With the new year here, I am challenging myself, to commit one random act of kindness a week for 2015! Want to join in on the fun? I’ve got a list of 34 ideas for acts of kindness to get us started!
Take some extra canned goods to the food bank
Add some change to a parking meter about to expire
Let someone in front of you when there is heavy traffic
Say ‘Bless You’ to a stranger who sneezes. Offer a tissue if you can.
Support local restaurants when you eat out and tip generously
Support your friends and family by attending an event with them, even if it isn’t something you like
Pay for the person behind you at the coffee shop or drive thru
Read to the elderly, or just volunteer at a nursing home
Tell the manager at a store or restaurant when you have gotten great service
Have special talents, like sewing, cooking or fixing things? Share your gifts with someone that can’t pay
Write a thank you note and mail a care package to a service man or women over seas
Leave extra change at the Laundromat
Give a donation at the animal shelter to cover the adoption fees for an animal in need
Just smile at people!
Say thank you to the harried clerk at the grocery store
Surprise a friend with a gift card in the mail
Give your leftover gift card to another shopper in line
Thank a veteran
Give out at least 3 compliments a day
Donate to a disaster relief fund
Knit a scarf, or make a blanket to donate or give to a friend
Volunteer at the local animal shelter
Organize a toy drive in your neighborhood
Donate old sports equipment so a child will be able to play
Bring a treat into work to share with your coworkers
Adopt a family in your community for the holidays
If you are able, leave a bigger than normal tip for the hard-working waiter or waitress
Leave a positive message on a sticky note on a mirror in a public restroom
Send a care package to someone in college
Have a garage sale and donate the funds to your favorite charity
Take a meal to someone who is ill or elderly
Use coupons to stock up on essentials and donate them to a homeless shelter
Send flowers to a friend who could use a little cheering up
I’ve already dropped a few notes with gift cards in the mail for some friends that could use a little pick me up. This week I am hoping to pay for the person behind me in the coffee shop. Have you done any random acts of kindness this year? What is your favorite idea?
Such a lovely goal. I think my favorite is paying the adoption fee for a pet at a shelter. Thanks for the inspiration!!
Great idea! Small acts of kindness are the only gift I know of that grow with the giving. The ripple effect is amazing to watch, and be a part of. Well done, you!