February is the season of love, but we’re adding kindness to the mix. This week is Random Acts of Kindness Week, and Saturday, Feb. 17 is National Random Acts of Kindness Day — so to help you fill your week with something sweet, here are seven acts that can brighten up the community.
Show local businesses some love
It’s no secret that we love our local businesses in Asheville. Next time you stop by your go-to spots, tip generously or write a positive review.
Help our furry friends
Consider fostering or adopting a furry friend in need of a home, or volunteer at a local shelter like Asheville Humane Society or Brother Wolf Animal Rescue (where you can take the pups for a hike). Today, Monday, Feb. 12, is also the last day you can support through one of Brother Wolf’s Puppygrams.
Donate to a local food bank
Lend a hand to those facing food insecurity in our community by donating food to or organizing a drive for organizations like MANNA FoodBank.
Bring treats to work
Next time you’re on the way to work, grab your coworkers some coffee or pastries. If you’re not sure where to start or want to branch out from your usual, our coffee guide can help you find the best brew.
Participate in Adopt-A-Street
Take an active role in keeping your neighborhood beautiful through Asheville GreenWorks’ Adopt-A-Street program, where you’ll get the equipment you need to keep your street tidy.
Keep the waterways clean
Picking up litter on the street is important, but our local waterways can use some love too. RiverLink lets you adopt a storm drain to keep it clear of debris, and Asheville GreenWorks is looking for StreamKeepers to protect streams + creeks in your backyard.
Volunteer with local organizations
Check out our growing list of 40+ organizations with local volunteer opportunities.
Suggestions from our readers
On Monday, we asked you for the ways that you show kindness in Asheville. Here are a few of our favorite answers:
- “I like to buy someone on the street a warm drink or meal on a cold day.” - SJ C.
- “I keep protein bars and an updated handout list of places offering free meals, showers, shelter, and counseling in my glove department of my car to hand out as needed.” - Ari A.
- “I once put paper flowers with happy notes on random cars.” - Marie D.
- “Stopping for people in crosswalks and allowing cars to turn in front of me on Merrimon.” - Mary M.
- “Volunteer at two local organizations, shop locally, recycle and reuse items from second-hand stores.” - Janet R.
- “I have been driving for Uber for the last year and have been randomly giving back fares to customers.” - Josh B.
- “During the winter season I like to make lots of cookies. I gave some to the staff at the Ingles that I go to. I gave some to a girl working at the cinema on Christmas Day. I gave some to the people in a nursing home. It really touches my heart that these people are so grateful. Giving to others is very rewarding, even if you give a hug or a smile. We need to be kind to each other and show appreciation to those that either provide a service or who are in need of some love and attention.” - Ilene L.
- “Foster kittens, teach ESL, prepare taxes for low income people.” - Robbie C.
- “I give ‘blessing bags’ to the homeless with a snack, water bottle, warm gloves or hat, a list of local resources for the homeless and $5. In the warmer weather, I include rain ponchos.” - Valerie F.
