KidsMatter Campaign Encourages Community To 'Make Kindness Count'

NAPERVILLE, IL — KidsMatter wants to shine light on random acts of kindness in the community. In honor of Random Acts of Kindness Week, which runs Feb. 15 through Feb. 20, the nonprofit youth service organization, is encouraging residents to send stories about acts of kindness they've witnessed or performed.

The campaign, part of a partnership with Collaborative Youth Team of Illinois, will result in one nominee being selected for the 2026 Make Kindness Count Awards.

Nominations can also describe how someone intends to perform an act of kindness.

“Intentional kindness goes a long way toward making the world a more positive place,” Nina Menis, CEO and Executive Director of KidsMatter, said in a statement. “Choosing to act with kindness releases oxytocin, dopamine and a sense of connection into our brains — making us feel happier, too.”

Winning stories will be selected in March.

Click the link to submit a story for the Make Kindness Count Awards."