ITHACA, NY (CortacaToday) — Darrell Harrington started Be Kind Ithaca during the pandemic in a time where he felt we could all use a little more encouragement, and the sentiment has stayed the same through the organization’s expansion.

Over the years, they have sold over 2,000 signs and have shipped to almost every state in the U.S. Additionally, they have shipped to various countries internationally, including a shipment to Japan just a couple of weeks ago.

“During the pandemic I just hung a big heart up on my fence to spread a positive message during a hard time and it’s taken off from there. I’ve been able to meet and talk with a lot of amazing people as a result of starting Be Kind,” says Harrington.

Now in the process of turning Be Kind Ithaca into a nonprofit organization, Harrington didn’t realize the signs and merch would become so popular.

“It makes me happy that it makes other people happy and can help turn people’s days around. I’ve had people tell me that they were driving home from work or school and saw a sign and it made them smile, which was really the intention when I started with the one big sign.”

Since seeing a significant amount of growth, Be Kind Ithaca has been able to partner with different organizations such as The Sophie Fund, The Downtown Ithaca Children’s Center, and NAMI Finger Lakes to name just a few. Portions of the sales from signs, stickers, hats, and other merch goes to these various organizations to be able to give back to the community. Once the process of becoming a nonprofit organization is finalized, putting money back into the community will be easier than ever for Be Kind Ithaca.

On World Kindness Day, Harrington will be working on more signs as he typically does.

“I work in construction, so I come into my shop in the morning and work on the signs and then come in after the workday too. It kind of makes everyday World Kindness Day for me, which is what I love about it.”

Photo courtesy of Darrell Harrington and Be Kind Ithaca.

Be Kind Ithaca is a testament to the fact that simple acts of kindness can go a long way. To learn more about the organization and follow along with their efforts in the community as they become an official nonprofit, visit their website here as well as their Facebook page here.