This Thursday marks the 8th Anniversary of the Marathon Bombing. In 2015 Boston has took April 15th back as #OneBostonDay. A day to celebrate the strength, resiliency, and generosity of the people of this city.

On #OneBostonDay we commemorate the day by spreading acts of kindness. Of course this year like last is different than the years past, but there are still many things we can do.

#1 Stand Together, By Standing Apart. - We are seeing the light at the tunnel but until more vaccines are given to the general public we still have to stay vigilant with this virus.

The city released a checklist with ideas of things you can do on Thursday to spread the love (as Kenny would say). Boston Public Schools tweeted a challenge I liked... Complete 4 of the 15 this Thursday! Challenge Accepted! Take a look at the list and the message from our Mayor Janey below.

What will you be doing Thursday?

#1 Protect yourself and others from COVID-19: Wear a mask in public, avoid gatherings, practice social distancing, wash your hands, get tested regularly, and get the vaccine when it is your turn.

#2 Thank the first responders, medical professionals, school teachers and staff, grocery store workers, transit workers, and other frontline workers in your life. (Post to social media using #OneBostonDay or make a sign to hang in your window!)

#3 Donate to or volunteer for an organization working on food access.

#4 Support small businesses and local restaurants.

#5 Donate to pet supplies through the Boston Animal Care and Control Shelter wish list.

#6 Call an older Bostonian in your family or neighborhood and to check in and offer them assistance.

#7 Sign up as a volunteer for Commonwealth of Massachusetts COVID-19 response efforts.

#8 Support local artists and arts organizations. Consider buying local artwork, attending a virtual concerts or art class, following and sharing local artists’ work on social media, hiring artists to do creative work, or snapping a photo of your favorite public art mural!

#9 If you’re healthy and feeling well, make an appointment to donate blood with the Red Cross.

#10 Sign up for a Love Your Block neighborhood clean-up event.

#11 Show some love to Boston’s tourist attractions! Make a donation to your favorite museum, post a photo on social media of your favorite tourist attraction, or visit virtually or in-person following public health guidance.

#12 Thank a veteran for their service with a card! The Office of Veterans Services will make sure your card gets to a veteran.

#13 Support a Boston Marathon runner running for a cause this fall.

#14 Show kindness to yourself and practice self-care. Take a mental health break and go for a stroll in a Boston park, curl up with a book from the Boston Public Library, or sign up for a free fitness class!

#15 Come up with your own idea to spread kindness on #OneBostonDay!

Amanda Jo

About Amanda Jo