Like so many others, Jamie Gendron struggled to comprehend the shock and sadness she was experiencing in the wake of the Newtown, Connecticut tragedy. As she struggled to process her feelings, she happened to receive an email from a friend that would help her channel her grief.

Jamie Gendron chose the League as a recipeint of one of her “26 Random Acts of Kindness” in honor of the victims of Newtown, Connecticut.

The message, inspired by newscaster Ann Curry, encouraged people to engage in “26 Random Acts of Kindness” to honor the memory of victims. “After clicking on the link, I was immediately overwhelmed with a feeling of I want to do this … I have to do this,” she explains. “All I could think was that it’s a great way to just make someone smile, which seemed so important in light of what had just happened.”

One of Gendron’s favorite quotes is from Audrey Hepburn: “As you grow older, you will discover that you have two hands; one for helping yourself, the other for helping others.” One of her “26 Random Acts of Kindness” involved bringing a large box of toys, dog treats, bedding and supplies to the Animal Rescue League of Boston’s South End shelter.

Gendron had adopted a kitten from the League in August, and wanted to focus her “26 Acts” on local organizations. “I often think about, daydream about, what I’d truly like to be spending my days doing as far as work, and I can tell you it involves more directly helping those in need, whether human or animal, and being involved in something for a cause I truly believe in,” she explains.

Thank you, Jamie – your gifts will make our shelter animals’ days brighter and are such a touching way to honor the children of Newtown.