10 Touching Acts of Kindness at the Boston Marathon

In the 24 hours since the Boston Marathon bombings, amazing stories of kindness have also emerged.

From the first responders who ran fearlessly toward the smoke to the Bostonians who opened their doors to stranded runners, the Internet has found solace in reading and sharing the firsthand accounts of people who stepped up to help in a moment of tragedy.

We collected 10 examples of the kindness displayed during the aftermath of bombings. If you've seen any other stories worth sharing, please post in the comments below.

1. Joe Andruzzi

Former New England Patriots offensive lineman Joe Andruzzi carried a woman from the scene of the blast. He later released a statement that read:

"Marathon Monday should be about uplifting stories, personal challenges and fundraising milestones, but today's bombings irrevocably changed that. While I appreciate the interest in hearing our perspective on today's horrific events, the spotlight should remain firmly on the countless individuals — first responders, medics, EMTs, runners who crossed the finish line and kept on running straight to give blood, and the countless civilians who did whatever they could to save lives. They were the true heroes. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all those affected by this senseless tragedy."

2. Carlos Arredondo

Carlos Arredondo, whose son died in Iraq, rushed toward the smoke following the explosions to help the injured. According to the Washington Post, Arredondo used the training he'd received as a fireman in his native Costa Rica to assist victims by creating makeshift tourniquets.

 

 

3. The man with orange juice

Boston resident giving us orange juice and offering a bathroom to use

 

 

 

 

 

4. The volunteer who jumped into action and shared his experience on Reddit

Redditor "Zadmxm" shared his story of rushing to help at the finish line. "To me, the possibility of getting injured is less important than the potential for helping others already injured," he shared on an AMA thread titled "IAmA 117th Boston Marathon Finish Line Volunteer."

 

 

 

 

5. The first responders

First responders

6. The woman who opened her doors

 

7. The volunteers who returned on Tuesday to help runners collect their belongings and medals

 

8. The local businesses that welcomed people

El Pelon Taqueria twits:

*Open wifi, place to charge your phone cold drinks, or just don't want to be alone- both stores regular hours

*Humbled by all the comments and my staff who didn't blink when asked and gladly served everyone who came through - they are my family

 

 

9. The people who offered their homes on a Google Doc

 

Kind folks also offered pizza.

 

 

 

 

 

10. The blood donors

NBC Sport Network twits:

*Reports of Marathon Runners that crossed finish line and continued to run to Mass General Hospital to give blood to victims

American Red Cross twits:

*Thanks to generosity of volunteer blood donors there is currently enough blood on the shelves to meet demand.