Sometimes social media genuinely helps people in need, like the American mother of an autistic girl who’s fast growing out of her favourite t-shirt.
The mum from Utah, Deborah Grimshaw, made an appeal on Facebook for help finding the floral tee that daughter Cami has worn for almost five years.
She explained that Cami changes into the top after school: "It brings her a lot of comfort and security, which is sometimes hard for her to come by in her chaotic little world."
Deborah has scored a few more t-shirts on eBay but Target has discontinued the line that gorgeous little Cami is "fixated" on.
She pleaded: "This is where you come in. We need another 'pink flower shirt', so will you please share this post or even just the photo?
"We will pay for the shirt and the shipping if someone would be kind enough to sell it to us."
She noted: "It has to be this exact shirt! We’ve tried similar shirts, and they don’t cut it with Cami! :) Thank you so much!! (any size is great!)"
Thousands of sympathetic readers shared Deborah’s original message over 4,000 times and posted the appeal on the Love What Matters page, where it went viral with over 13,000 shares.
And Deborah posted an update this week to thank people for their overwhelming support - even Target has pledged to help.
"I made this post a week ago in the hopes of finding a few shirts for backup.
"At last count, we are at 78 shirts, and I’ve had many offers to make her teddy bears, pillows, blankets, and other keepsakes out of the extras.
"These are all total strangers. People are inherently good and kind, and I’m glad I’ve been able to be a recipient of that kindness."
Last year, we shared another uplifting story about how little acts of kindness can change a child’s life. An autistic boy, Timothy, was given a special invitation to attend a boy’s birthday party early so he could play on the bouncy castle.
We hope these stories and Deborah’s Facebook appeal encourages more people to use social media for good.
Have you received support from online followers when you really needed it? Tell us on Facebook or via Twitter (@CloserOnline).
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