Daily Good Turn.

Today's Marketing Cookie is about the impact of daily acts of kindness and how they inspire generosity.

You’ve probably seen heartwarming videos on social media where, after several people pass by a homeless man, someone finally stops to offer him food or money. Or perhaps you've seen a video featuring a disabled woman in a wheelchair needing help to get down some stairs, with people walking around her until two individuals stop, lift her chair with her in it, and carry her down the steps. While it's troubling that someone just stood there filming without lending a hand, the acts of kindness captured in these videos does restore some faith in humanity. They remind us that there are good people out there who genuinely care for others, and it makes us want to do our part.

I grew up in Whitinsville, Massachusetts, a charming village nestled along the banks of the Blackstone River and surrounded by rolling hills and lush forests. My hometown was like living in a picturesque New England postcard painted by Norman Rockwell. My parents taught me what it meant to “be good,” but it was the Boy Scouts that taught me how to “do good.” At every meeting, we stood at attention and recited the Scout Oath:

"On my honor, I will do my best

To do my duty to God and my Country and to obey the Scout Law;

To help other people at all times;

To keep myself physically strong, mentally awake, and morally straight."

In our troop, that promise, "To help other people at all times," was strongly emphasized and instilled in us a deep sense of duty to be helpful in our community. Every week, we faithfully tracked and reported our "Daily Good Turn" — the selfless acts of service that we had done that week, no matter how small.

We have countless opportunities to do something good for others through simple, small acts of kindness. Even if you work remotely, you can offer to help a colleague with a challenging task or surprise them with a nice message of appreciation. We could bring in an elderly neighbor's trash bin, pick up litter in the park, or donate clothes to a local shelter. Even holding the door open for someone or sharing a kind word can make a difference in someone’s day, creating a ripple effect of goodwill. When others see or experience even the simplest of good deeds, many will want to contribute.

When I moved to Florida in 2014, I heard a story about a woman who went to a Starbucks drive-thru in St. Petersburg at 7 in the morning, paid for her iced coffee, and for the caramel macchiato for the driver behind her, who then did the same for the next customer. This sparked a chain reaction of kindness. By 1:30 p.m., 260 people had paid it forward, each buying their own drink and one for the next customer. The barista explained the gesture to each customer, and in total, 378 people participated in this act of generosity. The next morning, it happened again and lasted for more than 11 hours, by a chain of 457 customers, causing a trend that spread across the country. The longest pay it forward chain at a Starbucks reportedly lasted two days and over 3600 consecutive customers.

What would happen if we all recited the promise "To help other people at all times," took the time to do a "Daily Good Turn," and started new ripples of kindness? Witnessing moments of generosity inspires people to contribute through simple gestures too, creating a chain reaction of compassion. Good deeds inspire more good deeds, fostering a cycle of kindness that strengthens connections and builds a more caring world. By recognizing and valuing these acts, we encourage a culture of giving. As you go about your day, remember to do as today’s fortune says: “You appreciate the good will of others.”