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.
- Challenge five friends to complete this list
- Donate gently loved clothes
- Compliment a stranger
- Donate dorm items that are not needed
- Write a thank you letter to someone
- Make a donation to the poor box
- Ask a homeless neighbor their name
- Hold the door open for someone
- Say a prayer for a struggling family member
- Thank a past or present teacher
- Let someone go before you in line
- Pay for someone’s coffee
- Pick up litter when you see it
- Thank the cleaning crew
- Write a letter to a prisoner
- Check in on someone who may be lonely
- Leave a positive note for a stranger to find
- Thank the staff at the dining hall
- Invite someone out for coffee
- Say thank you
- Clean up after eating
- Lend a hand to someone when it’s inconvenient
- Sincerely ask someone how they are doing and listen to the answer
- Reach out to a friend you haven’t seen in a while
- Help a friend study or offer to proofread their essay
- Read a book to a child
- Write a gratitude list
- Let someone else go before you
- Leave the good parking spot for someone else
- Say a Hail Mary when you see or hear sirens or see a rescue
- Speak well of someone when others are not
- Pack a snack and note for a homeless person
- Visit or call an elderly person
- Invite a friend to pray the rosary
- Fast from beverages other than water for a day for people struggling with addiction
- Buy a hot or cold drink for a homeless person
- Pray for the souls in purgatory
- Volunteer at a food pantry
- Pray for someone who is feeling alone
- Invite a friend to Mass
- Dedicate time in adoration to pray for others’ needs instead of your own
- Pay for the person behind you in line
- Volunteer at a soup kitchen
- Send someone a TikTok or meme to brighten their day
- Leave a bigger tip than you normally would
- Spend time with your grandparents or an elderly person
- Return the shopping cart, instead of leaving it astray
- Shop at your local SVdP Thrift Store
- Make an effort to be kind to someone you don’t always get along with
- Offer your time and talent to an outreach program at your parish
- Replace your mean thought with something positive
- Write a card to a child in the hospital
