OCEAN CITY – April 6 may become “Random Act of Kindness Day in Ocean City” to help motivate residents and visitors to pay it forward through acts of compassion.

At Monday’s meeting, Councilman Brent Ashley started out by asking for an update on the initiative to have an official Ocean City song that was originally suggested by Councilman Joe Hall a few weeks ago.

Mayor Rick Meehan said the concept has been sent to the town’s advertising firm, MGH, for its input.

“It looks like something that could be a social media event so we will put something together and will get back to you,” the mayor said.

Next Ashley threw out another idea and asked the mayor to issue a proclamation declaring April 6, Good Friday, as “Random Act of Kindness Day in Ocean City.”

“Random acts of kindness are means by which we make deliberate attempts to brighten another person’s day by doing something thoughtful, nice and caring for them,” Ashley said. “Kindness is a way of showing others that they count and that even in the face of hostility and selfishness, you’re making a stand for kindness.”

Ashley pointed out that “Random Act of Kindness Day” is celebrated on different days throughout the world. For example, Mayor Donnie Henriques of Woodstock, Ga., recently said, “It’s a great idea and if it promotes one act of kindness for one individual then it’s worth it” and the Oakland, Calif. Fire Department has an official program for kindness.

“This will be a day for the entire community to be challenged to do something for a friend or stranger for no reason … hopefully, we can keep this spirit going every day,” Ashley said.

Ashley listed acts of kindness, such as personally thank a police officer, EMT, Fireman, veteran or Ocean City employee for their service, sending a handwritten note to someone that has made a difference in your life, paying the tab for the person behind you, taping quarters to a drink machine, taking flowers to the hospital or nursing home, or letting someone get ahead of you in line.

Ashley recommended having participants post suggested acts of kindness the town’s Facebook page or acts of kindness that may have happened to them.

“I would also ask that Ocean City join the growing list of towns, cities and communities worldwide that belong to the world kindness network,” he said.

Meehan said he would pass the information.
“It’s a great idea,” Council President Jim Hall said.