By Samantha Munro

On this World Kindness Day, I’ll start with a personal story. Recently, I had an experience that has forever changed my life and the lives of my family. Imagine receiving a phone call from law enforcement saying that they had a family member in their custody that needed your help as they were in a state of confusion! This is what happened to me; however, not only was my family member safe, they were in safe hands! The next day, the officer who cared for my family member followed up with me and offered even more assistance, if needed.

This act of kindness did not go unrecognized; I made sure that the officer was honored, as well as the rest of the police department, knowing how much I appreciated what they did to make sure my family member remained safe!

On a day to day basis, people need help. No one knows what the next day will bring. So when tragedy strikes, it is important to know that there are people who are willing to give their time and energy in a Random Act of Kindness that forever changes the lives of those who need it!

This is what the American Red Cross is all about — random acts of kindness given day by day.

Standing true to its mission and vision, the Red Cross prevents and alleviates human suffering in the face of emergencies through its strong network of volunteers, donors and partners, aspiring to turn compassion into action.

Will you heed the call today, turning your compassion into action? If so, being a Red Cross volunteer is a great way to start! Sign up today at redcross.org/volunteertoday and be the kindness that “transform[s] someone’s dark moment with a blaze of light”.