MORE THAN 25,000 RAK STICKERS DISTRIBUTED; MORE ON ORDER

Response to this year's Random Acts of Kindness Week has been overwhelming.

Starting on Mother's Day, May 9, and continuing for a week, thousands of people in Southeast Missouri and Southern Illinois are expected to be committing acts of kindness. Some will be random. People will see an opportunity to do something nice and act on that opportunity. Others will be planned.

"We need to start somewhere," said Joni Adams, who coordinates the project for the Southeast Missourian. "Especially with the tragic events of this past week, I think we need to look for ways to be kind. The Random Acts of Kindness week gives us all a chance to make a difference."

Participation is up, and a variety of people, organizations and businesses are planning kindnesses.

Adams said more individuals and families have signed up this year than in the past. In addition, more large companies have signed up than in the past.

Especially popular have been the smiley-faced stickers, available at no cost to those who participate. The 25,000 stickers originally ordered for the event have been given away, and another 25,000 stickers are on the way.

"People really like the smiley faces," said Adams. "We have been surprised at how fast the stickers have gone."

Time remains to sign up and participate in the week. Stickers, bookmarks with the same smiley faces, and signs are available at no charge to those who sign up.

Those who sign up pledge to do something kind during the week.

During the weeks leading up to May 9, names of participants will be published on the front page of the newspaper.

In addition, the newspaper will write dozens of news stories about kind people and kind acts during the week. The newspaper is looking for suggestions of kind people or kind acts to be featured.

To register, complete the form found in today's Southeast Missourian, or call the newspaper at (573) 335-6611 and ask for Joni Adams or Peggy Scott.

NEW RANDOM ACTS OF KINDNESS PARTICIPANTS

To sign up as a Random Acts of Kindness participant, call 335-6611 or 1-800-879-1210. The week runs May 9-16.

Jackson V.F.W. Auxiliary #10495

Area Wide United Way

Roseann Enderle of Chaffee

Regional Eyecare Center

Charleston United Church

Charleston R-1 Public School

Cathy Lowes of Jackson

Harmony Lodge #40

Downtown Neighborhood Association

Bell City Elementary School

Sikeston Middle School

Carol Gordon of Cape Girardeau

Robin Coffey and family of Cape Girardeau

Cottonwood Treatment Center

Metro Business College

The SafeHouse for Women, Inc.

First General Baptist Church

First Christian Church in Caruthersville

American Legion Auxiliary in Cape Girardeau

Eagle Ridge Christian School

L.J. Schultz School

The Lutheran Home

St. Vincent de Paul School

First Assembly of God Church in Perryville

Millersville Attendance Center of the Jackson Public Schools

Thorngate Ltd.

A Touch of Grace

B.P. Financial Services

Patsy Schaffer of Lilbourn

Sandy Creek Baptist Church of Tamms, Ill.

Yvonne Morgan of Lilbourn

Pagoda Gardens

March of Dimes

Ms. LeGrand's 4th grade at Kelly Elementary School in Benton

Central Junior High

Troop 178 Junior Girl Scouts in Jackson

Ken Myles Insurance Agency

Good Shepherd Lutheran Ladies Guild

Ross and Cynthia Austin, ReMax Achievers, of Jackson

M & W Packaging U.S. Inc.

National Cash Advance

Southeast Missouri Hospital

Devon Knupp of Cape Girardeau

Centenary United Methodist Church

Rena Pender of Cape Girardeau

First General Baptist Church of Jackson

Nancy King's 4th grade class at West Lane Elementary in Jackson

Westminster Presbyterian Church

St. Francis Medical Center's Housekeeping Department

Egyptian Pre-Kindergarten in Tamms, Ill.

Jackson Senior Center

SEMO Alliance for Disability Independence