Here are 20 moments that made 2020 worth surviving:One of the first North Texans to receive donated plasma from a COVID-19 survivor got to meet the man who made the life-saving gift. Two best friends who were born on the same day and at the same hospital found themselves back where it all started. A man and an elderly woman in Hawaii became good friends after he helped her get home from a food drive. A local student turned heads after she earned over $1 million worth of scholarship offers from various universities around the country. What were your top moments in 2020?

DAYTON, Ohio – An Indiana mom got the sweetest of surprises after a FedEx driver noticed her son ’s basketball hoop was looking rough, Storyful and WLWT reported. In a Facebook post, Coledo Cleo Wheeler said she and her husband came home from work when they noticed a brand new basketball hoop and a new basketball with an instruction manual. Come to find out a random act of kindness had happened in our home,” she wrote on her Facebook post. He knew exactly who Aubrey was," Wheeler wrote, “He started crying." In an update, she wrote that she came home to sandbags to place on the base of the basketball hoop.

Something as simple as a walk and a wave turned into so much more in one community. Every morning and afternoon, even when it rains, 94-year-old World War II veteran Oley Dotey walks outside his care facility in Woodstock, Georgia, sometimes even five miles in a single day. He started the hobby after he lost his wife of 72 years. During his walks, Oley also waves at people, including a group of school bus drivers who invited him to school. Oley says he’s grateful that his walker still moves so he can continue to bring joy to everyone.

The best buddies from Louisiana were seperated when they were rescued after Hurricane Laura. Now, they’re finally back together. Whisper, a hearing-impaired Shepard mix, was one of several dogs and cats brought to the Houston SPCA after Laura. When a team from the SPCA looked at the pooch’s paperwork, they saw she was already bonded to another dog named Sassy. Unfortunately, Sassy had been taken to a rescue in Fort Worth, so the Houston SPCA got to work to reunite the pair.

HOUSTON – Take a look at how Precinct 4 constable deputies made one Houston boy’s birthday a memorable one. Precinct 4 deputies Derousse and Marroquin attended a very special parade for Trace, who just celebrated his 8th birthday. the department shared videos wishing him a Happy Birthday. As you can see, Trace was all smiles. If you see good news happen in your neighborhood, please share it with KPRC 2.

James was on Alabamas most wanted list. She was arrested more than 16 times, often by Officer Terrell Powers. Officer Powers was in need of a kidney. If you asked me to give you a list of 100 people that would give me a kidney, her name would not been on that list, Powers said. Its like shes another daughter, I mean shes just a part of us.If you see any good news in your area, share it with KPRC 2.

CHICAGO A group of teens in Chicago is growing a small business selling fresh fruits and vegetables in whats known as an inner-city food desert. Its a place where liquor stores outnumber grocery stores seven to one. The kids even tore down a liquor store to create it. The name of the business, Austin Harvest Market, is located on Chicagos west side, which has seen a lot of protests and crime. The kids got help from former Chicago Bears linebacker Sam Acho, who assisted with startup costs and financial advice.

Our health reporter Haley Hernandez announced Tuesday she is pregnant with baby number two! 2020 has been full of clouds ☁️ but we can see our silver lining coming in 2021 💙💗 Thanks to everyone who knew it wasn’t just the quarantine 15! 😆🤰🏻 Posted by KPRC2 Haley Hernandez on Tuesday, September 1, 2020“2020 has been full of clouds but we can see our silver lining coming in 2021,” Haley said in a Facebook post Tuesday. “Thanks to everyone who knew it wasn’t just the quarantine 15!”Her son Travis is very excited to be a big brother. Haley shared a cute photo of him in a shirt that reads, “Does this shirt make me look like a big brother?”Haley also shared a photo of her baby bump.

NEWARK, New Jersey For a bride, the most important thing on her wedding day, besides the groom, is her wedding dress. Narolin Cepeda nearly didnt have hers for her big day earlier this month after her mother accidentally forgot it while rushing to catch a plane at Newark Airport. Her younger brother, whos a physicians assistant, immediately emailed TSA but got an automatic reply that said responses take five days. Fortunately, a TSA administrative assistant saw the email, went looking for the luggage and sent it overnight express to Ohio. The TSA worker said she put herself in the brides shoes and could only imagine how stressful it would be to find out her dress got lost the day before the wedding.

