RAOK Week is February 15-21

This is Random Acts of Kindness Week. Studies show that acts of kindness result in significant health benefits. Have you done something nice for someone lately? 

I always want to do more to help others. But, I am very proud of my children. They are always giving, participating in events, and helping anyone they can.  

1. Feed the Hungry on the street: You can carry nonperishable food items such as granola or cereal bars, that you can distribute to people on the streets panhandling.

2. Help the homeless: Carry gallon bags of toothbrushes, toothpaste, and other toiletry items to hand out when you see someone in need. Samples you get in the mail would go nicely in these bags because they would be easy to carry. If you want to help a little more, blankets, a backpack, and a tarp would be very helpful.

3. Gift for seniors: Some elderly people at rest homes have no family. Gifts of toiletries would come in handy. But, they really love to get coloring books, old magazines and even enjoy looking at photographs.

4. Orphans: Some children have never even had a pair of new pajamas. They would love any little thing you could get them. Maybe you can get candy, small toys, coloring books, the ideas are endless. Just call and ask if there are any restrictions.

5. Children in the hospital: There are many kids who are seriously ill, and the parents are tapped out. It has taken a toll on them mentally and physically. The whole family needs a little cheering boost and a small gesture such as a stuffed animal could do just that. 

6. Neighbors: Do you have a neighbor who is sick, elderly, handicapped, pregnant or just had a baby? Maybe they need their lawn mowed, or their trash taken to the curb or the cans brought back up from the curb. Maybe you're a great cook and you could double up on dinner and take them a meal.

7. Pay it Backward: Maybe you are going to go to lunch or dinner and hit the drive through. You could Pay it Backward. When you pay your bill, give them extra money to pay for the meal of the car behind you. Maybe it will catch on and the guy behind you will do it to the car behind him.

8. Military: Sending necessary items to our troops in Haiti, Afghanistan and Iran. There are many groups to help put you in touch with the proper people tell you what is needed.

9. Emergency services: The police, fire, dispatchers, and EMS in your neighborhood could use a little thank you in the form of a plate of cookies. They work hard for little, or no pay in some cases.  

10. Teachers: They spend their own money on their rooms and the kids who don't have what they need. They don't get paid enough for what they do. The best present to them is a gift card. That way they can buy what they need or want. They have financial problems, too.

It's not hard or costly to be kind. Open a door, carry a package, let someone cut in line. Send someone an e-card. And the best way for a blogger to be kind is to help another blogger.

Please tell me what you do to be kind to others? You can also leave your ideas here.