Kindness counts, and doing something nice for someone else not only cheers them, but makes us feel better about ourselves and the state of the world we live in. There are countless ways to pay it forward, but you can start with these simple and inexpensive acts:
- Write a thank-you note – Has a store employee been extra helpful? Write a note of praise to their supervisor. If a neighbor goes out of the way to be helpful, put your thanks in writing.
- Leave coupons – Even if you don’t buy them, you know that diapers and health supplies are expensive. Cut all the coupons out of your local newspaper and leave the ones you don’t use on the grocery shelf for someone who does.
- Keep giveaways in your car – Buy extras when you see a great buy on toiletries, socks, or granola bars. Give them away when you spot someone clearly in need.
- Treat a shopper – Have a couple of bucks in change coming back to you after a purchase? Ask the cashier to apply it to the next shopper’s bill.
- Share an unexpected treat – Baking cookies? Make a double batch and deliver half to a friend or neighbor.
- Send a care package to a service member – A site called AnySoldier.com can show you what to send, how to send it and who you can send it to.
- Donate old eyeglasses – Drop them off at LensCrafters for Project OneSight, which provides eye exams, visual care and glasses for people in need around the world.
- Donate miles – Don’t let those frequent flier miles expire. Donate them to the Make-A -Wish-Foundation or another charity.
- Help rescue dogs – Love animals? Drop off pet food, pet food coupons, leashes and pet supplies at your local pet shelter or animal rescue center.
- Start a family fund – Model kindness for your children. Set up a piggy bank at home for everyone in your family to contribute to. When the piggie is full, have a family meeting to decide where to donate the bounty.
