World Kindness Day prompts local college to perform random acts of generosity

ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) - November 13 is World Kindness Day, and Maria College in Albany spread the word throughout the Capital Region with random acts of generosity. World Kindness Day promotes and honors acts of kindness, which can look like anything from giving someone a compliment or even buying their coffee in the morning and then paying it forward.

For World Kindness Day this year, Maria College President Dr. Lynn Ortale got together for the third time ever with the college's “Kindness Crew," which is made up of Dr. Anne Jung, Vice President of Academic Affairs, Vicki DiLorenzo, Vice President for Institutional Advancement, Dr. Wendy Trevor, Vice President for Strategic Innovation and Partnerships, and Virginia Arbour, Vice President of Finance and Administration, to celebrate.

"It’s an opportunity for each of us to take the time to do something kind for someone else," Dr. Ortale said. "Particularly something that is a surprise. It’s kind of a random act of kindness.”

The crew started the day by delivering bagels and coffee to the Center for Disabilities Services staff in Albany in appreciation of the work the employees do. Gregory Sorrentino, the CEO of the Center for Disabilities Services, said the kindness of the crew made each individual at the center feel valued.

"Something like this today is an example of what you can do," Sorrentino said. "It doesn't have to be huge; it's just the little acts of kindness that make a difference and make people feel a little better about themselves and a little better about helping someone else."

Later, the “Kindness Crew” surprised Market 32 shoppers in Albany with an offering of a free “Kindness Day Grocery Bag” and $50 gift cards for future purchases.

 "I was shocked at first, but I am honestly feeling really grateful for this opportunity," Keirstin Lynch, a Market 32 shopper said. "I was coming in here to pick up some groceries for breakfast for me and my roommate, and I won't use it all today, but I will definitely save it for future shopping."