World Kindness Week comes to an end on Thursday, Nov. 19. All across the Steel City, people and organizations have been stepping up to put kindness first for their communities. It has taken shape in many forms – from a community run food bank to free educational resources for children to fundraisers for local hospitals.
As we approach the end of an unprecedented year, it is safe to say that everyone can use a little more good in their life. Anything from small favors to grand gestures, an act of kindness can make a world of difference.
In the words of Fred Rogers, “All of us, at some time or other, need help. Whether we’re giving or receiving help, each one of us has something valuable to bring to this world. That’s one of the things that connects us as neighbors—in our own way, each one of us is a giver and a receiver.”
Be a giver this year. Not sure where you can start? Here are a few ideas.
Give a Gift, Support a Local Business
Is gift giving your love language? Pick out a gift from one of Made in PGH #ShopSmall gift guides.
#ShopSmall: For the 4 legged Friend: Pick up a service for your favorite dog or dog owner.
#ShopSmall: Sarris Candies: Grab a sweet treat from Pittsburgh’s favorite chocolatier.
#ShopSmall: For the Foodie: Give the gift of the Pittsburgh food scene.
#ShopSmall: For the Yinzer: As it gets colder, help a family member or friend stay warm with some Pittsburgh apparel.
Not only will your gift make a difference to a loved one, but it will help support the businesses that are the heart behind Pittsburgh. As Covid-19 continues, it’s important to #ShopSmall to help local business owners survive the pandemic.
Write Letters
Is there someone you haven’t been able to see because of social distancing? Let them know how much you care by writing a letter. Not only will writing letters to a loved one make them feel appreciated, but it can turn into an act of kindness for yourself. Taking the time to step back from technology and write can give your mind a well-deserved break from the technology overflow of everyday life.
Not sure what to write about? Explore Pittsburgh and write about your adventure. Browse Made in PGH for ideas!
Spend Quality Time With Loved Ones
Spending time with loved ones is one of the greatest acts of kindness. Hectic lives ( in a hectic year) can make it hard to carve out time, but taking time out of your schedule is one of the easiest ways to show you care. Not sure what to do? Spend a day exploring one of Pittsburgh’s neighborhoods. Walk, talk, eat, shop, and play the day away with a loved one. Not only will you be making a difference in their day, but you help support local communities through this tough time.
Be Active in Your Community
Step up by giving back to your community with volunteer opportunities. Volunteer with groups like Literacy Pittsburgh, 412 Food Rescue, and Greater Pittsburgh Food Bank to make a direct impact on fellow yinzers. If none of these causes are striking a cord, visit VolunteerMatch to explore volunteer opportunities that benefit children, education, environment, and so many more areas.
This content was provided by a local, independent contributor to Made in PGH, a lifestyle blog.