Its Cool to be Kind: 20 Ways to Perform Random Acts of Kindness
National Random Acts of Kindness Day is observed in the United States on February 17th. The day originated in New Zealand where it is celebrated on September 1st and is recognized by others on various days throughout the year.
The Random Acts of Kindness Foundation is a non-profit organization that believes in spreading kindness throughout schools, communities, and homes. Their mission is to use the power of kindness to change the way people see and experience the world.
Kindness starts with one – All it takes is one small act to completely change someone’s day and start a ripple effect for others to do the same. Here are a few ideas to get the ball rolling:
- Pay for the person behind you at the drive through
- Hold the elevator or door
- Purchase extra dog or cat food and take it to your local animal shelter
- Donate to a charity, every dollar helps!
- Give your server an extra-large tip
- Compliment someone in front of others
- Smile at a stranger
- Donate gently used clothing to the less fortunate
- Cook a meal for a friend
- Send anonymous flowers to someone
- Help a neighbor mow the lawn or take out the trash
- Babysit for free
- Call your parents or grandparents
- Plant a tree
- Wash someone’s car
- Make dinner for a family in need
- Let someone go in front of you in line
- Send books to sick children in the hospital
- Walk a neighbor’s dog
- Bake cookies for a friend
Acts of kindness can feel just as good to give as they are to receive. Even though Random Acts of Kindness is celebrated on specific days, going out of the way to be kind to others should be done every day of the year.
“Spread love wherever you go. Let no one ever come to you without leaving happier.” – Mother Teresa
Use the hashtags #RandomActsOfKindnessDay and #CaptureKindness to post on social media!