The South Shore Press has launched an ambitious new community initiative aimed at spreading goodwill across Suffolk County: a “Random Acts of Kindness” contest offering more than $20,000 in prizes, including a $10,000 grand prize, to reward generosity, compassion, and creativity.
Throughout November, Suffolk County residents are encouraged to perform genuine acts of kindness for strangers and share their stories with the newspaper using the hashtag #SuffolkKindness or by emailing news@southshorepress.com.
Entries should remain anonymous and be unrelated to everyday business activities. Submissions can include a short description, photo, or video. Winners will be chosen in December based on the authenticity and impact of their actions.
“This idea started as a family project,” said John Thaler, owner of the South Shore Press, who was inspired by a church sermon on gratitude and service. “My priest challenged us to do random acts of kindness at home. I thought, why not challenge all of Suffolk County to do the same?”
Thaler hopes the contest will ignite what he calls an “upward spiral of kindness.”
“We’ve all seen the movie Pay It Forward,” he said. “One good deed inspires another and another. Imagine thousands of people across Suffolk County engaging in kind acts for strangers — that ripple effect could change our culture.”
Prizes include $10,000 for first place, $5,000 for second, $2,500 for third, and multiple $100 honorable mentions.
But beyond the money, Thaler sees the contest as a social experiment. “Social media has fueled hostility and cynicism,” he said. “If negativity can spiral downward, kindness can spiral upward. Love and empathy can be contagious.”
Submissions are due by November 30, 2025, with winners announced in December in The South Shore Press. “If we can get even a few thousand people doing kind acts for strangers,” Thaler said, “that’s not just a contest, it’s a movement.”