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Kindness Corner
Miami Beach believes every day brings an opportunity to be kind in the workplace, schools at home and more. That’s why the City is encouraging random acts of kindness from employees, residents and visitors – hoping to create a trail of kindness that crosses paths with each and every person in our vibrant metropolis. Here are some of our recent events:
Caring for Those Who Care for Us (COVID-19 Initiatives) April 2020
Whether they’re a first responder keeping us safe, a health care professional nursing us back to health, or a senior who loves us unconditionally, Miami Beach residents wrote heartwarming letters of gratitude to show their appreciation for those who care for us.
Sharing Food, Sharing Kindness (COVID-19 Initiatives) March/April 2020
Kindness is always a good idea. These days, it’s especially important to spread the kindness and not the virus. Our Miami Beach Police Department in partnership with South Florida Seniors in Action and Farm Share, delivered 14,000 bags of food to our cherished seniors throughout Miami Beach who are sheltering at home.
Paying it Forward with Books – January 2020
The city’s Parks and Recreation Department’s North Shore Youth Center held a book exchange/donation early this year benefitting the Children’s Trust Read to Learn program. The Children’s Trust’s mission is to secure community partnerships to improve the lives of all children and families in Miami-Dade County.
Holiday Giving – December 2019
Every year during the holiday season the City of Miami Beach Fire Department raises funds for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital by selling their Cancer Awareness t-shirts. This year, they were able to raise $3,455!
World Kindness Day – November 13, 2019
In celebration of World Kindness Day on November 13, the City of Miami Beach partnered with Coca-Cola, KIND Snacks, Innergy Meditation, Dunkin’ and Starbucks on kindness initiatives held throughout the city.
Embodying the inspiring message of being kind to one another and Mother Earth, Coca-Cola brand ambassadors distributed 2,000 reusable shopping bags at Lincoln Road Mall. Activation also had a GIF machine available to create customized boomerang videos with kindness props reminding all to spread the kindness.
Dunkin’ also partnered with the city to host an interactive kindness experience at SoundScape Park. The event encouraged passerby’s to “Be Kind and Go Beyond!” They sampled Dunkin’s new plant based Beyond Sausage Sandwich, which is more “kind” to the planet because it requires less water, less land, less energy and generates fewer Greenhouse Gas Emissions than a meat product. With every sample, Dunkin’ gave $5 Dunkin’ gift cards encouraging others to “pay it forward” to a friend, family member or someone in need. Dunkin’ went “Beyond” by also donating $5 Dunkin’ gift cards to each member of the City of Miami Beach’s homeless and family outreach programs, totaling over $2500.
City of Miami Beach employees also participated in World Kindness Day with a 30-minute mindfulness meditation class courtesy of Innergy Meditation that focused on cultivating kindness and compassion in life. Participants donated non-perishable foods to benefit the Thanksgiving Food Drive hosted by Food Pantry of Calvary Chapel Miami Beach.
Last, but definitely not least, our very own Miami Beach Fire Department hosted “Frappuccino with a Firefighter” at a local Starbucks where residents and visitors donated new or gently used children’s books to The Children’s Trust Read to Learn program.
Honoring our Nation’s Heroes – November 11, 2019
The City of Miami Beach celebrated its 11th annual Veterans Day parade on November 11, 2019, and once again partnered with Operation Gratitude to invite attendees to write letters of gratitude for deployed service members, new recruits, first responders and veterans who have fought for our nation’s freedom overseas. For the 2nd year in a row, Operation Gratitude donated 200 care packages to our honored veterans and their families. Other event sponsors include South Florida Automobile Dealers Association, FastCare, LLC, Miami Beach Medical Group, LLC, T-Mobile USA, Inc., Sysco Corporation, Destination Brands International, LLC, The Coca-Cola Company, Atlantic Broadband, Cox Media Group, South Beach Group, Sazón Cuban Cuisine, LLC, TGI Friday’s Inc., and KIND, LLC.
Supporting our Schools – October 2019
On October 30, 2019, the South Beach Group received a City of Miami Beach City of Kindness Recognition Certificate for their outstanding community service. The Hospitality company donated school supplies to the kids at North Beach Elementary.
Bahamian Relief – September 2019
The City of Miami Beach held a supply collection for the Bahamian people who received the worst of Hurricane Dorian's winds. Donations were received from residents and local businesses as well as from City employees, our Miami Beach Police and Fire Departments. Pilot, Robert Arkin, was awarded a City of Miami Beach City of Kindness Recognition Certificate for going above and beyond in providing aid & relief to those affected by Hurricane Dorian.
