On Sept. 10, my mom and I went to see Tim McGraw and the Black Eyed Peas at Point State Park. Although the concert was free, my mom won two VIP passes for space right up front. We could see everything!

As part of the program, Tim McGraw threw out several footballs to the audience. I tried to catch one, but I am only 11 years old and I am not very tall. I was a little bit sad because I am a big sports fan. It would have been great to have one of those balls.

A very nice man standing next to me must have seen how disappointed I was. I was really surprised when he handed me a signed Franco Harris and Rod Woodson Terrible Towel. This was so much better than any of those footballs!

I didn't get his name because I was so excited. I just wanted to thank him for making my day so special.

-- BROOKE NARR, Lawrenceville

I was recently touched by the kind actions of a stranger.

While recovering from recent surgery, I had dropped off my dog at the home of a relative for the day. About a half an hour later, much to my surprise, our beloved golden retriever was standing on the porch of our house with a woman I had never met before.

Apparently the dog managed to get out and was wandering around an unfamiliar neighborhood where there is a great deal of traffic. This kindhearted and wonderful person realized that our dog was lost and in trouble and took the time and effort to pick him up and bring him home, which probably saved him from getting hit by a car or lost for good.

My family and I are very grateful to this person, and it is nice and reassuring to know that there are people out there in the community like her.

BEN WINDSOR, Mt. Lebanon

My grandchild began choking on a piece of candy while in his car seat one day last month. I immediately stopped the car at the corner of the Fifth and Penn avenues in the East End.

I frantically removed my grandson from the car seat as I flagged down a motorist. Without a moment of hesitation he called 911 when he saw the toddler. Another man was leaving his office and came over to help me stabilize my grandson.

I wish to give many, many thanks to Matt and Scott for helping me during such a frightening situation. Unfortunately, the 911 operator was unable to determine our location despite good directions from Matt.

The choking episode was resolved by Scott and myself. However, the operator did volunteer to send paramedics to check the child, which at that point I declined.

Thank goodness for Good Samaritans in Pittsburgh. May God bless both of you.

SALLY BUSCH, Greenfield

Some say there is not much good in the world, and yes, it does seem that way in these times of terrible economic conditions.

However, we do really have more good than bad happening, if we try to think about it. These random acts of kindness help me restore my faith in humankind.

My mother and father-in-law, who are in their late 70s, are struggling with chronic health conditions. They like to get out once in a while to get some fresh air. They had lunch at Arby's in Monroeville. A very generous man approached them and handed them a $20 bill and said, "Lunch is on me."

Whoever this man was, we hope you read this, as we want to thank you for your random act of kindness. Be assured that you will be blessed abundantly for this kind gesture.

CHRISTINE GUERRIERI, Plum

Looking for more from the Post-Gazette? Join PG+, our members-only web site. You'll get exclusive sports content, opinion, financial information, discounts from retailers and restaurants, and more. Our introduction to PG+ gives you all the details.