On Valentine’s Day, we express kindness and affection to those we love. But a box of chocolates here, a bouquet of flowers there … it’s almost too easy. Twelve hours of being loving and thoughtful to people, our people, isn’t really much of a stretch is it? Random Acts of Kindness Day arrives on February 17 and encourages us to demonstrate kindness to others we may not know, expecting nothing in return. But Summit Fair shopping district in Lee’s Summit is taking that idea one step further – celebrating International Random Acts of Kindness Week, February 11-17.
Summit Fair wants to be a place where kindness begins and spreads all over the community. When you commit an act of kindness and share about it on social media with the hashtag #lovesummitfair, you’ll be entered to win one of FIVE $100 gift cards to shop Summit Fair. During this week, there will also be random surprise giveaways and specials from the shops around Summit Fair, so be sure you follow along with them here for all the scoop and full contest details.
As a mom, I want my kids to understand on a personal level that they have the ability to be a force for good in the world. What better way for them to grasp how just a small action on their part can brighten another person’s day than by actually doing acts of kindness?
My daughter and I had a girls’ afternoon shopping at Summit Fair and brainstormed how kindness could begin right there with us. Over a double chocolate Bundt cake from Nothing Bundt Cakes, we decided that surprising the front office staff at their elementary school with a dozen mini cakes would be a sweet idea.
Here are some of the other ideas we came up with. During Summit Fair’s RAKWeek, we’re going to make it our goal to do at least one of these per day! Tell me, what are some of your favorite ways to spread kindness with your kids?
Ten Random Acts of Kindness to Do With Kids
- Hand-deliver a homemade card to a shopper at Summit Fair or someone who works at Summit Fair.
- Browse your teacher’s ‘favorites’ list and surprise him or her with a small gift, treat or gift card (hopefully you can find it from the shops at Summit Fair!)
- Pay for someone else’s coffee or meal.
- Write a kind note to your server or store associate.
- Look for ways to let someone else ‘be first’ throughout the day. (Examples: Hold the door for someone. Let someone get in front of you in line at the store.)
- Give the gift of a cheerful compliment and a smile.
- Write out sticky notes with happy, positive thoughts and leave them in public places around Summit Fair.
- Deliver snacks or treats from Summit Fair to first responders.
- Leave behind a heads-up penny on the sidewalk.
- Write a nice sentiment or joke in sidewalk chalk at Summit Fair.
