Deseret News | Alpine man makes acts of kindness go viral

Reader comments
Alpine man makes acts of kindness go viral

Reese Ikeld | 6:46 a.m. April 14, 2009

What a great contribution! Lead on!

valerie | 7:52 a.m. April 14, 2009

See it may seem small by haveing to give a card ever time you do this but thing is that if no one had the card then it would'nt even happen like this has happened with these cards. People say it is stupid that there is a card and that they do good deeds with out it but the truth is are you sure that is all it takes with out the card to say hi look lets get these out there all it may take is a hour or two of my time that is not that bad for one thing to happen with out some one asking you to do so.And it could be to family or even to the old ladies down the road or to the moms that just need to get away from that for a while. People should realise that some times you just got to be able to help some one you dont even know. And who knows what may happen to you for doing that one small thing that may even make your night a lit better know that you had helped that one person to smile and pass on

Hope | 8:14 a.m. April 14, 2009

There is hope for humanity after all. This is the best article I have read in years. It isn't always the huge charitably contributions that make as much difference as the little daily acts of kindness one person to another. If only this can continue to grow and become a habit of millions.

Comments continue below

A Lucky Recipient | 8:32 a.m. April 14, 2009

This morning I was awakened early by a phone call. Being one who loves to sleep in this didn't start my day off all that well. Until I looked out my window to see my neighbor planting seed on a patch of my lawn that was barren. This is after a few days ago when he fertilized my lawn. What a difference this has made in my day! While there was no little card given to me, I will definitely be passing on a good deed today.

This is nice, but... | 8:45 a.m. April 14, 2009

...it's not real charity. It's more of a fun game that has a worthy goal. Nothing wrong with that, sounds great, I hope it succeeds. Beats the heck out of most other forms of entertainment nowadays.

But if you're doing something to get recognized by others, then it's not real charity.

If you're doing something to earn points or money, then it's not real charity.

Even if you're doing something for the fun of it or to make yourself feel good, then it's not real charity.

Real charity requires real, personal sacrifice. An action or donation -- such as the widow's mites -- that really, really makes you hesitate before you do it because it truly is costing you something.

If you're keeping track of the "good" things you do, then you're not doing it for charitable purposes.

@ This is nice | 9:04 a.m. April 14, 2009

Bah humbug.

Never have I heard that good works only count if it is a personal sacrifice. Those who truly love sharing and giving and serving do it with a happy heart and never feel it is a sacrifice. Blessed are they and those they serve.

Those who are grumpy and feel tortured when they give, blessed too are they and those they serve.

Dude or dudette - lighten up.

dbf | 9:08 a.m. April 14, 2009

So according to "This is nice,but" there is no such thing as real charity because we are always blessed when we help others. I disagre, charity doesn't have to hurt to make it count. My taking an extra 10 seconds to help push a cart for an elderly women dosn't cost enough for me to "hesitate". It's just the right thing to do and "yes" it makes me feel good too.

RE: This is nice, but | 9:08 a.m. April 14, 2009

Please don't turn this into a sunday school lesson. It was just a friendly article talking about service.

K | 9:27 a.m. April 14, 2009

What a wonderful concept, and a great article to get the word out!

I agree, why not do something nice for someone?

Just because it makes you feel good or it's not a "real" sacrifice, does NOT mean it wasn't a good thing!!!

Why analyze it to death...

what? | 9:29 a.m. April 14, 2009

So, the guy that came up with this idea is a friend of mine, came to me as a business man and friend and asked, do you think people will take this wrong? Just want to get some positive in the world, and have the costs of the internet and leave behinds covered. He too lives in Alpine, and wanted to do this as a service and just wanted to do get nicies going. And by the way his name is not Jeff Smith. Hope they are partners and this guy taking the credit remembers who took him the idea. I have also done acts of Kindness. My dad always did stuff like this, so when we can our whole family gets a kick out of it as well. It's life changing, and exhilarating when you can quietly share like that. Have tried this site too. Mostly what they track is not so much what is done for show, but just how cool it is that things are actually happening. So, before you judge, get the facts.