Coca-Cola Presents Miami Beach Fire on the Fourth Festival – July 4,2019
In celebration of our nation’s Independence Day the city hosts a day-long festival with entertainment and activities for the entire family at Miami Beach’s North Beach Bandshell Park. As part of the City of Kindness initiative, Miami Beach once again partnered with Operation Gratitude to collect letters of gratitude and support for our Nation’s heroes. One of the most popular activities throughout the celebration, attendees of all ages wrote letters to new recruits, first responders and the brave men and women who are fighting, or have fought, for our freedom overseas.
Miami Bridge Support - June 2019
So proud of the City of Miami Beach’s 911 Call Center employees who raised $600 for the Miami Bridge, Miami-Dade County’s only 24-hour emergency shelter for abused, neglected and abandoned youth ages 10-17. They purchased 70 AMC Theater movie tickets for the kids to go on field trips over the summer break. They also donated hygiene products, school supplies and much more!
Miami Beach Celebrates World Kindness Day – November 13, 2018
In celebration of World Kindness Day, the City of Miami Beach partnered with Coca-Cola and KIND Snacks to inspire random acts of kindness throughout the urban island.
Embodying the inspiring message of paying it forward, the “Share Kindness” activation on popular Lincoln Road Mall engaged individuals of all ages and backgrounds to share positive messages with one another. Participants left their mark on a uniquely designed wall art piece by writing kind words of encouragement to a friend, loved one or stranger. This sharable artistic contribution captured kindness in action. At a different location, participants wrote letters of gratitude to members of Miami Beach Fire, Police and Ocean Rescue who keep our community safe. These kind messages were hand-delivered to the City’s everyday heroes in thanks. KIND Snacks provided City of Miami Beach employees with a 2 pack of their delicious bars encouraging all to “Eat One. Kind One.”
Honoring our Nation’s Heroes – November 11, 2018
The City of Miami Beach celebrated its 10th annual Veterans Day parade on November 11, 2018, honoring our brave military men and women. Over 2,000 individuals comprised what has come to be the largest parade of the day in South Florida. The day included a wreath laying ceremony, a 21-gun salute, a high-flying all veterans parachute team and culminated in a fun family picnic. As a designated City of Kindness, Miami Beach partnered again with Operation Gratitude to invite attendees to write letters of gratitude and encouragement for deployed service members, new recruits, and first responders; as well as veterans who have fought for our nation’s freedom overseas. Operation Gratitude also donated more than 200 care packages handed out during the event to our honored veterans.
Autism Awareness Fundraiser - October 2018
The Miami Beach Fire Department raised $3,400 during the #AutismAwareness fundraiser and were able to purchase supplies for Ms. Dixon’s class at Miami Beach Senior Highschool as well as two color printers and extra ink cartridges for Mrs. Lasky’s class at Biscayne Beach Elementary.
Miami Beach Code Compliance Goes Beyond the Call of Duty – July 2018
On July 14, 2018, Code Compliance Officer Jacqueline Caicedo, along with 11 of her colleagues, went beyond the call of duty and rehabilitated the home of an elderly resident in need. Following the loss of a close family member, the elderly man had not cut his lawn in over four years. Due to serious health complications this past year, he’s also been physically unable to cut his lawn or afford costly lawn maintenance from a landscape company. Touched by his story, Caicedo felt compelled to help. She contacted the Office of Community Resources and filled out an application on his behalf for the City’s Homeowner Rehabilitation Program for which he qualifies. However, the waiting process can be lengthy. Acting alongside the application process, Caideco quickly called upon her fellow colleagues to join her in volunteering their Saturday morning to address the immediate property maintenance concerns. The generous employees brought their own equipment and got to work mowing the yard, pulling weeds, fixing the patio screen and more to bring his home into compliance – ultimately, spreading kindness throughout the community. At the July 25th Commission Meeting, Caicedo and her crew were all given the City’s first City of Kindness Award for going above and beyond in performing an act of kindness toward a fellow community member and for embodying the City’s commitment to spreading kindness throughout Miami Beach.
