Random Acts of Kindness (RAK) was formed by Dave Lageman in 2018. An advisory board was created soon after and is composed of Lageman, Greg Hinton, Betsy Scheffe, and Mike Rieken.
Today, there are 70 members who are all willing and eager to spread kindness and help the needy. Anyone can become a member of RAK by simply contacting Lageman via email at [email protected]. There are no fees or volunteer hour requirements for members. Members are encouraged to do at least two RAK each month and recruit two additional members for the cause. Examples of RAK include:
● Open door for someone
● Pay someone a compliment
● Help someone with groceries or bags
● Write inspirational note to someone
● Donating toys/games/books to the hospital
● Pay for a person’s meal or groceries
● Offer to help elderly person with chores
● Give flowers to hospital or senior center
● Write letters of appreciation to organizations, groups that help community or environment
● Buy dog or cat food and drop off a shelter
● Hand out quarters at the laundromat
● Send a thank you card to emergency services
RAK members have contributed to the community in multiple ways. Money was donated to help pay a needy family’s water bill and to help with a local high school student’s medical bill. During the holiday season, library fines were paid off for patrons. Cedar was cut for an elderly citizen and volunteers have provided donuts to local businesses on four different occasions. Flowers have been donated by Arnosky Farms and Klepac and delivered to locals, the Henry House, and to the LBJ Medical Center in Johnson City. Another project that RAK helped with was the renovation of the Gem of the Hills bathrooms. These are just a few examples of the kindness of RAK members.
RAK and the Good Samaritan work closely together and have completed multiple projects as well. These include providing a space heater for a needy family in Johnson City, putting window sheeting on nine drafty windows for a Blanco family, and providing colostomy bags for a needy family. When the Covid-19 pandemic happened, RAK solicited $5,650 which is dispersed as needed from the RAK account at Good Samaritan. Currently, RAK is working with a social worker in Fredericksburg to help renovate a 24-year old paraplegia’s house located in Blanco. Part of the $5,650 will be used to complete this project. The organization is following the social distancing guidelines during the pandemic to stay safe.
Donations are accepted and appreciated. If you would like to make a financial donation to help fund RAK projects, please make your check payable to Blanco Good Samaritan Center and write RAK in the note field. The check can be mailed to Blanco Good Samaritan Center, P.O. Box 298, Blanco, Texas 78606. RAK is not registered as a 501C-3, but is a non-profit organization.
Editor’s note: The Blanco County News features a local non-profit group or organization once a month to let members of the community how they can get involved and help each other.
