Kate Bland recently celebrated her birthday in a very generous and special way. The following note from her Facebook page outlines what she did:

"Today was my birthday and I decided I wanted to gift 26 Random Acts of Kindness in honor of those lives cut short in Newtown.

I created a note that was attached to each gift and tied it on with a ribbon that carries the name of a pet project of mine 'Wrapped in Kindness.'

A lump grew in my throat as I wrote the name of a lost soul on each note in memoriam - it was at that point it all became real - tactile.

The gifts were simple: 20 bags filled with treats, Starbucks cards and candy - accompanied by a pink or white rose. Another six bags each held a hand knit scarf I made along with a rose. Each carried the name of 1 of the 26.

The first act was at the post office to a man sitting in his car reading a single letter over and over again - I knocked on his window and he was astonished when I handed him a gift.

The next were to two local Loudoun County Sheriffs parked in front of the fire station. At first taken aback they then introduced themselves and gave thanks.

I next left gifts on the windshields of two patients at a local dialysis center. I left before they came out.

Later I left one in the shopping cart I had used at a local grocery store - I sat in my car to see what someone would do - what happened brought me to tears - as folks walked by the cart stand they all stopped, read the note, stood for a moment, some wiping away tears - others grabbing another stranger to show it to them - no one took the gift - another person opened their wallet and seemed to put cash in the bag - I was so astonished I crumbled in my car and had to leave. By then I only had 2 more acts left. I so didn't want this to be over - and it won't.

Acts of Kindness will become a part of my daily routine - to honor humanity and compassion and all the good in the world.

Thank you for allowing me to share this with you."