Acts of kindness in tough times

In the season of giving, Americans are Making A Difference in big and small ways. NBC’s Kevin Tibbles has more.

BRIAN WILLIAMS, anchor: Despite all our troubles these days, from all over the country stories are coming to us about the random acts of kindness that happen this time of year, and it reminds us what this time of year is all about. And so tonight, NBC 's Kevin Tibbles has tonight's MAKING A DIFFERENCE report.

KEVIN TIBBLES reporting: This Christmas , Good King Wenceslas would be proud. When unemployed plumber Alan Jacquez lost his wallet, he lost the money for rent and his daughter's gift. Cue the good Samaritan of San Jose .

Mr. ALAN JACQUEZ: I broke down in tears and gave her a big hug, and she comforted me and said, ' It's OK , it's OK.'

TIBBLES: Kathy Silva , a single mother and also seeking work, found the $ 1300 , returned it and refused any compensation.

Ms. KATHY SILVA: I didn't feel like I needed a reward for just returning something that belonged to someone else.

TIBBLES: Jim Jordan lost his home to foreclosure in Costa Mesa , California , and his 40-year tradition of putting up a Snoopy lights display was in jeopardy, so the town stepped in to host the festivities outside city hall. In the Carolinas , 200 packages containing pearls were tucked away here and there with the message "Finders keepers!!!" from HG Pearls. A Christmas treasure.

Unidentified Woman: I think this is the season for giving and it's good for the people.

TIBBLES: But in hard times there's always need. This Salvation Army center in Chicago wants to give toys to 1200 kids, but so far there are only 200 to give. A secret Mrs. Santa in Michigan asked who was buying toys on the layaway plan and then paid the bill anonymously.

Ms. MARY CHAPIN (Received Layaway Gift): I thank her. It's the best gift that I ever received, and it's the gift of believing in people, you know, and believing that there's good out there.

SANTA CLAUS: How about you?

TIBBLES: And in Columbia , South Carolina , Santa asked the three Miles children what they wanted.

Unidentified Girl #1: My daddy.

TIBBLES: A precious Christmas surprise from the Middle East was delivered