Spreading the Love on MLK Jr. Day

Lundak Family Kind Deed

January 20, 2014
MLK Jr. Day

We were honored (and intimidated) to do the first ever BCE Kindness Club deed. Here's what we did and what we learned from the experience. 

What we did…

We wanted to do something connected to MLK day where we could give a dose of happiness to people who are in need of a little love or appreciation. As MLK preached, the way to end hate is with love. 

So, we considered how to spread the love. We thought about doing something nice for police or firemen, nursing homes and hospitals. Ultimately we chose a nursing home – as they often have residents without much outside interaction and caregivers who are unsung heroes.  

For our deed we made 20 flower arrangements, bought 30 big cookies and $50 dollars of Starbucks gift cards ($5 each). The boys made cards to go in each arrangement and we attached tags that said:

“Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.”
Philo of Alexandria
With love from bcekind@gmail.com 

We delivered the goods on MLK day. We had alerted the activity director at Mayfield Care Center that morning that we were coming, but we didn’t give details. When we arrived, the caregivers were surprised and full of smiles to see the flowers and cookies. They made an announcement through the building PA system of our gift and were visibly touched. It was humbling for us…since we weren't doing it for any recognition. But they wanted to show their appreciation, so we blushed while they continued to thank us. 

They decided to put all the flowers on tables in the dining hall where we saw the residents eating lunch. The cookies and coffee were for the caregivers who ironically were having a trivia contest later that day and could use the items as prizes. There were lots of hugs and applause for the gesture. Afterwards, the activity director called our friend who recommended Mayfield to tell her how much she loved what we'd done for them. 

Who we did it for…

Mayfield Care Center – 5905 Washington, Chicago

Located in the Austin neighborhood it is a 5 star rated CMS facility and was recommended by a friend who works for the West Side and Austin newspapers.

How we felt…

It’s a humbling experience to do something nice for someone – especially people you do not know. It was such a small thing, but the appreciation was so great.

As Lincoln said as we left “I feel so happy” – complete with a little booty shake.