Melrose celebrates ninth annual Random Acts of Kindness Day to spread happiness to others
MELROSE - During a time when many Americans feel the country is more divided than united, residents of Melrose came together Wednesday, Nov. 20, for Random Acts of Kindness Day.
Celebrating kindness
"It doesn't have to be monetary. Just visiting an older neighbor that doesn't get a lot of company, it can be giving up a parking space or even just give a hug, it can go a long way," said Stephanie Nelson, Co-Chair of Melrose Kind.
Nine years ago, she and a friend came up with the idea of Random Acts of Kindness Day to celebrate kindness. "What started as a social media letter writing campaign has evolved into something really incredible," Nelson said.
According to the Melrose native, the goal of the day is "To celebrate all the good that happens in our community and all the great people."
"The options are limitless"
Julie Nolan is one of them. Each year, she celebrates Random Acts of Kindness Day by giving out free coffee, hugs, and advice.
"It's good for the soul. It just kind of says, OK, we're not completely devoid of humanity," Nolan said.
"Because you just never know what someone is going through day to day, and I can see this just kind of brightening someone's day," Ellana Stinson told WBZ-TV.
There's no right or wrong way to celebrate the day, "The options are limitless. Just do something good for somebody else," Nelson said.