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. A 109-year old woman from Chattanooga received a high honor from the University of Tennessee for her birthday. Halie Forstner was a freshman at the college in 1930 but had to leave after one year, due to financial reasons. The university chancellor and the head of the History Department surprised Forstner with an honorary college degree, and a certificate that made her honorary president of the schools history club. Its such a surprise and just a plain little girl from the mountains and having all this happen to me. Its wonderful, Forstner said.

A Kansas mother and her daughter battle the coronavirus together and won. The women now get to leave the hospital together and go home. Kathryn Bouman was hospitalized in Junction City more than two weeks ago and was struggling with coronavirus symptoms. The two were placed in rooms around the corner from each other and they used Facetime to see how they were recovering. Days later, they were ready to leave together.

A duo came together to create a Happy Hour that helps to bridge the racial divide. Two men named Marcus and Ben set up lawn chairs and invited the neighborhood to join them during the pandemic. The two friends put up a simple sign that reads: Black or white, relax and come have a beer.The driveway moment gained momentum with tens of millions of likes on social media and even a gracious delivery of beer from their new super fan country singer Brad Paisley. If you see or hear of good news happening in your neighborhood, tell us so we can tell the rest of our viewers.

During these difficult times, an 8-year old in South Carolina is doing what he can to help others. Greyson Winfield can be seen giving through his organization called Helping Footprint.Greyson collects donations that are then used to buy gift cards for food or to help pay bills for families. The young man mows lawns for busy first responders and single mothers. Greyson says he wants to make the world a better place and work towards becoming like former President John F. Kennedy. He also wants to be a Navy Seal.

In the worst of times, a 7-year-old and 73-year-old are becoming the best of friends. The coronavirus cut both of them off from the life they are used to and led to some loneliness. The unlikely duo was set up to be pen pals by the senior living facility where the man is a resident. Kinda helps with the more solitude life we have now. And I bring some joy to her, and she does to me, Gary, 73, said.

HOUSTON A Harris County Precinct 4 Deputy Constable is proving that his heart is bigger than his badge when he provided food and household items for a 90-year-old woman in desperate need. Deputy Galvan, with the Harris County Precinct 4 Constables Office, found the woman in a desperate condition during a welfare check, according to a post on the agencys Facebook page. The woman had no food or money to buy groceries. Today, Deputy Galvan with Constable Mark Herman's Office responded to a... Posted by Mark Herman, Harris County Constable Precinct 4 on Thursday, July 30, 2020Because of her urgent situation, Galvan went to the grocery store, and bought food and household items. The good deed has gathered positive reactions on Facebook, with some fans of the agency offering to help the woman in need.

HILL CITY, South Dakota A 16-year-old Wisconsin teen had his dream come true-- and its all thanks to the Make-a-Wish Foundation. Andrew Struensee was diagnosed with a cardiac condition and has been in and out of hospitals throughout his childhood. With help from Make-a-Wish, South Dakota, Andrew got to ride on the famous 1880 train from Keystone to Hill City. Andrew and his family took a tour of the engines, met with the conductor and rode in the front car. For more good news, sign up for our Something Good newsletter.

INDIANAPOLIS An Indianapolis woman is able to walk again after divers recovered her prosthetic leg from a reservoir. A fire department tactical team happened to be doing underwater exercises in the area and offered to help find it. After almost an hour of searching, a diver was doing a final pass when he found the prosthetic leg 20 feet down and 100 yards from shore. The leg is made of titanium and carbon fiber and is worth about $20,000. Gillum says shes very grateful the divers came to her rescue.

MOLENA, Ga. – A family in Georgia is asking for your help to wish a very special member of their family Happy Birthday. Helen Mangham is turning 105 years old in August but her big birthday bash where more than 100 friends and family members were invited had to be canceled. Mangham’s family said she loves receiving mail and she also loves collecting cards. If you’d like to send her a card, you can mail it to Pam Vickers at 257 Wallie Rd., Molena, Georgia, 30258.

