Money was tight for Ronda Roberts, and she told her kids they would need to wait until her next paycheck before they could buy backpacks for school. Then a woman flanked by two granddaughters turned to her.

She told them about a free backpack giveaway at Dr. James Pitt's dentist's office on Curlew Road that Friday. As the Robertses left the store, one of the granddaughters ran to them. She had $40 in her open hand. Ronda told her they wouldn't need it. They kept walking.

But the woman wouldn't accept no.

Every day, people are making a difference in the Tampa Bay area: getting groceries for a sick neighbor; giving a bonus or day off to workers at a small business; visiting an elderly person who lives alone. How about a business performing a free tire repair for Cindy B. Smith or the story of a stranger paying $800 to save cancer patient Tammy Horsley's dog.

The opportunities for goodwill are seemingly boundless. We would like to share with readers the many ways that people, randomly, selflessly, take the time and effort to help others. Do you have a story about someone who goes beyond the call of duty? E-mail your tale to kindness@sptimes.com; make sure to include your name and phone number. Or share your story here and let us know if we can contact you.