Through our daily interactions, we have an opportunity to extend random acts of kindness in small or big ways to others.
Through acts of kindness we connect with others, transform communities, and ultimately change the world for the better.
Ways you can make this world kinder and more connected:
- Talk to children about what kindness looks like
- Hand out water on a hot day to those passing by on the Luce Line Trail
- Smile and make eye contact
- Hold a door open for someone
- Have a bottle of water to hand to a road construction worker on a hot day
- Send a thank you card to someone
- Volunteer for an event or organization
- Play a game or puzzle with someone in a senior living facility
- Welcome new people to the neighborhood
- Instead of saving a seat for someone, offer it to someone looking for a seat
Kindness is the language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see.
– Mark Twain
Kindness Initiatives in Hutchinson & Beyond That Are Waiting for You to Join In!
Hutchinson’s Annual Kindness Celebration Day on May 1
It’s a day to focus on doing things for others and practicing kindness. In most daily situations, being kind or responding kindly pertains to all ages, backgrounds, and viewpoints. People don’t need to sacrifice their beliefs or stop being passionate of their cause to be kind to each other. What can you, your family, church, or club, or sports team plan on this day?
Blessing Boxes
A simple way to show kindness is by stocking the Blessing Boxes that are popping up around Hutchinson. They are little freestanding food pantries where anyone can donate food and toiletry necessities, and anyone in need is welcome to take from the boxes. The mantra is “Take what you need, leave what you can, and–above all–be blessed!”
Kindness Revolution
This is a national movement to encourage and recognize random acts of kindness. The idea is to always wear a Kindness Revolution bracelet, and when you see someone do something kind for another, you give them the bracelet. To get your bracelets, stop by American Family Insurance-Bo Young.
Painting Rocks
Join hundreds of people of all ages who paint uplifting pictures and messages on rocks, then walk around town hiding them in random, public spaces for others to find. It is a fun activity to do on your own, with kids, or as a group. It’s an inclusive activity that is solely meant to brighten someone else’s day. This is an activity with national appeal, so don’t be surprised if you find a rock while traveling. Over 400 people in Hutchinson are participating. You can too! There is a Hutchinson Rock Painting Facebook Group with pictures and stories that all are welcome to join.
We need more kindness, more compassion, more joy, more laughter. I definitely want to contribute to that.
– Ellen DeGeneres
What have others done to promote kindness?
Reagan’s Kindness Campaign
In response to a bullying situation at school, Reagan’s Kindness Campaign touched the hearts of those in her hometown of Hutchinson and across the United States. Reagan challenged people to do random acts of kindness, resulting in an overwhelming amount of support and participation. A kindness rally and community photo was organized to show how much the people of Hutchinson connected with Reagan’s message. Watch the video to the right.
Park Elementary Kindness Doors
Dozens of classrooms participated in decorating their doors with messages and artwork around the theme of kindness. Bo Young was asked to judge the doors and put together a photo montage of the kids’ creativity. Kudos to Park Elementary teachers, staff, and students for this idea.
Random Acts of Kindness Foundation
There are so many great ideas and uplifting stories for you to draw from on their Facebook page and website.
Other Kindness Initiatives:
More about Random Acts of Kindness:
Hutchinson’s Little Free Libraries began in 2014 with a group of community volunteers wanting to increase opportunities to build social connections through Heart of Hutch’s Connect Wholeheartedly committee. Read more about Heart of Hutch.
