13 People Helped Others to Survive the Polar Vortex, and It Warmed Our Hearts
People
02/21/2019

The recent winter storms have caused people of all walks of life to experience cold temperatures and storms they never could have imagined. However, the polar vortex has also become a time when people showed kindness and the power of the human spirit to others in need.
We at Bright Side know these heartwarming stories of kindness during the polar vortex will make your day. Don’t forget to check out our bonus feature where we give thanks to those who’ve helped.
1. This police officer rescued and eventually adopted a kitten trapped in the snow.
2. This “Wall of Love” in Cleveland is made up of bags of winter care packages left for people who need them.
3. These firefighters in Iowa helped deliver a baby during the storm...and even helped shovel the driveway.
4. This woman named Candice Payne helped 100 people find shelter during the storm in Chicago.
5. This teenager helped his mother deliver medication with a snowmobile.
6. According to this Reddit post, a woman left food outside during the polar vortex in order to help local squirrels find food during the storm.
7. The Muscatine City Hall staff in Iowa handmade blankets for homeless shelters during the Christmas season to help the Muscatine Center for Social Action.
8. A man in Toronto went viral after shoveling a major road by himself to help release stuck cars.
9. This Wildlife Rehab Center in Michigan went into overdrive to help local animals, including opossums that were frozen to the sidewalk.
10. An 11-year-old girl from Los Angeles raised over $60,000 to help Chicago’s homeless during the polar vortex.
11. The Willis Dady Homeless Shelter and The Cedar Rapids Library in Iowa extended hours to help those in need stay out of the cold.
12. Volunteers helped rescue a dog named Woody that went missing during the polar vortex across different states.
13. This Reddit user took in a little bird who couldn’t fly off the sidewalk so he could rest by the heater.
Bonus: Here’s a shout-out to all the firefighters who risked their lives to help during this storm.
Do you know any stories of people who showed kindness during the polar vortex? Let us know!
Preview photo credit Platteville Police Department / Facebook
Comments
Get notifications
Related Reads
A Girl Born Without Nose, Who Was Called “Voldemort”, Proved Everyone Is Beautiful in Their Own Way

Family & kids
11/22/2023
12 Stories of Animals Showing Love and Empathy Beyond Boundaries

Animals
06/02/2026
12 Moments of Kindness That Show How Wisdom and Compassion Bring Hope and Happiness to Heavy Hearts

People
06/30/2026
12 Moments That Remind Us We Are Born to Light the World With Compassion

People
05/09/2026
10 Times Quiet Kindness in a Family Became the Light Nobody Saw Coming Even When Everything Felt Broken

Family & kids
05/05/2026
10 Tiny Moments of Mercy and Compassion That Even Witnesses Were Moved to Tears By

People
06/11/2026
I Refuse to Speak to My Mother After She Said These 6 Words at My Wedding

Family & kids
05/24/2026
10 Moments That Prove Sweet Kindness Still Lives in the People Around Us

People
06/03/2026
10 Times When a Coworker’s Kindness Meant More Than Any Promotion

People
06/06/2026
12 Real Stories of Kindness That Prove True Generosity Never Needs Recognition

People
06/26/2026
11 Touching Stories of Animal Kindness That Prove Love Has No Species

Animals
05/24/2026
12 Moments That Inspire Us to Choose Forgiveness and Wisdom, Even When Loneliness Feels Overwhelming

People
06/22/2026