Not surprising | 9:34 a.m. April 14, 2009

Nobody here really read or understood what I wrote.

I didn't say it wasn't nice. I didn't say it wasn't praiseworthy. I didn't say it wasn't good, or wonderful, or worthwhile.

I didn't even say I wouldn't participiate myself. Sounds like fun.

But it's not charity.

The rich men in the Gospel of Mark who made large, ostentatious donations to the Temple were supporting a good cause, and they probably felt great afterwards for doing it.

But as the Savior told His disciples, their donations paled in comparison to that of the widow, because she was the only one who made a true personal sacrifice and didn't do it to be seen of men.

When you do your charitable acts, examine your motivations. If you feel the need to be recognized for it, then you did it primarily to please yourself, not to help others.

To "This is nice but..." | 9:38 a.m. April 14, 2009

Go read what the scriptures say about giving a gift begrudgingly. If tracking a card on the Internet changes someone's mindset from not giving into giving for fun, so much the better! Your definition of "it doesn't count unless it hurts" charity sounds exactly like what Moroni was preaching AGAINST, not encouraging.

Betsy in Alpine | 9:51 a.m. April 14, 2009

Hooray for Jeff Smith! Thank you for your example and inspiration.

washcomom | 9:53 a.m. April 14, 2009

Smile! That's the start of giving. And what's the harm of seeing where your gift goes? It makes you want to give all the more. I think it's a clever idea. Loved the film "Pay It Forward" and think we need to do it more often.

Lindy | 10:08 a.m. April 14, 2009

This is wonderful! Just think what a difference each little act of kindness makes to those who are the recipients! Many years ago, my family attended the Wisconsin state fair, and when we went to pay were told that our tickets were aleady paid for by someone in line ahead of us! None of us have ever forgotten that and have in turn done things like this anonamously and it makes happy, it is addicting to perform simple, daily acts of kindness, and can make life better for so many!

Thank you, Mr. Smith! | 10:14 a.m. April 14, 2009

Thanks. I think this is a great way to teach kids to have empathy and to do service-- for fun.

I've always had some reward for service, even if I wasn't looking for it. The smile of a needy family on Sunday after you dropped groceries off at their house on Saturday night. The thank you you get when you hold the door open for someone. The way the street (or campground) looks after you've picked up trash.

As a Scoutmaster, I'm always trying to help my boys see (and take pleasure in) the results of their service.

This is just one more way to experience the results of your good deeds. I may or may not go to the website and buy the cards, but-- then again-- I just might.

Sylvia G | 10:25 a.m. April 14, 2009

I think ANY program that promotes an act of kindness is worthwhile!

The news is full of such negative things such as robbing, stealing and killing even of little children.

It is a breath of fresh air when you hear of some one trying to better the day of someone else!

When I grocery shop, I always keep my eye out for that certain person that in these tight times might need a little help but in secret. I enjoy going out to eat with my family and being able pay in secret for the meal of grandparents because they deserve to be appreciated.

This program allows you to enter comments on the tag you have been given so that you can share your experience of kindness. The giver is NOT looking for praise, but in HOPES that this example of kindness will spread and help make this a better world.

Keep up the great work you do Jeff!!!

Way to go Jeff | 11:01 a.m. April 14, 2009

Sounds like he's found a way to pad his wallet by looking like he is being charitable. $16 a sheet, 60 a day, 60/10=6 sheets a day $96, not to mention the door to door sales.

YES! | 11:15 a.m. April 14, 2009

Love This! What a great opportunity to see a 'kindness' grow and grow !
In addition, using the 'tag' system gives me the opportunity to 'gift' this concept to our children and old enough grandchildren. Can't help but smile thinking of all the random acts of loving kindness blooming in the hearts of both receiver and giver.
Thank You!

Charles | 11:21 a.m. April 14, 2009

@It's nice but/Not surprising: We got it. We understand what you are saying. We don't agree! Do you lurk on these boards to thump your chest in sharing your interpretation of the gospel knowledge?

