SECOND ANNUAL KINDNESS WEEK WAS BIG SUCCESS

Kindness overflowed in Southeast Missouri last week. It was all part of the second annual Random Acts of Kindness Week sponsored by the Southeast Missourian.

Some were small kindnesses: a wave, a smile, a shoulder to lean on, a friendly ear, a helping hand. Other organizations, churches and businesses went all out for their neighbors last week.

One church baked 1,600 cookies to pass out to junior high students. The entire city of Scott City generously jumped on the kindness bandwagon, with dozens of activities throughout the week. The Area Wide United Way handed out balloons to passersby at a crowded intersection. The Cape Girardeau County Board of Realtors paid the utility bill of a random customer in both Cape Girardeau and Jackson. Parents of one day care cleaned up equipment and grounds nearly 8 hours. Another day care passed out breakfast treats to parents on the go. The list goes on and on.

Some people aided friends and neighbors. Others reached out to total strangers.

The week involved more than 20,000 people throughout the region. The newspaper distributed more than 20,000 stickers, 15,000 bookmarks, 5,000 brochures and thousands of other promotional items free of charge.

The observance stretched as far south as Charleston, as far north as Perryville. Several participants from Illinois signed up to participate, some from as far away as Cairo.

The participation of youngsters in this second annual observance was perhaps the most rewarding.

Children helped teachers and each other. Some visited people in nursing homes or hospitals. Others sent handmade cards and letters to those in need of a smile or chuckle.

These youngsters learned that not only is kindness appreciated, but that it feels good to spread good will. In some small way, both the giver and receiver are changed by the experience.

Random Acts of Kindness Week also provided a chance to thank neighbors and friends who help out throughout the year. People called the kindness hotline and Speak Out to relate these kind acts. Daily stories focused on people who practice kindness as a way of life. Interestingly, most of these kind people were surprised and embarrassed by the attention. A few even refused to be interviewed.

These people practice kindness for kindness sake. Their stories were uplifting and heartwarming.

Think you're too busy for kindness? A mother of five young children finds time to help neighbors and friends most every day. As other people tend their own yards or homes, they simply extend the courtesy to a neighbor in need. Others find service to their community, churches and schools personally fulfilling. It sends a strong message to those who find their lives a little empty. Kindness rewards both the giver and receiver.

The observance was fun, but now the real work begins. Kindness and good deeds should not be limited to a single week. Kindness practiced can become a way of life. People from throughout the region can work to capture these kind feelings and extend them throughout the year.

Random Acts of Kindness Week is a great way to draw attention to the good things people do in the community each and every day. Let's build on it. Perhaps now is the time to kick off Random Acts of Kindness Year, Decade or Century.

Be kind, dear readers, each and every day. Let kindness reign in our little corner of the world.