Paying for a stranger's coffee, leaving an encouraging note, helping a neighbor shovel snow: small acts of kindness can make a big difference. National Random Acts of Kindness Day, on February 17, encourages everyone to do something kind for someone else, with no expectation of anything in return. It is part of a wider Random Acts of Kindness Week, and schools, workplaces and communities across the U.S. take part.
History of National Random Acts of Kindness Day
The phrase 'random acts of kindness' is often traced to writer Anne Herbert, who wrote 'Practice random kindness and senseless acts of beauty' on a placemat in a California restaurant in the early 1980s. The phrase spread through books and word of mouth.
In 1995, the Random Acts of Kindness Foundation was founded in Denver, Colorado, to inspire people to practice kindness. The foundation created free resources for schools and workplaces and helped popularize Random Acts of Kindness Week and Day in February.
In New Zealand, a separate Random Acts of Kindness Day is held on September 1. In the U.S., February 17 has become the main date, and the foundation also promotes the idea of becoming a 'RAKtivist', someone who makes kindness part of everyday life.
Why National Random Acts of Kindness Day Matters
Kindness strengthens communities and can improve the mood of both the giver and the receiver. Research suggests that seeing kindness can inspire others to act kindly too.
It costs little or nothing, so everyone can take part.
How to Celebrate National Random Acts of Kindness Day
- Leave a kind note: put an encouraging message where someone will find it.
- Pay it forward: cover a stranger's coffee or toll.
- Help a neighbor: shovel a walk, carry groceries or return a cart.
- Donate: give clothes, books or food to a local charity.
- Thank a helper: show appreciation to custodians, drivers or delivery workers.
Celebrating at Work, School and Home
At work, start a kindness challenge where teams log small good deeds for a week, or organize a donation drive for a local shelter. Managers can recognize colleagues who help others quietly. In classrooms, the Random Acts of Kindness Foundation offers free lessons; students can create a kindness chain with paper links, write thank-you notes to school staff, or plan a class kindness project. At home, families can make a 'kindness jar' of ideas and pick one each day, bake treats for neighbors, or let children decide on a charity to support with their pocket money.
Fun Facts About National Random Acts of Kindness Day
- The phrase is often traced to writer Anne Herbert in the early 1980s.
- The Random Acts of Kindness Foundation was founded in 1995.
- New Zealand holds its own Random Acts of Kindness Day on September 1.
National Random Acts of Kindness Day FAQs
When is National Random Acts of Kindness Day?
In the U.S., it is February 17.
Who started Random Acts of Kindness Day?
It was popularized by the Random Acts of Kindness Foundation, founded in 1995.
What are easy acts of kindness?
Leaving kind notes, paying for someone's coffee, helping a neighbor or thanking workers.
Is there a Random Acts of Kindness Week?
Yes. It is held in February around the day.