Michigan’s 7 most heartwarming news stories of 2025
It’s easy to get bogged down by sad news, but there are still heartwarming tales to unearth in Michigan. Here are 7 of our favorites from 2025.
Let’s face it: There aren’t a whole lot of uplifting stories in the news these days. You don’t have to be a political buff to realize that things are a little, well, bleak out there—but we’re swooping in to add a dash of cheer to your daily doomscroll. We’ve already shared some of the most inspiring acts of kindness from around Michigan in 2025, but now we’re adding even more happy moments to the mix with a roundup of the most heartwarming news stories of the year.
We could all use a little extra joy this season, and these seven news reports from throughout the Great Lakes State will certainly leave you smiling.
1. Michigan woman takes turtle safety to heart
In May, the Detroit News profiled a Swartz Creek woman named Kim Powell, whose claim to fame is somewhat unconventional: She’s helped hundreds of turtles cross the road. And no, that’s not the setup for a dad joke. Powell is simply an animal-lover who has witnessed one too many turtles being hit by cars when they emerge during the spring and cross streets in search of sandy areas to create nests and lay eggs.
It’s a skill she learned from her father, who taught her how to safely usher the creatures across the roadway—and Michigan’s Department of Natural Resources is grateful for good samaritans like Powell, especially as three native turtle species in the state are threatened.
2. Union City police officers adopt abandoned kittens
Here’s a story so heartwarming that we simply had to feature it twice: once here, and once in our roundup of kind acts from 2025. In November, officers from the Union City Police rescued and adopted two adorable kittens who were found abandoned outside their building. The soft and cuddly kitties, affectionately named Ellis and Ezra, are now unofficial mascots for the police department—and they’ve brought plenty of cheer to the folks who work there.
3. Michigan WWII veteran completes one final act of service
In October, WWII veteran Chuck Leman of Metro Detroit died at the incredible age of 101. Leman’s life was one filled with service, from his time as a prisoner of war after sustaining battlefield injuries to his years of work as an urban planner in the Motor City. Loved ones describe him as humble and quiet in his acts of kindness, and these traits were evident even after Leman passed away.
Shortly after his death, one of his three children received a call from Gift of Life asking if the family might be interested in donating Leman’s skin tissue to help burn victims. In alignment with Leman’s wishes, his family agreed, and his gift could now help up to 75 patients in need of skin grafts or other burn treatments. It’s the ultimate sign of selflessness—even in death.
4. Missing cat returns home after three years
If you’ve ever lost a pet, you know how agonizing it can be to await their return. You might spend hours combing the neighborhood, leaving out cans of food or shaking treat containers. And there’s nothing more heartbreaking than realizing your four-legged friend might be gone for good. That was the experience of a Michigan woman whose fluffy grey cat, Snack Wrap, seemingly disappeared for good three years ago.
But back in May, Snack Wrap was spotted in a McDonald’s parking lot and brought to the Lenawee Humane Society. It wasn’t long before Snack Wrap’s owner noticed a social media post about him from the Humane Society—and a joyous reunion occurred. It’s unclear where Snack Wrap was for those three years, but now he’s home to stay.
5. Viral campaign helps Michigan veteran retire at 88
Army veteran Ed Bambas is 88 years old, but he still reports to work at Meijer five days per week. Bambas spent his working years at General Motors and was set up for a healthy retirement—but the company’s 2012 bankruptcy cost him his pension. It also cost Bambas’ health insurance, which meant he had to sell his home to care for his ailing wife before her death seven years ago.
Earlier this month, Bambas was approached by an internet personality named Samuel Weidenhofer during a checkout shift at Meijer. Weidenhofer interviewed Bambas about his story and set out to help Bambas reach his retirement goals. Within days, a GoFundMe established by Weidenhofer had raised more than $1 million for Bambas—undeniable proof that the power of community is alive and well in the Great Lakes State.
6. 300 volunteers help move books to new bookstore location
Here’s another story that earned a mention in our roundup of kind acts from 2025. We’re so charmed by it that we simply had to give it a second shoutout. In the charming town of Chelsea, residents banded together—quite literally—to help move more than 9,000 books from one bookstore to another physical location down the street.
Serendipity Books needed a creative solution for transporting its inventory without breaking the bank last spring, so they put out a call for local volunteers. More than 300 Chelsea residents showed up to help, forming a human chain and making quick work of the undertaking. When all was said and done, it took just under two hours to transfer (and alphabetically organize!) Serendipity’s inventory from one space to another.
7. Michigan man creates safe haven for senior dogs
Older pets often face challenges when it comes to adoption. It’s common knowledge that many families opt to adopt younger, seemingly healthier cats and dogs from their local Humane Societies or shelters, leaving senior pets with fewer chances to be adopted. One Michigan man decided to take action in support of senior dogs—and it’s become his passion.
Tom Pappas of Ottawa Lake established Dirty Paws Agape Haven on his family’s 19-acre property, transforming it into a safe and healthy location for senior dogs to live out their final days surrounded by love, fun, and peace. Pappas works with shelters throughout the Midwest to connect with adoptable senior dogs, then brings them to Dirty Paws to live among 20 other four-legged friends. Pappas, a cardiologist by trade, says his goal is to offer senior dogs dignity and quality of life during the last stage of their lives. We’re not crying, you’re crying.
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