Source: “Smiley Face with Smiling Eyes” by Apple.com
Doing random acts of kindness will not only make you smile, but it will make you feel good inside. This week, you are encouraged to find opportunities to do random acts of kindness and show goodwill. Here are a few suggestions:
1. Gather several adults and children and on a Saturday this month, while maintaining appropriate social distancing, pick up the trash in a 2-3 block radius in your neighborhood. If anyone inquires as to the organization you represent, simply tell them, with a smile on your face, that you are performing a random act of kindness and goodwill in your community in celebration of World Smile Day!
2. Your place of worship has been closed for a while. Volunteer to freshen it up by cleaning, dusting and sweeping your church or place of worship this month without accepting monetary payment. Invite other parishioners to help you.
3. If you have an elderly neighbor, or a neighbor that is physically or visually impaired, volunteer to help do a fall cleanup of their yard.
4. Spend a Saturday this month cleaning out your closet and your children’s closet and donate clean and wearable clothing to a local clothing bank or thrift store. Place a note in each garment with a pocket “Pass On Kindness and Goodwill to Others With A Smile.”
5. Finally, often we forget the Wisconsin Humane Society is always looking for donated items or monetary gifts at their Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Racine, Green Bay, or Door County campuses. Spread some kindness and show goodwill to your local humane society. Here is a sample list of items on their wish list. To see a complete list, visit: https://www.wihumane.org/donate/wish-list.
A. Dogs:
• Soft doggie treats
• Folding wire dog crates
• Dog toys
• Leashes (non-retractable)
• Potty training pads
B. Cats:
• Canned cat and kitten food (must be unopened)
• Kitten Milk Replacer
• Dry cat food (unopened bags)
C. Cleaning/office supplies:
• Hand sanitizer
• Liquid dish soap
• Ziploc bags (gallon size)
• Disinfectant wipes
• Disposable dry washcloths
Beloved, performing random acts of kindness is giving without an expectation of receiving anything in return (e.g. pay or recognition in any form). That’s the highest form of giving – when it is given freely with no strings attached. When Harvey Ball created the yellow smiley face, the goal of his smiley face was to spread goodwill and cheer throughout the world. Put on a Smiley Face ☺, perform acts of kindness and spread goodwill whether it is for your community, neighbor, stranger, coworker or your family and friends!
Next Week: Series Conclusion
Mark Your Calendar:
GENERAL AND PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2020
General Disclaimer: The writer has used her best efforts in preparation of this information. No representations or warranties for its contents, either expressed or implied, are offered. Neither the publisher nor the writer shall be liable in any way for readers’ efforts to apply, rely or utilize the information or recommendations presented herein as they may not be suitable for you or necessarily appropriate for every situation to which they may refer. In some instances, this article contains the opinions, conclusions and/or recommendations of the writer. If you would like to contact Rev. Lester, write to her c/o P.O. Box 121, Brookfield, WI. 53008.