(Ground Picture / Shutterstock.com)
Good Deeds Day is just around the corner but it’s not too late to join with people in your community and around the world to make a positive impact. This year, Good Deeds Day falls on April 16.
But what makes this day so important? Good Deeds Day, a peak event of year-round doing good activities, was initiated by businesswoman and philanthropist Shari Arison in 2007. On this special day, millions of people from 110 countries across the globe participate in doing good.
“I believe that if people will think good, speak good and do good, the circles of goodness will grow in the world,” Arison said.
You can find inspiration from one of these seven last minute ideas or get ideas from past GDD projects from around the world to help you plan your own or to join one near you.
Pay It Forward
From coffee to ice cream cones, people are paying it forward – or back –and creating chains of kindness. You can start your own on Good Deeds Day by paying for the meal or grocery bill of the person behind you. Since good deeds usually lead to more good deeds, this is an easy way to spread altruistic acts on Good Deeds Day.
(Felix Mizioznikov / Shutterstock.com)
Start a Diaper Drive
Giving canned goods to food pantries or running a food drive are two common Good Deeds Day projects. But instead of collecting tuna and pasta, you can organize a diaper drive instead. For people who are economically distressed, they often have to decide between buying food or diapers. Donate the diapers you collect to a local diaper or food bank near you.
(Gagarin Iurii / Shutterstock.com)
Donate to Locks of Love
You can donate your hair to Locks of Love, an organization that makes hair prosthetics for children who suffer from hair loss. Your gift can help a child regain their sense of dignity and self-confidence. While anyone can cut your hair, it is recommended that you go to a salon that works with the organization. You must be able to donate 10 inches of hair.
(David Prado Perucha / Shutterstock.com)
Help With Emergency Aid
From earthquakes to floods, there is always a need for emergency aid. You can donate material or funds through an aid organization like the American Red Cross or better yet, become a volunteer for an organization that helps people in times of distress.
Plant a Community Garden
Love to garden? Start a community garden or help out at an existing garden for Good Deeds Day. Community gardens are springing up everywhere from vacant lots, to schools and even to libraries. With food insecurity growing, community gardens are a great way to provide fresh vegetables and fruits to people in need.
(Cameron Prins / Shutterstock.com)
Bring Pet Food to an Animal Shelter
Animal shelters depend on donations of food, pet care items, and even old towels and blankets to help care for pets that are awaiting adoption. If you have time, volunteer to walk the dogs or play with the animals. While you are there, consider becoming a foster pet parent or adopt a fur baby for yourself.
(Max kegfire / Shutterstock.com)
Start a Positive Vision Wall
Here’s a tip from the organizers of Good Deeds Day. Find an empty wall or bulletin board in a public place like in your local library or community center. Place a large instruction sheet on your board asking, “What can I do to make the world a kinder place?” or “What is your vision for a better tomorrow?” Place a table with sticky notes and pens near your board to let people share their messages of hope with others.
(Courtesy Good Deeds Day)
YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE:
GoodPop is Gearing Up for Good Deeds Day
Volunteers Clean and Restock Rivers in Cambodia
52 Good Deeds to Spread Kindness Throughout the Year
Good Deeds Day, an annual global day of doing good, is the pinnacle of doing good year-round. Initiated in 2007 by business woman and philanthropist Shari Arison, Good Deeds Day has grown to 110 countries with millions of participants. Good Deeds Day 2023 is on April 16.
