smiling,” or“ You’ re doing great!” This is an engaging activity for youth who love to draw and allows everyone to express creativity. Just make sure to get permission if you ' re drawing on public sidewalks or in areas where you don’ t live. Passersby will encounter your art unexpectedly, making the surprise even more uplifting.
4. Volunteer Together at a Local Food Bank
Volunteering at a food bank or soup kitchen is a hands-on way to support your community. Many food banks welcome groups, making this an excellent opportunity for family bonding while giving back. Depending on the community’ s needs, you might help sort donations, pack meal kits, or serve meals. It’ s a powerful way for youth to understand the impact of their time and energy while contributing to something larger than themselves. Check in advance about age restrictions and any specific items your group can donate.
5. Host a“ Kindness Jar” Challenge
Commit to practicing kindness daily by creating a“ Kindness Jar.” Together with your family or friends, write down simple acts of kindness on slips of paper, such as“ compliment a stranger,”“ bake treats for a neighbor,” or“ donate a gently used toy.” Each day, draw a slip and complete the activity. This ongoing challenge can be a wonderful way to keep the spirit of kindness alive throughout the season. Host a virtual kindness competition, where each family reports back on their completed acts.
6. Organize a Community Clean-Up
Even in cold weather, a community clean-up can be invigorating and meaningful. Equip your group with gloves, trash bags, and litter pickers, and tackle a local park or street that could use some love. To make it more engaging for kids, turn it into a scavenger hunt to see who can collect the most litter. Cleaning up your environment not only benefits your community but also teaches youth about environmental stewardship. End the day with a celebration or a picnic, even if it’ s a simple outdoor snack to appreciate the work you’ ve done.
7. Start a Mini Community Garden Project
Though it might not be planting season, winter is a great time to plan a community garden. Gather your group to start seeds indoors or create simple herb kits to share with neighbors. This project connects youth and adults through the anticipation of growth and the promise of future blooms. By spring, you’ ll have a vibrant reminder of the kindness you planted together. Begin with kitchen herbs like basil or mint that sprout quickly indoors.
Kindness has a ripple effect, and these small gestures can uplift not only the recipients but also those who give. This season, make it a mission to spread joy with simple, heartfelt actions that can bring youth and adults together. Whether you’ re crafting, volunteering, or cleaning up, each act of kindness adds a bit more warmth to our community.
Sources and References: https:// www. randomactsofkindness. org /
https:// wellbeing. gmu. edu / kindness / resources / https:// kindness. org /
https:// www. health. harvard. edu / blog / the-heartand-science-of-kindness-2019041816447
https:// www. columbiapsychiatry. org / news / science-kindness
Mariam Ndao is a senior at TJ Owens Gilroy Early College Academy. She is passionate about appreciating her community and shedding light on important topics through writing. In her free time, she loves to spend time reading, volunteering, dancing, and spending time with friends and family.
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