National Network for Equitable Library Service

Small things can often mean a great deal. For the past five years readers of the Toronto Star's website have been telling each other that, as they shared their stories in a feature called "Acts of Kindness." The common thread is that a stranger helped when it was needed most, without thought of a reward and often without leaving a name. Since its debut in December, 2004, "Acts of Kindness" has become a daily fixture at thestar.com. About 4,000 stories have been submitted and 2,000 have been published. Acts of Kindness, the book, represents the best of the best—a collection of 200 of the most memorable tales. The stories are a reminder that goodness is non-denominational, non-political and transferable across race and language. They also remind us that although our lives are full of hard realities, the smallest gesture can raise a spirit or lift a heart, and the time to do it is now.