St. Charles Volunteers Give 170 Roses to Strangers

Elaine Sofferman wasn't expecting anything special when she headed out to shop in downtown St. Charles on Monday morning, but a stranger handed her a bright orange rose that made her day.

The surprise flower came from Random Acts Matter, a local nonprofit celebrating its ninth annual Random Acts of Kindness Week in the Illinois communities of Batavia, Geneva, and St. Charles. Volunteers in orange jackets distributed 170 roses throughout St. Charles, transforming ordinary errands into moments of unexpected joy.

"I was just so touched," Sofferman said. "Random acts of kindness makes people feel good. I'm beaming."

The local effort aligns with national Random Acts of Kindness Week, an observance founded 30 years ago to encourage intentional acts of kindness. This year's response has been stronger than ever, according to Lisa Weier, president of Random Acts Matter.

"We've heard from a lot of people who haven't been involved in the past," Weier said. "There's a lot of energy this year."

Beyond the flower giveaway, volunteers are helping at senior centers and organizing food drives throughout the week. New volunteers have been signing up online, and other charitable organizations are reaching out to support the mission.

The Ripple Effect

The real magic happens after someone receives a rose. Nancy Geary admitted she was skeptical at first, wondering what the catch was, but the simple gift changed her plans for the week.

"It really perks you up for the day," Geary said. "It kind of motivates me to buy somebody breakfast this week."

Robert Fair planned to give his rose to his wife at home, already passing the kindness forward. Weier watched these moments unfold with satisfaction, knowing each rose could spark a chain reaction.

"We give kindness and then that kindness spreads," she explained. "There's a ripple of kindness."

Fair agreed, adding a timeless truth: "You pay it forward."

The week of activities continues through Sunday, February 22, giving the Tri-Cities community more opportunities to experience and spread unexpected kindness.