Random Acts of Kindness, now in its 8th year at Union, will be held Feb. 11-15 and include an assortment of activities with student clubs, teams and Greek groups, as well as outreach to community organizations.
“The Kenney Community Center started holding events with the goal of spreading kindness and doing something fun in the middle of winter term,” said Janet Sweeney, Kenney Center assistant director. “It's always the week that includes Valentine’s Day. We will be in Reamer from noon to 2 p.m. each day with an activity and at other locations around campus, as well.”
This year, the College is partnering with Sigma Phi and Alpha Phi Omega fraternities, ADL and Delta Phi Epsilon sororities, Hillel, Club Basketball, the Environmental Club and others.
Volunteer opportunities include visits to Heritage Home for Women nursing home, the City Mission, and Girls, Inc., a local nonprofit that fosters independence in girls by equipping them with skills to navigate economic, gender and social barriers.
A free raffle will feature prizes from local businesses and campus departments. All students will receive a raffle ticket in their campus mailbox to foster participation.
The National Random Acts of Kindness Foundation, which puts its focus on RAK Day (Feb. 17 this year), says its observance is “an opportunity to go outside your comfort zone, do something really cool, and make other people aware of how kindness can impact the world around them. Of course, you should be doing that every day, but this is a day to get LOUD with your kindness.”
In the meantime, Union is keeping with its tradition of extending kindness all week.
“Clubs, organizations and other groups or departments are welcome to plan their own activities as part of the week,” Sweeney says. She invites those who would like to donate raffle prizes or otherwise get involved to email her at volunteer@union.edu.