Galesburg Council Member Jaclyn Smith-Esters is making an effort to have a holiday centered around kindness this week.
Random Acts of Kindness Week happens every year on Feb. 17 but Smith-Esters believes Galesburg is in a unique position to celebrate a little later.
Smith-Esters is asking for a “collective day of kindness” on Mar. 9, in a nod to the 309 area code.
Smith-Esters says a “collective day of kindness is important because it brings a community together creating bonds that are vital for success.”
She adds, “Not only is a day of kindness good for those who participate but a community as a whole.”
This “holiday” was a brainstorm of Macomb City Alderperson Tammie Leigh Brown-Edwards to get the residents of her community, and county, to think of small ways they can make a difference.
Macomb is also a 309 community.
In McDonough County, Brown-Edwards says 309 efforts have included providing treats to law enforcement and firefighters, giving gift cards to local offices, donating nail polish to senior retirement centers to citizens paying for the cars behind them in the drive-thru, and local students extending kindness to their school staff.”
Smith-Esters urges residents on March 9th, to use the hashtag #Iam309 and post photos on social media of their activities, interactions, thoughts, or ideas.
