Residents and staff at Colten Care homes chose a host of positive, heartfelt ways to celebrate Random Acts of Kindness Day, from gifts to donations, good deed and compliments.

Random Acts of Kindness Day is an annual event which began in Denver Colorado in 1995. This year, it was marked on Saturday, February 17. In line with the aim of the yearly observance—to encourage moments of goodwill and compassion towards ourselves and others—there were both individual acts and initiatives by entire homes and departments.

At Brook View in West Moors, residents and staff began early with an appeal at the start of the year for friends, family, colleagues and visitors to donate non-perishable food items. These were gathered together and, on Random Acts of Kindness Day, presented to the nearby Castleman Community Larder which helps West Moors families struggling with food poverty.

Brook View’s companionship team leader Lauren Parrett personally handed over the large collection of items, including tinned goods, pasta and cereals, to larder manager Michelle Bennett.

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Lauren said: “Once our residents learned what the larder does and the importance it has for families in need in our community, they knew they wanted to help the team there on Random Acts of Kindness Day.

“We are so grateful to our staff, relatives, friends and visitors for enabling us, through their donations, to give something special back to our community.”

Brook View resident Sybil Conner said: “In these times, I wouldn’t have thought food banks would be necessary, but then it goes to show how communities pull together for people who need that support.”

Thanking all at Brook View, Michelle said: “We want people to know they can shop within the larder and feel supported by the community.”