Tomorrow, February 17th 2017, is Random Acts of Kindness Day. Although we should be kind to people 365 days a year, February 17th encourages people all over the country to be altruistic to friends, colleagues, and yes, strangers. We should all use this day to bring a smile to someone’s face without expecting anything in return. These random acts of kindness can range from a small compliment to an inspiring gesture that could be life changing.

During college, my sorority sisters would gather together one day a year to pass out balloons to strangers on campus. The balloons had handwritten compliments and encouraging messages on them. Seeing the happiness on people’s faces was extremely rewarding and humbling. It was so inspiring to see that something as simple as passing out balloons was able to have an impact and change someone’s day.

If you want to participate in Random Acts of Kindness Day but are having trouble coming up with ideas, here are 20 things that will bring a smile to someone’s face:

1. Compliment a stranger.
2. Pay for the coffee for the person behind you in the Starbucks drive thru line.
3. Donate canned goods to your local food bank.
4. Go in for a hair cut and donate to Locks of Love.
5. Spare a dollar or two for someone who is in need.
6. Donate to Salvation Army or Goodwill.
7. Write a note telling someone how much you appreciate them.
8. Surprise your coworker with their favorite coffee or treat.
9. Write a letter to a senior citizen through Love for the Elderly.
10. Let someone go ahead of you in line at the grocery store.
11. Pay for a friend or coworkers’ lunch.
12. Call your parents and let them know you appreciate them.
13. Leave a kind note on a stranger’s car.
14. Buy flowers for the cashier at the grocery store.
15. Say ‘thank you’ to someone who makes a difference in the community (firefighter, police officer, doctor, philanthropist, etc.).
16. Write a letter to a deployed member of the military through Operation Gratitude.
17. Reconnect with an old friend.
18. Donate blood at American Red Cross or San Diego Blood Bank.
19. Email or write to an old teacher or mentor who inspired you.
20. Write a kind thank you note on the check for your server after dinner.

“No act of kindness is too small. The gift of kindness may start as a small ripple that over time can turn into a tidal wave affecting the lives of many.” – Kevin Heath

About the author: Melanie is a digital marketing intern at Hera Hub Mission Valley. She is recent graduate from San Diego State University with a degree in Integrated Marketing Communications. She enjoys photography, painting, and content creation.