February 17th is designated as National Random Acts of Kindness Day. It is a day to encourage kindness, giving, and encourage the philosophy of “paying it forward”. It’s a day to celebrate the kindness that exists around us every day, even if we take it for granted.
What is #RAK?
What is a Random Act of Kindness? It could be paying the bill for the person at the next table over in the restaurant. It could be giving flowers to patients in the hospital on a holiday. Maybe it’s packing an extra snack in your lunchbox to share with a classmate that doesn’t have extra food to bring. Finding furniture or clothing for a family that has lost their home in a fire is an act of kindness. It might be as simple as a smile and telling someone they look nice. All these things come to mind because these are stories we found when talking about Random Acts of Kindness.
The Blessing Box on 1st
On 1st Avenue in Williamson is the Blessing Box. This box was placed here by the West Williamson Freewill Baptist Church. There are no rules or regulations of who can take things from the box. No applications or explanations required. The sign simply reads, “Take what you need. Bring what you can. Above all be blessed.”
Folks stop by with bags of non-perishable food items, hygiene products, gloves, hand-warmers, hats, and more to stock the shelves. Later, those in need pick up items they need to help make it through the day. It’s that easy.
One woman, who wished to remain nameless, says, “My family adds to the blessing box every week. We run in the store and pick up whatever we think someone might need. Food, band-aids, just anything like that. It’s not that expensive. We should all do our part to help someone in need. We give freely.”
Around the Tug Valley area, several blessing boxes are now available to serve the needs of the community. Families, civic groups, and sports teams help keep the boxes stocked.
The kind act of putting up the Blessing Box has resulted in many acts of compassion and kindness.
Kindness 365
Random Acts of Kindness can be a part of your entire year, not just one day. Show kindness and receive kindness. Go out and observe this national day, then make it part of your daily life.
If you’re looking for more ideas on things to do for Random Acts of Kindness day and throughout the year you can visit the Random Acts of Kindness Foundation on the web at: www.randomactsofkindness.org
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