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Thank You, Stranger

Has someone ever taken you by surprise by doing something kind that made your day a little easier? Your life a little fuller? Our series, “Thank You, Stranger,” looks at those special people and their impact.

More from Minnesota Now with Cathy Wurzer

Minnesota Now full show and segments | Connect the Dots | Vital Signs | State of Democra-Z | Professional Help

Thank You, Stranger: ‘Every single second I have with them is a gift’

Thank You, Stranger: ‘Every single second I have with them is a gift’

In our series Thank You, Stranger, we hear about small acts of kindness that have a big impact. This time, MPR News producer Ellen Finn talks with New Brighton’s Elizabeth Naylor about a last trip with her son, who is nicknamed “G.”
by Nina Moini and Ellen Finn

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Instead of spending money on Black Friday, Northfield teen spreads gratitude

Instead of spending money on Black Friday, Northfield teen spreads gratitude

Nika Hirsch was 6 years old when her dad was diagnosed with cancer. She asked her mom why people went crazy for Black Friday instead of giving back during Thanksgiving. So she took it upon herself to do 100 good deeds, which later became a global effort of kindness.
by Ellen Finn

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'They saved our day:' How strangers came together to pull off a wedding after venue shut down just 11 days prior

'They saved our day:' How strangers came together to pull off a wedding after venue shut down just 11 days prior

It’s any couple’s worst nightmare, less than two weeks to your wedding and then all the sudden you have no venue. That's what happened to a Minnesota bride and groom. The bride turned to TikTok for help, racking up 6 million views.
by Ellen Finn

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Thank You, Stranger: A bucket list after a cancer diagnosis, with help from strangers

Thank You, Stranger: A bucket list after a cancer diagnosis, with help from strangers

Our “Thank You, Stranger” series is about the people who come into our lives and lend a little support, maybe make our days a little brighter. This one focuses on a woman who started building a bucket list after finding out she was sick — and leaned on hundreds of strangers for their help.
by Cathy Wurzer and Ellen Finn

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She rapped with Ludacris at the State Fair, TikTokers helped make sure she would be able to cherish it

She rapped with Ludacris at the State Fair, TikTokers helped make sure she would be able to cherish it

Alex Campbell turned to TikTok in hopes that someone recorded her rapping with Ludacris. She racked up more than 9 million views and plenty of videos of her to remember the moment forever.
by Ellen Finn

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Thank You, Stranger: A barista never knew one regular's name, but years later reconnected in a special way

Thank You, Stranger: A barista never knew one regular's name, but years later reconnected in a special way

Moriah Stephens was a barista at Caribou Coffee for more than eight years in St. Louis Park. More than 10 years after hanging up her apron, she was having coffee when she ran into a regular and reconnected.
by Cathy Wurzer and Ellen Finn

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Thank You, Stranger: In northern Minnesota, a man’s motorcycle broke down in the exact right spot

Thank You, Stranger: In northern Minnesota, a man’s motorcycle broke down in the exact right spot

Matt Stanton’s motorcycle broke down in rural northern Minnesota. His bike stopped right in front of the only driveway for miles. And the man who owned that house, couldn’t have been the more perfect stranger to help him out.
by Ellen Finn

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A stranger stole a young Twins fan’s signed baseball, then a group of strangers made it right

A stranger stole a young Twins fan’s signed baseball, then a group of strangers made it right

For this week’s installment of Thank You, Stranger, we hear about a mystery baseball thief — and a quest to make things right for an 8-year-old Twins fan.
by Cathy Wurzer and Ellen Finn

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