Fire on the Fourth – Writing letters of gratitude to our Nation’s Heroes - July 4, 2018
During the City’s Annual Fire on the Fourth Celebration, Miami Beach extended the kindness movement to America’s heroes. The City partnered with Operation Gratitude -- an organization that seeks to lift the spirits and meet the evolving needs of the U.S. Military and First Responder communities, as well as provides volunteer opportunities for Americans to express their appreciation to all who serve our nation. Throughout the event, attendees of all ages wrote letters of gratitude and illustrated sweet and thoughtful pictures to send to new recruits, first responders and the brave men and women who are fighting, or have fought, for our nation’s freedom overseas. Attendees expressed their sincere thanks to our heroes for their courage, sacrifices and selflessness. The operation was a success!
Cancer Summit at Mount Sinai - October 2017
In honor of Cancer Awareness Month, Miami Beach teens made and gifted hand-made ribbons to cancer survivors at local Mount Sinai Hospital. The special visit raised morale in the hospital as they moved past being strangers and shared stories and jokes with love and familiarity. The children also wrote personalized cards with inspirational words for the survivors – spreading kindness and empowering them to keep on going.
World Kindness Day - November 13, 2017
Celebrated on November 13, World Kindness Day is meant to inspire individuals towards greater kindness and to connect nations to create a kinder world. This movement recognizes how a simple act of kindness, big or small, can bring people together to build a stronger community. Joining the international movement, the Mayor and City Commission proclaimed November 13, 2017 as World Kindness Day in the City of Miami Beach. The City partnered with KIND Snacks to promote their Eat One, Kind One campaign. Employees received two complimentary KIND bars, one to enjoy as a healthy and tasty snack and the second to share as an act of kindness towards anyone they chose. All departments took part in spreading the love and paying it forward.
Wonder #ChooseKind – November 16, 2017
The City of Miami Beach participated in the #ChooseKind initiative – a campaign, inspired by the upcoming film Wonder, in partnership with the City of Kindness, Lionsgate and Participant Media that invites people in cities across the country to participate in kind acts as part of World Kindness Day on November 13 and beyond. #ChooseKind kicked off with a movie ticket giveaway to Wonder’s exclusive pre-screening. Five lucky winners were selected to attend. Cheerios made an impact by donating cereal boxes and t-shirts to members of the Kindness Clubs at Miami Beach schools. Thanks to the generosity of Crest, at-risk families and youth enrolled in the All Stars, Success University and Parent/Child programs were encouraged to shoot a smile at a stranger after receiving free toothpaste.
Miami Beach Fire Department Toy Drive - December 9, 2017
At the annual Miami Beach Fire Department (MBFD) Toy Drive, over 500 kids took home presents. From bicycles to small toys, MBFD spread love, kindness and a little holiday cheer for the special time of year.
Miami Beach Police Department Toy Drive - Saturday, December 16 2017
Since 1982, through the generosity of the Miami Beach community — including private citizens, local businesses and civic organizations —funds are donated to the Miami Beach Police Relief Fund, which enable the Miami Beach Police Department (MBPD) to purchase and provide toys to the children of Miami Beach. This year the MBPD received a $10,000 grant under Target’s “Heroes and Helpers” program to use towards their toy shopping and was able to gift over 450 children from the community with toys. For many, this was the only toy they received this past holiday season. In addition to distributing toys, children enjoyed a fun-filled day with police that included face painting, popcorn and a special musical performance by In Blue.
VACC Camp – March 27, 2018
Dozens of children who are ventilator-dependent (children who need tracheostomy ventilators, C-Pap, BiPap or oxygen to support breathing) and their families enjoyed a stress-free day on Miami Beach as part of the Dr. Moises Simpser Ventilation Assisted Children’s Center (VACC) Camp. The annual visit to the beach is one of several special activities that create opportunities for recreation and socialization for children who have medical limitations. Miami Beach Fire Rescue set up wheelchair paths over the sandy beach for the children. A special “waterproof” wheelchair enables patients to go into the water comfortably. Special hand-held ventilators provide children with the ability to breathe without their devices while in the water. Dr. Moises Simpser VACC Camp, sponsored by Nicklaus Children’s Hospital, is the nation’s first week-long camp for ventilation-assisted children and their families. The week-long camp has hosted over 250 families in its 31 years, some of whom have traveled from 27 states and three countries. The experience is provided at no cost to the families and is supported by generous donations made to Nicklaus Children’s Health Foundation via www.nicklauschildrens.org/vacc Please visit www.vacccamp.com for more information.
