52 Things You Could…To Do a Little Good

The world we live in can be discouraging and negative. As we start this new year, there are lots of small ways we can become better and do a little good, like our founder, Blessed Frédéric Ozanam.

He started his mission of charity alongside five friends. Do you accept the challenge? Many of the things on this list are simple and should be things we do already, but when completing these good deeds, remember to do them purposefully and with love. Here are 52 things you could… to do a little good throughout the year.

1. Challenge five friends to complete this list
2. Donate gently loved clothes
3. Compliment a stranger
4. Donate dorm items that are not needed
5. Write a thank you letter to someone
6. Make a donation to the poor box
7. Ask a homeless neighbor their name
8. Hold the door open for someone
9. Say a prayer for a struggling family member
10. Thank a past or present teacher
11. Let someone go before you in line
12. Pay for someone’s coffee
13. Pick up litter when you see it
14. Thank the cleaning crew
15. Write a letter to a prisoner
16. Check in on someone who may be lonely
17. Leave a positive note for a stranger to find
18. Thank the staff at the dining hall
19. Invite someone out for coffee
20. Say thank you
21. Clean up after eating
22. Lend a hand to someone when it’s inconvenient
23. Sincerely ask someone how they are doing and listen to the answer
24. Reach out to a friend you haven’t seen in a while
25. Help a friend study or offer to proofread their essay
26. Read a book to a child
27. Write a gratitude list
28. Let someone else go before you
29. Leave the good parking spot for someone else
30. Say a Hail Mary when you see or hear sirens or see a rescue
31. Speak well of someone when others are not
32. Pack a snack and note for a homeless person
33. Visit or call an elderly person
34. Invite a friend to pray the rosary
35. Fast from beverages other than water for a day for people struggling with addiction
36. Buy a hot or cold drink for a homeless person
37. Pray for the souls in purgatory
38. Volunteer at a food pantry
39. Pray for someone who is feeling alone
40. Invite a friend to Mass
41. Dedicate time in adoration to pray for others’ needs instead of your own
42. Pay for the person behind you in line
43. Volunteer at a soup kitchen
44. Send someone a TikTok or meme to brighten their day
45. Leave a bigger tip than you normally would
46. Spend time with your grandparents or an elderly person
47. Return the shopping cart, instead of leaving it astray
48. Shop at your local SVdP Thrift Store
49. Make an effort to be kind to someone you don’t always get along with
50. Offer your time and talent to an outreach program at your parish
51. Replace your mean thought with something positive
52. Write a card to a child in the hospital