
In light of the heartbreaking tragedy in Newtown, I found it impossible to focus on what recipe to share for this week’s Mangia Monday. As I processed the devastating news over the weekend, my heart ached for the families, the community, and the precious lives lost. The faces of those beautiful children were everywhere—reminders of unimaginable grief. So today, I hope you’ll stay with me, even though I’m stepping away from food talk for the week.
Last night, I reflected on how I would feel if those children were my own. I realized that I would want the world to remember them not for how their lives ended but for the joy, love, and light they brought into the world. If I were one of the brave educators who lost their lives protecting their students, I would want something meaningful—something good—to come from such sorrow.
Finding Purpose Through Kindness
“Children remind us to treasure the smallest of gifts, even in the most difficult times.”
— Allen Klein
Though none of us can erase the grief felt by the families, or take away the trauma endured by the children, staff, and first responders at Sandy Hook Elementary, we are not powerless. There is still something we can do—something small but meaningful.
“No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.”
— Aesop
This season is meant to be one of love and giving, and in honor of the 20 children and 6 heroic adults who lost their lives, my children and I have decided to embark on a mission of kindness. We will commit to 26 random acts of kindness—one for each life lost.
Will You Join Us in Spreading the Love?
I invite you to join us by sharing kindness with even one person in your life. It doesn’t have to be grand or elaborate. Small, thoughtful gestures can make a profound difference.
“To give pleasure to a single heart by a single act is better than a thousand heads bowing in prayer.”
— Mahatma Gandhi
We have created a simple list of 26 acts of kindness, gathered from ideas across the web and our own brainstorming sessions as a family. These are small but heartfelt ways to bring warmth into someone’s life, and we cannot wait to put them into action—starting this afternoon after school.
If you have your own ideas, we would love for you to share them! The more kindness we spread, the more love we put into the world.
Ideas for 26 Random Acts of Kindness
- Leave a kind note on a stranger’s windshield.
- Pay for someone’s coffee or meal in the drive-thru.
- Write a heartfelt letter to a teacher.
- Donate books to a children’s hospital or library.
- Send flowers to a friend for no reason.
- Drop off baked goods at a fire station or police department.
- Tape quarters to a vending machine for someone to find.
- Compliment a stranger sincerely.
- Leave a positive review for a small business you love.
- Donate warm clothing to a shelter.
- Offer to help an elderly neighbor with groceries or chores.
- Let someone go ahead of you in line.
- Send a thank-you note to someone who has impacted your life.
- Deliver a surprise care package to a friend in need.
- Donate pet food to an animal shelter.
- Hand out water bottles to delivery drivers or sanitation workers.
- Give an extra-large tip to a hardworking server.
- Return shopping carts for others at the store.
- Write uplifting chalk messages on a sidewalk.
- Bring treats to nurses at a local hospital.
- Hold the door open for as many people as possible.
- Share an inspiring book with someone who might need it.
- Send a surprise postcard to a long-distance friend.
- Make a donation in someone’s name.
- Offer a genuine smile to everyone you pass today.
- Simply listen sometimes, the greatest gift is being there for someone.
For acts done anonymously, we plan to leave a small note explaining why—so others might be inspired to pay it forward. If you’d like to do the same, feel free to print out these notes to use in your own acts of kindness. (Just save the image to your computer and print it.)
The Power of Sharing a Meal

For my friends who join me every week for Mangia Mondays, I want to remind you—never underestimate the power of a simple meal. Food is love, and sharing it with others is a beautiful way to bring comfort. Whether it’s inviting a friend over, dropping off dinner for a neighbor, or surprising a stranger with a sweet treat, a meal can be an expression of warmth and kindness.
Thank you to everyone who participates in Mangia Mondays, week after week, sharing your wonderful recipes and traditions. This week, instead of a new dish, I encourage you to use food as a way to spread love.
“If there is any kindness I can show, any good thing I can do to any fellow human being, let me do it now, and not defer or neglect it, as I shall not pass this way again.”
— William Penn
Let’s come together to honor the lives lost by making the world just a little bit kinder. Whether you choose to commit to all 26 acts or just one, every gesture matters. Let’s spread love, bring light, and make a difference one small act at a time.
Will you join us? 💙