Random Acts of Kindness Ideas - 20 ways to restore faith in humanity

The world moves fast. Every day we wake up, we watch the news, and get sad and anxious about all of the bad things happening around us. But a small act of kindness can improve someone's day or even their entire life. In honor of Random Acts of Kindness Week, here are 20 random acts of kindness ideas you can try this week or any week to restore people's faith in humanity and keep kindness flowing year round. Number one, text one person each day with an encouraging message. Number two, create a courage card for a child suffering from chronic illness in the hospital. Mail it to a non-profit serving these kids like Zach's Toy Chest in North Carolina. The mailing address to send cards is in the description below. Number three, eat at a pay-what-you-can restaurant near you and pay a meal forward. Not sure where to find the nearest restaurant? Check out a map at oneworldeverybodyeats.com. Number four, make a motivational playlist and share it with someone in need of a pick-me-up. Number five, leave a loose change jar at your workplace and invite co-workers to toss in a few coins. Pick a charity to donate the change to. Number six, offer up items you no longer need to your neighbors for free through a no-buy group online, nextdoor.com, or Craigslist. Number seven, write a letter to an isolated senior living alone or in a retirement community. Many retirement homes have pen pal programs. Check out information about one program in the description below. Number eight, give three people a surprise compliment today. Number nine, visit the local animal shelter. Can't take home a furry friend? Take photos of overlooked animals and share their stories online to raise awareness about the potential pets with the highest need. Number ten, leave a few quarters near the parking meter. Someone without change in a hurry will definitely thank you for it. Number eleven, write an encouraging note on a napkin or a sticky note and leave it in a public place to bring a smile to the next person to happen by. Number twelve, mowing your lawn? Offer to mow your neighbors too. Giving your time to help someone else is our greatest gift. Number thirteen, drop a book for someone else to read in your nearest free little library. Find the nearest one near you using the map in this video's description. Number fourteen, do you see someone getting bullied in a comment section online? Speak up and say something nice instead. Number fifteen, give a friend a recommendation on LinkedIn to give them a boost the next time they're in the job market. Number sixteen, donate used towels or blankets to the animal shelter. They go through them quickly and are always in need. Number seventeen, see a piece of litter? Pick it up. Number eighteen, in a crowd, launch a spontaneous high-five splash mob. Number nineteen, listen to seniors' stories and capture fond memories with older loved ones. Ask them questions about their lives and record their stories using the StoryCorps app. Their stories will be remembered and immortalized in the American Folklife Center at the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C. for all time. Finally, number twenty, sign up to volunteer in your city. Think about your passions and interests and find a cause that matches you. Thanks for watching. How will you be kind this year? Share your kindness ideas in the comments below.