The Random Acts of Kindness Foundation (RAK) has dedicated February 17 as National Random Acts of Kindness Day and we can’t think of a better way to celebrate than by taking part in some of the activities below. One day not enough? Celebrate the entire week before for #RAKweek2018. Here are some ideas to get you started:
Soup kitchens tend to be fully staffed around the holidays when good cheer is plentiful. Now that the holidays are over, your staff’s help will be especially appreciated by those in your community in need. Here is a list of homeless shelters, food pantries and soup kitchens in Illinois.
Host a donation event for a local shelter. You can call ahead and find out what they need most. If it’s food the shelters need, host a food drive and offer discounted appetizers for three donated items. Same goes for toiletries (just check the facility rules to avoid any items that are prohibited).
Another idea might be to host a blanket making party at your video gaming location and provide patrons with fleece and scissors to create no-sew blankets for the homeless. Not sure if you can afford the materials? Check out this group that creates blankets and mats for the homeless with plastic bags. We can’t think of a better way to re-use all of those plastic bags shoved in our pantry!
Something as simple as a thank you note to your customers explaining why you appreciate them (and their business) can make a huge impact. Maybe offer a coupon, sweet treat or a non-alcoholic beverage of their choice as an additional sign of your gratitude.
If you’re able to spend some money here, you might consider giving your staff a small bonus! You can also treat them to a meal or gift them some branded gear to rock as they’re working hard at your location (plus, that’s added visibility if they wear it outside of work). Whatever you decide to do, make sure you’re thanking them for their hard work – employee support can go a long way.
Consider donating to a cause near and dear to Accel Entertainment’s heart: Soldiers' Angels. Soldiers' Angels is a nonprofit organization that “provides aid and comfort to the men and women of the United States Army, Marines, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, their families, and a growing veteran population”. According to their website, more than 362,000 service members, veterans and family members were supported in 2016. Accel employees donated to Soldiers' Angels in 2017. Read more about their fundraising efforts, here.
There are many ways to support this amazing organization besides donating cash (although that is ALWAYS appreciated). Check out their programs here.
Comment below if you’re planning on participating in #RAKweek2018 and what you plan on doing!