143 Day honors Fred Rogers’ legacy of kindness. Why May 23? It’s the 143rd day of the year, and Mr. Rogers often used “143” as a way to say “I love you,” because there’s one letter in “I,” four in “love,” and three in “you.”
Here are four ways you can celebrate with compassion:
‘Redd Up’ Your Neighborhood
Get some inspiration from the Pittsburgh Street Stewards, a volunteer organization of residents who “redd up” designated streets in our city’s 90 neighborhoods. Or volunteer for water and riverbank cleanups with Allegheny Cleanways.
Donate to or Volunteer With a Local Charity
Need some ideas? Give a kid in need a happy birthday celebration with Beverly’s Birthdays, help your food insecure neighbors by recovering and redistributing healthy food through 412 Food Rescue, welcome Pittsburgh’s newest neighbors seeking refuge through Hello Neighbor, or give back to those who serve us through the Pittsburgh Restaurant Workers Aid.
Write a Thoughtful Note
Put your heart on paper, and send a note to someone you haven’t seen in a while. Nothing quite lives up to the excitement of getting snail mail from a friend. I like this Pittsburgh-themed card from love, Pittsburgh.
Create Your Own ‘Kindness Zone’
Have you spotted these signs around town? Now you can create your own “Kindness Zone” with help from the Senator John Heinz History Center. Visit the museum shop to purchase the sign, as well as magnets and stickers.
