Kindness: Because stuff like this never makes the news

Random acts of kindness. They happen all the time, especially in a city as congenial as Austin. But when you tune in to the nightly news, most of the reports are about senseless acts of violence. Quite frankly, it has me feeling quite blue.

Violence happens. We know that, but how about this: do we know that there are senseless acts of kindness, too? Check out this post on Craigslist and this article in the Seattle Times about random acts of kindness.

Purposes and goals of ATXanonymous:

• To make Austin a better place one kind act at a time
• To encourage others to take time out to do good
• To use this blog as a place to thank anonymous do-gooders

In the near future, I'd like to:

• Create printable Austin specific "Pass it On" cards alá the Smile Cards at HelpOthers.org. [Edit 16 May 2007. Cards have been made. Yippee!]
• Set up some kind of online wishlist for families in need so that families with excess can help
• Match volunteers with local agencies that need volunteer workers.

I have chosen Amélie as the patron saint of this website and will be using her moniker. My real name (and hopefully my identity) will remain anonymous. Why Amélie? In the movie she becomes inspired to perform random acts of kindness for the strangers and loved ones around her. In enriching other people's lives, she found that her own became enriched. I think that if this web site catches on, the entire city of Austin will become enriched, too.