VENTURA, CA – November 14, 2025 – โA Ventura family experienced a heartwarming โขpost-Halloween surprise โฃat a local park yesterday, sparking a โฃwave of nostalgic generosity for one columnist.Whileโฃ enjoyingโค a casual afternoon, the family was approached byโ a stranger touched by their visible joy, prompting a simple act of kindness that resonatedโ deeply.
The encounter unfolded as the family – two young daughters, their parents, and a third child on the way – enjoyedโฃ a relaxed afternoon in a park. The girls were observed โขplaying catch with their father, tag with their mother, and generally โreveling inโ childhood fun.
Columnist Woody, witnessing the scene, was transported back to memories ofโค his own children at similar ages. โคThe moment triggered a recollection of a past act of kindness received during a โฃfamily vacation. Years ago,โฃ while dining at โan Italian restaurant, their meal โคwas anonymously paid for by two elderly gentlemenโ who simply wanted to brighten a young family’s day.
Inspired,Woody attempted to โreciprocate theโฃ gesture,wishing he could haveโ covered the cost of a treat for the family at the โpark. Unable to do so,he insteadโข shared โคhis admiration,learning the sisters are incredibly close and โeagerly anticipating the โขarrival of โa sibling.
As Woody departed, the girls โcheerfully wished him a nice day, a sentiment he readily returned, noting his day had already been made brighter by their presence.
The experience โprompted Woody to highlight his ongoing “Woody’s Holiday Ball Drive,” currently accepting donations of new sports balls through December 8th. Balls can be โคdropped off at Sanbell, 1672 Donlon St. in Ventura, 93003, or delivered โคvia online orders. Donations and acknowledgements can be coordinated via email at woodywriter@gmail.com.