A 12-year-old Nicaraguan boy started his own business to save money for a computer to attend online classes. Mario Urroz says he's been using his mother's cell phone to do homework ever since his school closed due to the coronavirus. With money being tight, Mario decided to start selling cacti. Mario buys them from a local farm, puts them in colorful painted pots and then sells them on social media. Mario is hoping to have enough money to buy a computer by December.

A 6-year-old boy in Wyoming is being hailed as a hero for saving his sister from a dog attack. Bridger Walker jumped into action when a German Shepherd mix charged toward his 4-year-old sister. Bridger’s family says while he was shielding her, the dog leaped and latched onto his cheek. Hathaway said, "I'm not an Avenger, but I know a superhero when I see one!" The Walker family says they’ve also heard from Mark Ruffalo, Tom Holland and Hugh Jackman.

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. Sometimes the best in people come out during times of crisis. A man from Ohio decided to pay it forward while vacationing in Virginia Beach by giving a waitress a tip she'll never forget. When Dan Pew and his fiancee walked into a restaurant called Commune, waitress Aubrey Suykerbuyk could have never guessed how their interaction would end. When Pew was paying for the bill, he covered the cost of the meal and gave the waitress $650. Pew collected the money through a Venmo Challenge, where people donate money through Venmo and then it is given to someone as a surprise.

No matter how rich some celebrities are, many of them still have hearts of gold. Basketball legend Shaquille ONeal recently pulled over to help a total stranger after her tire blew out on the side of the interstate. The Alachua County Sheriff's Office caught the moment and posted the video online, writing "You never know what good Samaritan will show up in your time of need." He even stuck around with the woman until deputies arrived. Deputies thanked him for his help.

A senior care facility is making sure its residents and caregivers are still having fun during the pandemic. Robert Speker is an activities coordinator at a senior home in England that's been locked down for four months. He says its residents and caregivers have spent the time recreating classic album covers. Resident Shelia Solomons recreated one of Elvis Presleys album covers. One woman even worse a nursing outfit to recreate one of Blink 182s album covers.

QUEENS, New York A teacher in Queens, New York is using chalk to uplift the spirits of students at home. Jennifer Marino-Bonventre is drawing sidewalk art. She has recreated characters from several Disney films like Cars, Toy Story and Up. Jennifer is an English teacher -- not an art teacher -- so she was surprised when her art started getting attention. People have dropped off chalk, flowers and even signs to show their gratitude to her talent and for the hope it brings.

One woman is paying it forward in a meaningful and fitting way to people who are waiting in long, hot unemployment lines. She loads her car with cold drinks and snacks and passes them out to those who are waiting. Those in line say it is a real pick-me-up. “It’s very great for people to be bringing food and water because, for one, people have health problems,” someone in line said. Hubbert says she does it because one day while she was standing in the unemployment line, a woman brought her some water and something to eat.

HOUSTON A local couple is celebrating seven decades of love. Norbert and Ruth Brockens family said told KPRC 2 they are celebrating their 70th wedding anniversary on July 8, 2020. According to their family, the Brockens have been blessed with good health and continue to live in their home. The couple has a large family that consists of three adult sons and their spouses, numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. KPRC 2 would like to wish these lovebirds a Happy Anniversary!

LOS ANGELES One woman's life changed a year ago after she received a double lung transplant. Miriam Merianos was a healthy woman in her 40s when she got the flu. Her only chance of survival was a double lung transplant, but she was rejected by more than 20 hospitals. That's when a physician at Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center stepped in to help. Since then, Miriam has made many memories with her family, including welcoming her first grandchild and getting back to normal life.

HOUSTON – It was a sight to see in downtown Houston Sunday as people celebrated a World War II veteran. Decorated cars, trucks and motorcycles made a loud entrance to help honor Vincent Grenfell, Sr., who turns 99 on July 4 this year. This was a major milestone and one worth giving a major celebration for, so to help celebrate a little early, dozens of vehicles lined up and gave him an unforgettable surprise parade while singing “Happy Birthday.”Vincent has been a resident at a home for homeless veterans for six years.

