Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: TUESDAY, September 13, 1994 TAG: 9409130077
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: B1 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: ASSOCIATED PRESS
DATELINE: NORFOLK LENGTH: Short
``It's so simple a concept,'' said Jay Hollowell, a member of Random Acts of Senseless Kindness of Virginia. ``It's one from a behavioral concept that has a lot of power to it.''
Hollowell, who is the business administration chairman at Commonwealth College, said being a part of the group is an effective means of performing community service.
``Everything you do will have a direct impact on the person,'' said Peter Bushman, a former Commonwealth student who founded the group. ``The whole process is a chain ... We're just helping people bring the awareness of kindness.''
Bushman said he began to develop the idea after he was on the city bus and was short 15 cents for the fare. To his surprise, someone stood up and gave him the money.
``I started thinking, `How often do people do something without being recognized?''' he said. ``I constantly heard and read about violent things. I started looking for kindness.''
Since it was founded last year, the group has volunteered in hospitals and community centers, made flashcards for area schools, visited nursing homes and worked with the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts.
``This isn't really an organization,'' Bushman said. ``It's more of an attitude.''
More information about Random Acts of Senseless Kindness of Virginia can be obtained by calling Bushman at (804) 425-1823.
by CNB