Nov. 13 is World Kindness Day, and a perfect opportunity to commit random acts of kindness and give greater focus to being kind to everyone in your life. But why stop at just one day? The holiday season is a great time to reflect on all that you have, everyone you are thankful for and to give back.
Here are 10 things you can do on World Kindness Day and throughout the rest of the year.
1. Pay it forward in the coffee line.
Buy coffee for the person in line behind you. This usually starts a whole wave of giving and brightens someone’s day.
2. Call a friend or family member you haven’t seen in a while and catch up.
Everyone appreciates a call that lets them know someone has been thinking of them.
3. Help a neighbor with their chores.
Rake leaves, bring back empty trash cans, shovel a snowy path or driveway, or clear snow off a buried car.
4. Leave a generous tip if you’re eating out.
Waitstaff aren’t always appreciated for all they do. Give your server a nice surprise by going beyond the standard tip.
5. Wrangle up some donations.
Make It Better hosts Warming Hearts and Hands each year. We collect new blankets, outerwear and donations for homeless or underserved families. You can also donate to a charity thrift store, Goodwill or the Salvation Army.
6. Feed someone else’s parking meter.
Give someone a few extra minutes when they’re out and about.
7. Send a nice letter.
Handwritten letters are a bit old school, but people really appreciate the time you take to write, even if it’s just a short message.
8. Cook for someone else and do the dishes.
Everyone loves a home-cooked meal — but no one likes a kitchen full of dishes. Handle both and your guests will be happy.
9. Offer a person your parking spot.
It can be trying driving around a crowded parking lot or searching for parking on the street. If you see someone looking, let them know when you’re headed to a great spot.
10. Make a purchase in Shop For Good.
Ten percent of your purchase will go to benefit a local nonprofit. In November, proceeds will go to Raise the Stage. In December, the Make It Better Philanthropy Award winners will benefit.
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