In 1988 Lorraine Jara read in her local newspaper that a boat drove past two other boats that needed help, but they didn’t stop to help. This didn’t sit well with Jara, so she created “Be Kind to Humankind Week.” It starts on August 25th and goes through August 31st and each day has a special theme. Her holiday has received praise from the likes of Ronald Reagan, George Bush Sr. and Oprah. Here are the themes for each day and a few ideas on how you can participate.

Willing-To-Lend-A-Hand Wednesday (Aug. 25th)
- Give someone a ride.
- Take an elderly person food shopping.
- Offer to help a friend move.

Thoughtful Thursday (Aug. 26th)
- Invite a friend over for lunch or dinner.
- Hold doors for others.
- Let a person with fewer items cut in line.

Forgive Your Foe Friday (Aug. 27th)
- Learn to forgive and don’t hold a grudge.
- Be the first person to make a move towards reconciliation.
- Put yourself in the other persons shoes.

Speak Kind Words Saturday (Aug. 28th)
- If you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all.
- Try not to curse or use foul language.
- Don’t gossip.

Sacrifice Our Wants For Others Needs Sunday (Aug. 29th)
- Cook a meal for a sick friend or neighbor.
- Visit an elderly relative.
- Mow a neighbor’s lawn.

Motorist Consideration Monday (Aug. 30th)
- Don’t speed
- Let someone pull out in front of you
- Yield to pedestrians

Touch-A-Heart Tuesday (Aug. 31st)
- Tell those you love, “I love you.”
- Give a compliment
- Volunteer at a nursing home