One couple isn't letting the pandemic keep them from tying the knot in a celebration that may mean even more to the bride's mother. For the first time in months, it was supposed to be a date night out on the town. I was crying in the car and out of the car and then there was rose petals inside, Maggie Erickson said. Now, in the final stages of her own fight against stage four pancreatic cancer, Cathy couldnt be more proud of the young woman she raised. I know shes ready I just have to make sure Im ready, Cathy said.

A young girl is going viral after a video of her and her dad blew up on social media, and it will surely brighten up your day. In the video that was recorded last year, 8-year-old Brooke Monroe is singing loud and proud to Chaka Khan’s “I’m Every Woman” while her father, Cornell C. Conaway, keeps the beat. Brooke said her favorite part of being an internet sensation is making people smile.

IDLIB PROVINCE, Syria – There’s nothing like family but imagine not seeing yours for seven years. A volunteer group was able to help reunite a Syrian family recently, and there were pure tears of joy. Khaled Khalil had defected from the Syrian army in 2013 and fled to Lebanon. Khalil’s parents hadn’t seen him in seven years. Now, they’re just happy to be back together.

EDISON, New Jersey – Thousands of people have donated money to pay off a loan so three orphan brothers can stay in their house in Edison, New Jersey after they lost their mother. Imagine being just 18 and suddenly responsible for a home loan. when that happened, it appeared he and his two brothers would also lose this house. In a matter of months, it raised $210,000, which was enough to pay off the house. Anderberg said he's most thankful for the way these donations honor his mother who he says will rest easier knowing he and his brothers have a roof over their heads.

Muskegon, MI (WNEM) – A guy in Michigan celebrated his birthday over the weekend with texts and phone calls from hundreds of people. Greg Johnson, Pranked on Birthday: "I knew something was coming, 100%, but I was not expecting this cause he got me a couple days earlier," said birthday boy Greg Johnson. Greg, the owner of a fairly new car, was surprised to get a call from his dealership last week. When Greg picked up his car, the hood, the rear window, and both sides were covered in pictures. Happy 33rd birthday, Greg.

Fort Bend Independent School District student Derek Jiang, a rising senior at Stephen F. Austin High School, was named the grand prize winner of the 2019-2020 We the Students Essay Contest, sponsored by the Bill of Rights Institute. This go-around, the essay contest prompted its participants to submit essays explaining what civil discourse means to them. Essays were judged on the following criteria: adherence to the submission guidelines, originality, organization, writing style and depth of analysis. In his essay, Jiang used the friendship between Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg and the late Justice Antonin Scalia as an example of civil discourse. When asked on 60 Minutes how he and Ginsburg got along so well, Justice Antonin Scalia replied, I attack ideas.

GREEN COVE SPRINGS, Florida – A deputy in Clay County, Florida, responded to a false alarm at a family’s home last week. It all started when a deputy showed up to Jarvis Smith’s home because of a call from ADT, which ended up being a mistake. As the officer was leaving, Smith captured the moment the deputy stopped to play with his children, who were shooting some hoops out in the street. Smith said the interaction during these contentious times really touched him. It can be positive.”Smith’s Facebook video has been shared more than 1,000 times, including by the Clay County Sheriff’s Office.

History is repeating itself in West Virginia. Two best friends who were born on the same day and at the same hospital found themselves back where it all started. Now, their journey to fatherhood has taken on an amazing story and added an unbelievable twist. The births of their children also occurred on the same day: Sunday, June 7th. As for future gatherings like birthday parties, both of these fathers say that will be the icing on the cake.

WORCESTER, Massachusetts – A 7-year-old's new friendship with a police officer seems to be just what the country needs right now. It started when Worcester police officer James Conway was leaving a call and spotted the 7-year-old playing basketball in front of his house. The officer asked the child's mom if he could join in and the two hooped it up. “He’s over here making these long shots. I’m trying to put them in from like five feet away and he embarrassed me, I’m not gonna lie,” Officer Conway said.

