10 Ways to Pay it Forward

Nancy A Shenker
4 days ago
2 min read

As we enter the holiday season, choosing the theme "paying it forward" makes perfect sense for SOS.

Why should we wait for Thanksgiving to be thankful and support others?

Small kindnesses can set off ripples, like dropping pebbles in a pond.

And we're offering you 10 pebbles this month!

Studies show that even a one-time kindness intervention can boost the giver’s mood, reduce negative affect, and create a chain reaction: many receivers later become givers.

1. Buy someone’s coffee (or snack)

Next time you’re in line, tell the barista or drive-thru employee, “I’ll pick up the tab for the person behind me.”

2. Compliment a stranger (genuinely)

Thank that grocery cashier for bagging. Tell that new person on a ZOOM that you really like what they said in a meeting. Just don't make it weird :)

3. Leave a generous tip

Especially now, with inflation and wage pressures, a 20–30% tip is HUGE for service workers.

4. Write a note of encouragement

Although we are mostly digital these days, a paper note can really stand out!

5. Volunteer your skills

You'll learn more about the non-profit world at this upcoming event!

6. Send a care package

If a friend is sick or just in a funk, a digital gift card, surprise Door Dash delivery, or simply a funny meme can make their day a little better.

7. Donate (money or goods)

Look around local sites to find out which organizations need holiday supplies.

8. Help someone carry heavy items or hold a door or push an elevator button

Tiny acts of kindness are noticed!

9. Share a resource or information

Know a workshop, scholarship, job lead, or a “free stuff” resource? Even a particularly compelling infographic or meme will be appreciated by your friends and "fans."

10. Invite someone in

If you're at a networking or other event and see a newbie or someone standing or sitting alone, ask them to join your group.

Why it matters (and why you’ll benefit too)

In a study, students who performed five kind acts in a day reported higher levels of happiness than the control group.
Workplace and team benefits: 74% of people say a volunteerism culture gives better purpose at work.
Your kindness might touch someone who then touches someone else. Imagine a stranger coming home from their job and telling their friends and family, "You'll never believe what happened to me today!"

We'd love to hear YOUR stories.

What pebbles will you be tossing in the months and years ahead?