Compassion. It’s not just a word. It’s a way of being. It’s not just a concept. It’s love in action.
--Jeff Brown
Like the Random Acts of Kindness or the Pay It Forward movements, Do Something Nice Day encourages people to make another’s day a bit brighter. If everyone were to share a smile, write a quick note, or give a compliment just once a day, the world would be a far brighter place. This October 5, we’re sharing 25 unique ways to celebrate the occasion and spread kindness:
- Leave an encouraging message in a library book.
- Text a friend to let them know of your gratitude for them.
- Leave a tip for your barista.
- Leave a note or some snacks for your mail carrier or delivery person.
- Drop a bouquet of flowers or some cookies off for an elderly neighbor.
- Visit an assisted living facility or nursing home.
- Call your grandparents.
- Send a “just because” greeting card to anyone!
- Buy a bouquet of flowers and split them up. Give flowers to a variety of people and make their day!
- Donate clothes (old or new) to Goodwill or a local charity.
- Pay for the person behind you in the drive-through.
- Bring your favorite person their favorite coffee order at work.
- Write a note to a senior citizen or a veteran.
- Donate $5 to your favorite charity or a GoFundMe that catches your eye.
- Pick up litter on the bike trail.
- Carry a cheap umbrella to give to a stranger in need.
- Hold the door - even if the next person is pretty far away
- Ask a neighbor if you can mow their lawn.
- Invite your neighbors for a barbecue.
- Research a volunteer position that you are passionate about (reading in elementary schools, playing with shelter animals, etc.)
- Compliment a classmate or coworker.
- Check-in on someone you haven't heard from in a while.
- Pack bags with granola bars, toiletries, and nice notes to give to those in need.
- Carry in groceries for an overwhelmed neighbor.
- Read a book about exceptionally kind people (we even have a list for you!)
- Florence Nightingale
- Mister Rogers
- Mother Teresa
- Martin Luther King
- Harriet Tubman
- Princess Diana
- Nelson Mandela
- Jane Goodall
- Michelle Obama
- Bob Ross
- Steve Irwin
Natalie Varker is a part-time page at the Crestwood Library and a full-time student at Saint Anselm College in Manchester, NH. She is studying elementary education and is especially passionate about child growth and development, special education, and children’s literature. Her free time is spent reading, watching, and talking about her favorite rom-coms.