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Random Acts of Kindness: 10 Ways to Spread Love Locally

By Cate Camacho, Publisher of Arvada.Macaronikid.com January 30, 2025

Kindness has a ripple effect, and even the smallest gestures can brighten someone's day. As we move through the season of love, why not take a moment to spread kindness in our own community? Here are ten simple ways you and your family can make a positive impact in Arvada, Wheat Ridge, and Golden.





1. Leave a Kind Note - Write uplifting messages on sticky notes and leave them in public places like library books, community bulletin boards, or café tables. A simple "You are amazing!" can make someone smile.

2. Pay It Forward - Cover the coffee order for the person behind you in line or leave an extra dollar or two at a vending machine. Random surprises make for the best day!

3. Donate to a Local Food Bank - Organizations like the Arvada Community Food Bank or The Action Center in Wheat Ridge always appreciate non-perishable food donations. Consider picking up a few extra items during your next grocery trip.

4. Support a Small Business - Leave a glowing review for a local shop, café, or service. Small businesses thrive on word-of-mouth recommendations, and your kind words can make a big difference.

5. Deliver Treats to First Responders - Bake cookies or drop off snacks for your local fire station, police department, or hospital staff. They work tirelessly for our community, and a small token of appreciation can go a long way.

6. Shovel a Neighbor’s Driveway - If snow is in the forecast, take a few extra minutes to shovel the sidewalk or driveway of an elderly neighbor or someone who may need assistance.

7. Leave Books in a Little Free Library - Encourage literacy and the joy of reading by placing books in a Little Free Library near you. Golden and Wheat Ridge have several throughout their neighborhoods!

8. Give Compliments Freely - Tell a stranger you love their outfit, compliment a cashier on their excellent service, or let a friend know how much they mean to you. Words have power—use them for good!

9. Create Care Packages for Those in Need - Fill small bags with essentials like socks, snacks, hand warmers, and hygiene products. Keep them in your car to hand out when you see someone in need.

10. Write Thank-You Cards - Handwritten notes never go out of style. Write a thank-you card for a teacher, coach, or someone in your life who deserves appreciation.




Spreading kindness doesn’t have to take a lot of time or money—it’s about making an effort to brighten someone’s day. Challenge your family to complete a few of these acts this month and see how good it feels to spread love in our community!