Really, turn off your computer and go out and do something nice for someone; anything. Then return and report!

Wow, do some people need to relax their britches a bit....

ya, lighten up | 11:42 a.m. April 14, 2009

I, frankly, think is way form a habit. I see nothing wrong with starting here. I bet, these people who use these tags, end up continuing service even without them. Because once you experience the joy that comes from seeing the effects of kind acts of service, you're hooked. I like his idea, and I hope many people use it. It will change lives for the better. Does it lessen what my sweet friends and family do everyday without reward? Certainly not. It just brings more people into the world of looking outside of yourself. Great article, thanks for featuring his site.

@This is nice | 1:25 p.m. April 14, 2009

The Eight Levels of Charity

As defined by the Rambam (the great Jewish sage, Moses Maimonides):

The levels of charity, from the least meritorious to the most meritorious, are:

1. Giving begrudgingly.
2. Giving less than you should, but giving it cheerfully.
3. Giving after being asked.
4. Giving before being asked.
5. Giving when you do not know the recipient's identity, but the recipient knows your identity.
6. Giving when you know the recipient's identity, but the recipient doesn't know your identity.
7. Giving when neither party knows the other's identity.
8. Giving a gift, a loan, or a job which will enable the recipient to become self-reliant.

Nan | 2:27 p.m. April 14, 2009

I liked what "@This is nice" wrote. I researched it a little. Thank you.

According to this, giving a fast donation is a #7, and giving to the Perpetual Education Fund is a #8.

I'm going to have some fun with this and include it in the family dinner conversation. May look up the site too.

The nice thing about being able to track how influential your good works have been is that after seeing the impact you would forever be changed. So if someone needs that vision in order to have faith that their good works make a difference, then great. Probably a fun and faith promoting activity for the youth.

Then there is "Giving more than is asked" and "Giving when it hurts."

Bj | 2:38 p.m. April 14, 2009

A lot of words have been printed. The opinions expressed are so varied - personalities nearly JUMP off the page at you :)
Our 17 year old son died nearly 8 years ago. His donations to waiting recipients included a 5 year old girl receiving his heart valve and others who were blessed by his bone and soft tissue.
Each year to honor his gift of life to 20-some people, we choose to honor him by 'Danny's Gift of Life Project.'
This is my project choice this year.
The gift of kindness can be VERY anonymous! I can't wait to see how far 1 act of kindness "times-by-ten" will spread.
He would have loved this idea!
Thank you for supplying the avenue by which we could easily participate.

Wow | 2:56 p.m. April 14, 2009

I'm happy that this kind of thing is going on right now in the world. I'm equally as pleased that a newspaper is printing something that actually uplifts others. Finally!

Emaca | 4:00 p.m. April 14, 2009

It is great that people even care enogh to do small acts of kindness. It is the small things that make us good people as well as the big. we should take a hint and pay if forward! Come on!

Sterling | 5:01 p.m. April 14, 2009

"Those who bring sunshine to the lives of others, cannot keep it from themselves." James Barrie

Great job Jeff, success to your endeavor. Feels right.

MelissaW | 2:11 p.m. April 15, 2009

I think this is a great way to SEE how one little act of kindness can affect others. I am glad the inventor of this can make a little from it. Jeff has given something to society that is very worth while.

Grammarian | 8:15 a.m. April 16, 2009

The tags are a great idea, but I think it's a bit of hubris to say they'll "wonder the Earth" or did you mean "WANDER the earth?"

Anonymous | 9:54 a.m. April 16, 2009

Our business and foundation do a Pay it Forward program with "Meal Packs" for starving children. We don't know the identity of the children, only the country being helped. This is a wonderful opportunity to add for our foundation board members and volunteers. Thank you. Continue doing well by doing good.

Happy Face | 6:52 p.m. April 17, 2009

Of course he meant wander, but that isn't hubris (define: insolent pride; arrogance) to say that these generous acts, with attached card, would wander the earth. Most acts have a ripple effect, so go figure.

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