While flooding on the Mississippi looms large on the American consciousness this week, the news wasn’t all bad. Check out these heartwarming stories:
- Year-old northern fur seal PeeWee takes his first steps toward freedom after two months of rehabilitation at the Island Wildlife Natural Care Centre in British Columbia. (CBS News)
- After 22 years in college — taking one class a semester while raising her family — Carmen Gomez graduated from University of Southern California along with her son Allen on Friday. (KABC-TV)
- Next month, Dave Wilfsen is set to start a 9,300-mile cross-country trip on a 74-year-old tractor to raise $200,000 for disaster relief and food services. (Huffington Post)
- Massachusetts Senator John Kerry has introduced new legislation to Congress — the “Reconnecting Youth to Prevent Homelessness Act” — intended to help prevent homelessness among young LGBT people. (Center for American Progress)
- Early last week, “NBC Nightly News” featured a story on Detroit Dog Rescue, a charity organization with only $40 left in its coffers. Within one day of the report, the group raised more than $30,000 in donations. (Huffington Post)
- The much-discussed hat worn by Princess Beatrice at last month’s royal wedding is hitting the eBay auction block to raise money for two charities, UNICEF and Children and Crisis. (Boston Globe)
- As Japan continues its recovery in the aftermath of March’s devastating earthquake and tsunami, one lingerie maker is trying to do its part — producing garments with messages of encouragement printed on them. (Reuters)
- Britney Spears emceed a charity event in Beverly Hills this week that raised $200,000 for New Orleans families. (AOL Music)
- A Scottish university student has designed a unique new way to solicit donations — using coin-powered robots. (Huffington Post)
