The week before our relaunch, all the volunteers came together to settle logistics, gathered supplies, and brainstormed ways to spread love. We opened the morning with a circle of sharing in the orientation — a teenager shared a story of stopping to pray for deer killed on the road, another spoke about receiving a ride from a stranger, and past volunteers recalled their experiences.
As the door opened, it was a great thrill. On the side was our makeshift kindness table — from heart pins to Smile Cards to small gifts. Each table had a unique quote, alongside a Karma Kitchen menu, and smiling volunteer servers. As guests left, we gave them all small plants to "plant seeds."
"Tree, keen to give shade,
saw its seeds blossom instead,
humbled yet again."
Outside, volunteers were doling out free hugs on the streets while others held a banner reading, "Honk if you believe in the power of love!"
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