By Nicole Long, MSW, LICSW
CEO of Old Colony Elder Services

February is a month that celebrates care and compassion, highlighted by Valentine’s Day on February 14 and National Random Acts of Kindness Day on February 17.
While Valentine’s Day celebrates both romantic and platonic love, National Random Acts of Kindness Day celebrates kind actions for others without the expectation of anything in return.
Random Acts of Kindness Day is a time to spread kindness and positivity to others and your community. Here are a few ways you can do so:

  • Before going to the grocery store, consider checking in with a neighbor and offering to pick up any items they may need.
  • Send a “Thinking of You” card or text to someone you haven’t seen in a while.
  • Offer a small gift to someone as a thoughtful, “just because” gesture.
  • Pay at the toll booth for the next car in line.
  • Shovel a neighbor’s snowy walkway.
  • Compliment a coworker for their teamwork.
  • Consider planting a tree to make a positive impact on the community.
  • Allow a shopper with only a few items to check out before you.
  • Donate supplies or food to an animal shelter.
  • Hold a door open for someone.
  • In traffic, allow another driver to merge ahead of you.
  • Run an errand for someone.
  • At the coffee shop, pay for the order of the person behind you in line.
  • Post an inspirational quote or words of encouragement on the refrigerator for family members to find.
    Research has shown that helping others not only makes a positive impact in their lives and the community, but it also contributes to your own well-being.
    National Random Acts of Kindness Day encourages acts of kindness on February 17 and serves as powerful inspiration to perform random acts of kindness any day of the year!
    When was the last time you were pleasantly surprised by another’s kindness? In recognition of Random Acts of Kindness Day, take a moment this month to perform a random act of kindness. Random acts of kindness are good for the recipient as well as the giver!

About the Author: Nicole Long is the Chief Executive Officer of Old Colony Elder Services (OCES). Founded in 1974, OCES is a private, non-profit organization proudly serving greater Plymouth County and surrounding communities. OCES is designated as one of 25 Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. OCES’s mission is to support the independence and dignity of older adults and individuals with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy and safe living. The agency offers a number of programs to serve older adults, individuals with disabilities, their families and caregivers. For more information call 508-584-1561 or visit www.ocesma.org.