Kindness Day Brings Out Big Hearts

National Random Acts of Kindness Day on February 17 brings an extra dose of cheer to communities around the country. From free coffee at drive-thrus to anonymous notes of encouragement, the spirit of giving was in full swing.

Started in the 1990s by the Random Acts of Kindness Foundation, the day has grown into a grassroots movement celebrated by schools, businesses, and individuals. Many classrooms dedicated the week to service projects, while workplaces handed out gift cards and thank-you notes to employees and customers alike.

Social media lit up with the hashtag #RAKDay, with people sharing photos and stories of heartwarming gestures — from shoveling neighbors’ sidewalks to paying for someone’s groceries. It’s proof that even the smallest kindness can brighten a stranger's day — and maybe start a chain reaction of good deeds.