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In today’s busy world it’s easy to get caught up in work and busy schedules. So much so that it is easy to forget how simple it is to add joy to someone’s day by showing them an act of kindness.
It doesn’t have to be a grand gesture, but even a small, good deed like opening a door for a stranger or sharing an umbrella can create a ripple effect of kindness that could bring positive change in the world.
You don’t have to wait until Good Deeds Day on April 12, 2026, to begin. You can begin now by doing just one kind act a week. Goodnet has compiled a list of 52 good deeds to help get you started.
1. Smile at a stranger.
2. Shovel snow for a neighbor.
3. Call your grandparents.
4. Donate blankets to an animal shelter.
5. Leave a thank you note for your mail carrier.
6. Sign an organ donation card.
7. Wish someone a Happy Birthday online.
8. Make a bird feeder and hang it outdoors.
9. Donate Coats to a homeless shelter.
10. Give up your seat on public transportation.
11. Pay it forward or back at the coffee shop.
12. Give to disaster relief organizations.
13. Learn CPR.
14. Return your shopping cart.
15. Recycle in your home and office.
16. Hug someone.
17. Give an inspiring book to a friend.
18. Walk your neighbor’s dog.
19. Donate your old cellphone.
20. Help a friend move.
21. Give a random compliment.
22. Bring holiday treats to a firehouse.
23. Give your server a large tip.
24. Let someone go in front of you in line.
25. Learn sign language.
26. Bring flowers to a nursing home.
27. Tell a joke to make people laugh.
28. Ask for donations to a good cause instead of Birthday gifts.
29. Run for a good cause.
30. Donate a toy for Toys for Tots.
31. Apologize when you are wrong.
32. Put your change in a donation box.
33. Ride a bike to work.
34. Bring homemade soup to a sick friend.
35. Help someone change a flat tire.
36. Foster an animal.
37. Give blood.
38. Donate canned goods to a food drive.
39. Pick up trash around the neighborhood or at a park.
40. Leave a positive review online.
41. Volunteer in a community garden.
42. Reconnect with old friends.
43. Help build a house for Habitat for Humanity.
44. Hold a Lemonade Stand to donate to a cause you support.
45. Make someone a cup of tea.
46. Plant a tree.
47. Serve food at a soup kitchen.
48. Write positive messages to leave in public places.
49. Rake leaves for a senior.
50. Buy a meal for a homeless person.
51. Volunteer on Good Deeds Day on April 12
52. Share this list on social media
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Good Deeds Day, an annual global day of doing good, is the pinnacle of doing good year-round. Initiated in 2007 by businesswoman and philanthropist Shari Arison, Good Deeds Day has grown to 115 countries with millions of participants. Good Deeds Day 2026 will be on April 12.
