United Way of 1000 Lakes Encourages Residents to Take Part in Minnesota United Acts of Kindness Week: Nov. 16-20

November 13, 2020
|In News, Events, What's New
|By Kimberly Smith

United Way of 1000 Lakes encourages individuals, families, and employee groups to take part in random acts of kindness across Itasca County.

The organization is initiating a ‘chain of kindness’ as part of the Minnesota United Acts of Kindness Week, which runs November 16th-20th. The statewide initiative, spearheaded by United Ways of Minnesota, was first introduced in 2017.

“This week-long celebration of kindness comes about at a time when positivity is highly needed, as our communities contend with the strain of the health and economic crisis. “We all need kindness and compassion more than ever,” states United Way Executive Director Kim Brink Smith. “Many of us are dealing with isolation and stress, and a warm smile, an act of generosity, a well-timed call, can all have a huge impact on someone’s life.”

From buying a cup of coffee for someone in the drive-thru line to grocery shopping for a neighbor, United Way encourages everyone to do one act of kindness each day. Those partaking can share their progress on social media with #LiveUnitedMN, inspiring others to join the movement.

Here are a few ideas to get started:

  • Video chat with a friend or relative who might be feeling isolated.
  • Leave a little extra in the tip jar to express your appreciation to essential workers.
  • Shovel snow for your aging neighbor.
  • Donate to United Way’s Stronger United campaign. Text the word “Lakes” to 26989 or online at uwlakes.org/#donate.
  • Visit volunteer.uwlakes.org to find opportunities to get involved, including workplace and at-home pop-up projects like packing personal care kits or making kindness cards.

This year, Give to the Max Day occurs during Minnesota Acts of Kindness Week, and donating to a cause you care about is another way to show your community you care. In fact, it’s one of the most effective ways to spread generosity. “Giving is a tangible, substantial way to make an impact,” states Brink Smith. “When you make a gift to an organization you care about, you’re reaching a number of people in your community.”

To learn more about Minnesota Acts of Kindness Week or find more ideas for how to bring kindness into your life, visit uwlakes.org. To plan a virtual or in-person Acts of Kindness Week event at your workplace or community group, call United Way at 218-999-7570 or email kimberly@uwlakes.org.