RAPID CITY, S.D. — People across the country have experienced extra struggles in recent months, but some Rapid City residents have instead focused on extra kindness. They’re hoping to replace some of the negative feelings with positive, one snack, card or hug at a time.

“There’s something about it. I just get this just happy rush. I just love it,” says Michelle Rice, a Rapid City resident.

She’s talking about getting a delivery, but not because she’s anxious to open the package. She’s excited for her mail and even trash workers to get a snack and cool drink from her porch cooler, offering a quick break on a long, hot day.

“I just love to love on people,” she adds.

She always has a cooler and snack station for her mail deliveries, but didn’t want to leave trash collectors out.

“I just put a little cooler up on top of the garbage can, and I put some drinks in there and a few little snacks and stuff just to show him appreciation, too,” Rice explains.

Rice said she doesn’t want recognition – she wants others to start their own little acts of kindness. Others have already started to follow in her footsteps.

“I actually had gotten this idea from a good friend of mine- Michelle Rice,” says Ruth Petry, another Rapid City resident who also leaves snacks and waters for her delivery drivers. “I just believe that it costs nothing to be kind, and it’s just water….It’s nothing. It’s just water and a snack.”

She’s thankful that others are delivering her necessities, and wants to deliver some kindness to them on their routes.

“They’re working out in the heat. I’m not I’m very lucky and very gracious for that.”

Rice mentioned labor shortages as well, expressing that she feels it’s important to support those who provide services for her.

“Especially nowadays with, you know, the lack of workers and things, you know, be kind to those that did show up to work and just smile at them and thank them for being there because if they are not there, what are we going to do?”

Both women also carry bags with food and water, in case they come across someone out in the elements and in need.

“It was just being nice to this gentleman who deserves respect, just like you or I or anyone else in the community,” Petry explains, referring to her daughter offering water and food to someone who needed them. “I just believe that that’s important. I believe it’s important to give back. I believe that it’s important to share. I believe it’s important to be kind. And I believe it’s important to love thy neighbor. “

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