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United Way Blog

Five Random Acts of Kindness

February 14-20, 2016 is Random Acts of Kindness Week. Today, do something spontaneous to be kind to someone else! Not sure where to start? Here are a few ideas...

  1. Do your neighbor a favor! Maybe they could use a hand shoveling snow, or maybe you could offer to babysit their kids for a night for free. It doesn't cost anything and would certainly brighten their day.
  2. Buy a stranger coffee. The next time you're in line at the coffee shop, make someone's day by offering to put their's on your tab.
  3. Sign up to volunteer. There's nothing quite like giving your time to help someone in need. Maybe it's helping out at a homeless shelter, maybe it's tutoring kids at school near you. In every community there are wonderful people who just need a little of our help, do you have the time to meet them?
  4. Clean out your house and make a donation to a local charity. If you don't need it, chances are someone else might. Many organizations likely near you collect used but in good condition clothing and other household items.
  5. Make a donation to your local United Way. In every community, we're working to make sure that all people are able to live a good life. But we need money to fuel this engine, and your generosity and kindness is what makes that possible.

Last week, United Way of Washington County in Maryland asked people to commit a random act of kindness on February 11 (2-11 Day) and share what they did online. The campaign was a huge hit in their community (and a great way to promote 2-1-1, too!) So if none of our ideas struck a chord, peruse some of the ideas on this page. I guarantee your heart will swell a few sizes just reading the stories!

Remember: acts of kindness don't have to be random. They can also be regular and intentional, of course. Volunteering with your United Way is a great way to make kindness part of your every day life. Contact your local United Way to find out how or search volunteer openings through our website.