Random acts of kindness happen all the time. It’s especially touching to witness one this time of year.

On Friday morning, a young mother with two small children in tow was in the Gloucester General District Court clerk’s office. The woman was in tears, facing the threat of eviction over a debt. She told the deputy clerk at the counter that she had settled most of the debt, with only $46 outstanding and she just didn’t have that until she got paid.

An older woman was in the clerk’s office at the same time on some unrelated civil matter. She attempted to console the obviously distraught young mother and told her to stay put for a minute.

Soon after, the older woman returned with a pair of checks in her hand, one for the $46 to meet the young mother’s immediate needs and a second, which she postdated until she was due to receive her monthly disability payment early next month. “Don’t cash that one yet, or we’ll both be in jail,” she said, and both women chuckled.

There was n...