NATIONAL THOUGHTFUL DAY

August 28th brings with it an opportunity to demonstrate how we value each other. National Thoughtful Day sets aside a celebration meant to bring goodwill in a variety of ways. By serving the day with a spirit of generosity toward others, a ripple effect takes place.

What encompasses a thoughtful day? Sometimes it’s an awareness of fulfilling another’s needs. Whether they are celebrating something already or need a pick-me-up, being aware generates a multitude of thoughts that result in thoughtful acts. It can be a small token or an inspirational word. Either way, your thoughtfulness makes others feel special.

And many times, those special people in our lives will reciprocate in kind. While it is usually not expected when we’re being thoughtful, it tends to happen anyway.

Being thoughtful also creates an interchange of thoughts and ideas that spur even more thoughtfulness. One simple act or word can generate new friendships, cause a plan to develop or a garden to grow. Who knows where your thoughtfulness will lead!

A thoughtful day also gives us perspective. We pause a moment to think of another and not ourselves. Our consideration for others brings kindness to the world that would otherwise be missing.

And while all these reasons matter, one of the most important reasons to celebrate National Thoughtful Day is that it is necessary. Imagine all the lives we touch and how a single thoughtful act can impact them for a lifetime. Thoughtfulness is a necessity we cannot live without.

NATIONAL THOUGHTFUL DAY HISTORY

Thoughtful Pinch founded National Thoughtful Day to celebrate all the ways being thoughtful brings beauty, inspiration, and empowerment to our lives. According to the creator of Thoughtful Pinch, Barb Paton, “By being thoughtful, one size does not have to fit all. In fact, the more unique the celebration, the better!”

HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalThoughtfulDay

Put your stamp on the day – your own style of thoughtful. Then put it into practice. Maybe you’ll become the aunt known for her sweet treats or the friend known for surprise coffees at work. Some other thoughtful ideas include:

Mail cards to several people in your address book. A handwritten note means so much since they are rare these days.

Deliver small treats to friends and family. They won’t be turned away, we promise!

Bring fresh flowers to your neighbor. They will brighten the day and make a connection.

Surprise someone with a new book. Inspirational stories bring comfort and joy.

Take a child to the park. Children always appreciate one on one time.

Visit Pinterest for inspiration or Thoughtful Pinch for more ideas.

Most importantly, share your thoughtful day on social media. Include your inspiration and plans while tagging them with #NationalThoughtfulDay.

WORLD HUMANITARIAN DAY 

Each year, World Humanitarian Day is held on August 19 to honor aid workers who put their lives at risk to better the lives of others. The day also rallies support for people around the world affected by crises. 

Around the world, the United Nations, along with International organizations and Non-governmental organizations, come together to observe World Humanitarian Day. The day is commemorated with fundraisers for relief organizations, lectures, and a variety of events to increase awareness for those living in crisis.

Since the inception of the day, each year focuses on a particular theme. For instance, in 2010 the emphasis concentrated on the work and achievements of humanitarian workers in the field. To learn about the theme for each year, visit un.org.

Humanitarians are credited for providing life-saving assistance to millions of people in need around the world. Oftentimes, they give aid in the middle of a war, conflict, famine, and natural disasters. While trying to help those in need, over 700 humanitarian workers have lost their lives or experienced dangerous situations.

Despite the difficult job, humanitarians serve selflessly to meet the basic needs of some of the most helpless people in the world. These needs include food, clothing, shelter, and a safe place to stay. An estimated 130 million people throughout the world live in crisis and are in need of humanitarian aid. As natural disasters, economic crises, and conflicts increase, so will the need for humanitarian workers.

Some of the most famous humanitarians include Nelson Mandela, Mother Teresa, Princess Diana, Martin Luther King, Jr., Oprah Winfrey, Angelina Jolie, and Desmond Tutu. Some of these famous humanitarians help those living in crisis situations by the wealth they have amassed. For others, being a humanitarian has cost them their lives.

You don’t have to be a celebrity, have lots of money, or travel to a third-world country to be a humanitarian. All you need to do is have the desire to lend a helping hand to those less fortunate.

WORLD HUMANITARIAN DAY HISTORY

The General Assembly of the United Nations established World Humanitarian Day in 2008. It was first observed on August 19, 2009. The observance occurred exactly six years after the 2002 Canal Hotel Bombing in Baghdad, where 22 people died. Among those killed was the UN’s High Commissioner for Human Rights.

5 WAYS TO SUPPORT WORLD HUMANITARIAN DAY

  1. Volunteer at a homeless shelter or soup kitchen.
  2. Donate some of your personal belongings to someone in need.
  3. Make a contribution to a relief organization.
  4. Do a random act of kindness for a complete stranger.
  5. Use #WorldHumanitarianDay to share on social media.

STAMP OUT HUNGER FOOD DRIVE DAY

The second Saturday in May is the largest one-day food drive in the nation named Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive Day. How is it possible? It occurs in more than 10,000 cities and towns, and the food is collected by those men and women carrying our mail across the country. Make sure to participate May 11, 2024.

As they deliver to you mail order parts, bills, and postcards, you get to do your part by filling their mailbag with non-perishable food donations.

Over the last 20 years, one billion pounds of food has been delivered by this drive which is sponsored by the National Association of Letter Carriers. The letter carriers representing the NALC receive help from rural letter carriers, other postal employees, and other volunteers. The Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive has received a number of accolades over the years, including two Presidential Certificates of Achievement.

National mail carriers association

NATIONAL STAMP OUT HUNGER FOOD DRIVE DAY HISTORY

The Stamp out Hunger Food Drive started in October 1991 as a pilot program. After the initial success of the drive that took place in ten cities across the country, the program was moved to the spring. Food banks during this time of year struggle to meet demand as contributions dwindle after the holiday season.  

HOW TO OBSERVE #StampOutHungerFoodDriveDay

Volunteer your time at your local post office to sort food gathered for the largest one-day food drive. Visit either of the following sites for more information on how to participate: www.nalc.org or www.usps.com. Leave non-perishable food items for your postal carrier to collect and deliver to food pantries as part of the drive. Drop off items at your local post office. Use #StampOutHungerFoodDrive to show your support for this worthy cause!