MINNEAPOLIS, Minnesota There's good news about the great value of small gestures and the woman helping make life just a little sweeter for so many during these difficult times. In Minneapolis, Rose McGee is on a mission. She and volunteers are baking sweet potato comfort pies and delivering them to neighbors while offering a shoulder to cry on. She and her son loaded her trunk full of pies and headed there. Rose is now encouraging everyone to bake some pies from their kitchen and spread love in their own community.

Nearly three months later, there's been no end to the tales of good deeds we've found. Nearly three months later, theres been no end to the tales of good deeds weve found. I think now ... we could all use a little more kindness in our lives, Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney says. ___While nonstop news about the effects of the coronavirus has become commonplace, so, too, have tales of kindness. One Good Thing is a series of AP stories focusing on glimmers of joy and benevolence in a dark time.

HONOLULU (KITV) – Maria Arakaki, 97, used a walker to get to Aloha Stadium to stand in line for food on Tuesday. She was one of the thousands of people in line for the largest "Show Aloha Challenge" food drive to date. And it just made me cry right there I couldn't even help it," Mike Gangloff said. Gangloff said Arakaki offered him some cake and they sat and talked for about an hour. She told him she's never been to a food drive but on Tuesday she felt compelled.

A sweet video showing the son of an Illinois state trooper watching his dad leave for work is going viral. The toddler clearly does not want his dad to go. He was asking his dad for "one more kiss!" Since being posted to the departments Facebook page, the video has been shared thousands of times.

NEW YORK CITY – Protesters demonstrating against the death of George Floyd and hospital workers still battling the coronavirus expressed their mutual admiration on the streets of New York City. A crowd of nurses and doctors in protective equipment gathered outside NYU’s Perlmutter Cancer Center cheering as a group of protesters passed through the street. Many of the protesters can be seen applauding the hospital workers in return, with some shouting “thank you.”

A teenager in Florida uses her birthday to help feed the hungry in her community. This year, the pandemic posed some special challenges, but she still found a way to come through and help. Kennedy McCormick, 14, came up with a virtual food drive, complete with a piano recital from the birthday girl herself. her only request: donate to the charity “Feeding Tampa Bay.”"I would normally be busy with school and sports but this downtime has helped me to be able to think creatively about how I can help others during this pandemic,” McCormick said. If you see good news happening in your neighborhood, please share it with us so we can share it with our viewers.

We're used to seeing emotional reunion videos between people and their dogs and here's one that's just as emotional, but this man's best friend is a donkey. A man named Ismael Fernandez from Spain says he spent two months in quarantine and he was concerned that his pet donkey, “Baldomera,” would not remember him. The reunion was just as emotional for Baldomera. The man says during their two-month separation, they kept in touch via Facetime.

SAN LUIS ODISPO, California – Here's some good news to share with you. Those walks can be lifesavers for some people, and for one neighborhood in California, perhaps a chance for a little silliness. Maureen Salmon got the idea from the monte python skit "the ministry of silly walks." She posted a sign in front of her house asking passers-by to "commence silly walking immediately." If you see some good news in your neighborhood, make sure to share it with us, so we can share it with you.

HOUSTON – Here’s some good, heartwarming news for you, and it looks like a lot of fun. A video sent from KPRC 2 viewer Lisa Holder shows a couple of Harris County Precinct 5 constables getting into a confetti egg fight with some local kiddos. Holder said they’re always patrolling the area, and this isn’t the first time they’ve brought the fun to her neighborhood. Very appreciative and humbled by their sacrifice and dedication to the community.”We want to see all of the fun going on in your community as well. If you see any good news going on around town, make sure to share it with us.

LOUISVILLE, Kentucky – A person in Kentucky gave the gift of groceries. The anonymous donor paid for seniors’ food at three Louisville stores. Senior shoppers were told at the checkout that they did not have to pay anything. Others were grateful but said they didn’t need it, like shopper sue hill. but she promised to pay it forward.