These past weeks have been particularly disturbing and stressful so now is a good time to share some of the wonderful nominations we receive at MKRO.  I get to read about inspirational people of all ages doing acts of kindness, large and small every day.  It’s heartwarming and reminds me that most people in our world are really good people.  We hear too much from the extreme voices in the news and social media, but they don’t represent us.  Today I’m sharing with you a few nominations we’ve gotten of people who inspire us with their kind hearts.  I wish we could give all of them Matt’s Kindness Awards, they so deserve it.  

May their kindness ripple forward and inspire all of you.

“Christopher Hoskins (Illinois) is the single most giving person I have ever met. He would use his last dime to help someone in need over spending it on himself. I am a teacher and he has donated SOOO much to my students, birthday presents, holiday treats, project supplies, etc. He does acts of kindness for fun! Bringing treats to teachers at random schools, sending pick-me-ups to people—he barely knows—but sees are in pain. He lends money to those in need, even if he may not get repaid. He is one of the most beautiful people I’ve been blessed to know and because of his kind heart, I have grown in my own kindness, he is so beautiful it’s contagious!! His heart is pure and looking to spread good through the world. He strives to be someone who will change the world in a huge way! He started an organization for students in need where they are paired with a pen pal who writes back and forth and donates items the student needs throughout the school year. Not only does the organization get the student materialistic items, but also meets the social need where students have a positive influence. He is constantly thinking of others, I have seen him give, give, give, so much more than getting himself even ONE selfish thing! He has what he needs, and uses any extra for people who have less. He is the perfect candidate for this award and embodies kindness for what it really is! 

One beautiful story about him that I have to share is: I had a student who refused to talk! She went through kindergarten being selective mute and refusing to speak at school at all. I had her as a 1st grader, and she refused to speak. He volunteered on a field trip in our classroom and she STARTED TALKING TO HIM!!!! For the rest of the school year, she spoke!! He spreads kindness with his heart, not only his wallet! He is beyond amazing!”

“Heather Manto (Texas) has been cutting my hair for almost six years since she first moved to Texas.  Never have I wished I could do more to help someone. Lord- she has helped me. Talked me off a bridge a time or twenty and always making sure I left feeling better than when I came in.

She is a disabled Army veteran who served her country and has raised her child as a single parent for the better part of ten years.  She organizes events to help others, one in particular, to raise money for a women’s shelter, and she has rescued three dogs.  She worked out of her house to make ends meet. She said the VA helped her when she couldn’t pay her bills, so when she did get back on her feet again, she sponsored another event to raise funds for the VA’s programs.

Most recently- she put together a bunch of gift baskets and called upon some other local businesses to contribute to a fundraiser raffle. Rather than fundraise to support herself or her business- she used the money to buy Christmas presents for another client’s family. They have a terminally ill child, and she wanted to make sure that if this was their last holiday together, it would be a special one. Heather is the most selfless person I know, everything she does is for her family or for other people.”

“Mrs. Patti Sears (Michigan) has been my English teacher since the beginning of this school year. She comes in every day with a smile, even on her bad days. Since the very first day, she has taken the time to get to know each and every student. She knows them to the point where she is able to immediately recognize if someone is sad, angry, or just needs to talk even without them saying anything.

There have been days that I need someone to talk to so she lets me stay late and offers me advice and kind words. It was today that I realized that this wonderful woman deserves recognition beyond what she is getting. I live in Michigan and it just started snowing, I don’t have a lot of clothes to keep me warm so I wore a pair of Capri pants. I mentioned to her that I need to get to the store to buy more, but I was worried a bit about money. She was concerned and we had a short discussion about it. She asked my size, I was hesitant to tell her but she had a seriousness that I wasn’t used to so I shared the information. She told me that she has some clothing that she has been meaning to donate and it might fit me, she offered to bring it in. This gesture was touching, I have never had a teacher- or anyone for that matter- show such a genuine concern about me, and offer something like that. I was touched.

Her kindness inspires me every single time I see her but today really meant the world to me. I have talked to other students about Mrs. Sears and how kind she is and they agree, almost everyone I have spoken to has shared similar stories about how she has shown them simple kindnesses as well. Mrs. Sears comes into school every day and spreads joy and kindness wherever she goes.”

“Rebecca Haney (North Carolina) is awesome, she has been through so much but yet she continues to inspire and encourage others. She is the reason several people are alive to this day. Rebecca Haney showed me, my mom, and 4 other people how to overcome opioid addiction! If not for Rebecca’s openness and kindness, I don’t know if I would be here now.  3 years sober of any opioids!!!!! I barely take a Tylenol or Motrin. Thanks to Rebecca I was shown that help was out there. Thank you, Rebecca Haney, we love you!”

“Leslie Gang (New York) is co-founder of an international nonprofit organization called Hindi’s Libraries which donates new/gently used children’s books to recipients around the world. Leslie hasn’t had it easy, and she has shown all of us who know her just how easy it is to make a difference and an impact on the world. The organization was formed after a former coworker, English Teacher, and mother of 5 little ones (Dr. Hindi Krinsky) suddenly passed away in the summer of 2018. She convinced newly widowed dad Dovid (Kanarfogel), co-founder of the nonprofit, to channel his energy into this project, and quickly they went on their way to create awesomeness.  Since January 2020, this organization has collected over 100,000 books, partnered with 385 organizations spanning across all 50 states and internationally, and joined forces with major companies such as Disney Publishing Worldwide, Avery Dennison, Barnes and Noble, and more.

Leslie is a force to be reckoned with and inspires EVERYONE she knows to step a bit out of their comfort zone and do good for someone else.”

“Mark Geschke (Ohio) is the true definition of kindness. His Akron Children’s Hospital badge may say volunteer, but he is so much more than that. He helped to get a salon up and running at Akron Children’s so that parents could get much-needed haircuts, among other services like manicures, while their children are patients.

Mark also donates his time and talents to Dance Unlimited, a special needs dance group at Akron Children’s.  Mark photographs Dance Unlimited’s recitals free of charge and also serves as Santa during the holiday recital.  

Mark also is a huge supporter of Children’s Miracle Network and travels to Florida for their annual conference each year. He also volunteers time to man the phones during the annual Radiothon that benefits the hospital. Mark does none of this for fame or recognition, he does it because he truly loves helping others. We can all learn so much from Mark.”

I hope this reminds you of how much good there is in the world.  Ordinary people making our world better, one kindness at a time.

Is there someone who inspires you with their kindness?  Nominate them for the Matt Kurtz Kindness Award of $250.

Do you have an act-of-kindness project you want to do but need help funding it?  Submit your idea for the Matt Kurtz Kindness Grant of $250 and let us help you spread kindness.