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31 Ways to Make a Difference on Macaroni Kid's Act of Kindness Day

Macaroni Kid's Act of Kindness Day is Sept. 15

By Katy Myers, Publisher, Macaroni Kid Pasadena-Severna Park, MD September 5, 2018

The annual Macaroni Kid Act of Kindness Day is one of our favorite days as publishers each year! This year's Macaroni Kid Act of Kindness Day (#MKAOKDAY) is Sept. 15, 2018. 

Macaroni Kid publishers all over the country and in Canada will be participating, and we’re inviting you to join in the fun too! To help your family get started, we've compiled a list of 3X easy ways to make a big difference in someone's day.

Personal Acts of Kindness

(Things you can do on your own)

  • Volunteer at a local food bank
  • Write letters to soldiers
  • Get your hair cut for donation
  • Complete the bone marrow registry
  • Start a train in the drive-thru to pay for the person behind you
  • Leave positive sticky notes in grocery store aisles/public bathroom windows, etc.

Family Acts of Kindness

(Grab your kids and let them join in the fun!)

  • Take donuts or other pre-packaged foods to the local police department
  • Create “hygiene kits” for shelters or homeless
  • Distribute cards to nursing homes
  • Collect towels for a local animal rescue
  • Clean a hiking trail
  • Volunteer at a local food bank
  • Pick up litter around the city/park/field/beach
  • Make notes for neighbors
  • Donate used books to the library and/or a “little free library”
  • Donate gently-used toys/clothes to a local foster care agency
  • Plan a concert/talent show at a retirement home
  • Collect coloring book for children’s hospital
  • Place kindness rocks in a community garden

Community Acts of Kindness

(Activities to unite the community)

  • Paint kindness rocks
  • Donation drive for a local organization
    • Diapers
    • Food
    • Socks
    • Pajamas
    • School Supplies
    • Supplies for domestic violence shelter
    • Wishlist items for veterans care facilities
    • Collection for a school nurse
  • Clean a park

Community Organizations That Rely on Kindness

Want to partner with an organization to offer help? Here are ideas on where to start:

  • Hospitals or cancer centers
  • Veterans service agencies
  • Family/infant agencies
  • Police/fire departments
  • Schools
  • Churches
  • Nursing homes
  • Nonprofits
  • Museums

Check out our 2018 #MKAOKDAY Pinterest Board for more ideas, and look for fun #MKAOKDAY FREE printables coming soon!

Want some inspiration? Here are highlights from our 2017 Macaroni Kid Acts of Kindness Day: