer

Palos Verdes High School basketball coach Brian Edelman was diagnosed with Stage 4 colon cancer.

13. Lost Leg Lands In Good Hands As Sonoma Deputy Returns It To Owner

A Marin County man lost his prosthetic leg skydiving but has it back thanks to a Sonoma sheriff's deputy and employees of a local business.

14. Donated Surgery Helps Uninsured Napa Man Live Without Pain

Surgery to remove kidney stones provided at no cost through Operation Access and St. Joseph Health partnership.

15. Tiny Homes, Big Heart: Houses For Camp Fire, Kincade Fire Victims

A NorCal woman who lost her own home to a wildfire recalls the kindness shown to her. Now she's returning the favor by gifting tiny homes.

16. The Night CHP Helicopter Crews Spared 42 Lives From Fire

A Napa-based CHP flight officer recalls the harrowing night, and the moment he and the pilot knew exactly what they needed to do.

17. Napa Boy Who Paid Classmates' Lunch Debt Visits RI State House

Ryan Kyote, 10, of Napa, spoke about childhood hunger and lunch debt before touring the Rhode Island State House.

18. Why This UC Davis Student Advisor Is Paying It Forward

Elvira Galvan Hack, who grew up in Dixon, was a single parent and high school dropout — until something happened that changed her life.

19. Woman's 90th Birthday Wish: New Police Dog For Santa Cruz

Instead of birthday gifts, Joanne Parker's pals pulled together $2,700 — which was donated to the SCPD K-9 fund.