Psychologist Dacher Keltner argues that compassion and altruistic behavior are qualities evolution has hard-wired into all human brains. Random Acts of Kindness Week is a springboard for action, set aside to promote kindness initiatives and to encourage individuals, communities, businesses and schools to apply the principles learned during this week throughout the year. Random Acts of Kindness Week is celebrated the second full week of February each year.

Under Five Dollars
A random act of kindness can be planned or spontaneous but must be unexpected and selfless, done without expectations of reward. You don't need to spend a lot of money to make someone's day. The next time you visit a Laundromat, leave a few quarters behind for the next person. Or pay the toll for the person behind you.

Children

Acts of kindness can be small and easily incorporated into an otherwise normal day.
Get children excited about kindness and Random Acts of Kindness Week. Bake cookies with your children and offer them to the mailman with a handmade thank you card. Encourage your child to smile at 25 people every single day during Random Acts of Kindness Week. Do this too and have fun counting who gets to 25 first.

Spring Cleaning
Clean out your closet and take all your extra clothes to a local charitable organization. Let your neighbors know about Random Acts of Kindness Week and ask each of them to give you an article of warm winter clothing they no longer need. Gather all the clothes you get from your neighbors, attach a note that says, "Have a great day!" and take them to a local homeless shelter.

Help a Friend

Helping family members and friends helps strengthen relationships.
Think of a friend who is overwhelmed by their children, job or health. Make their life easier and more relaxed by offering to clean their house. Spend a couple of hours washing the dishes and vacuuming, and bring some flowers along with you to brighten the space. If someone in your own house is stressed, you can help by doing their usual chores for them or just pitch in and help them finish their chores faster.