Vermont lights the way

By LAYLA KALINEN
Eagle Times Staff
BERLIN, VT — On Wednesday, Dec. 6, Gov. Phil Scott issued a statement on the third annual Vermont Lights the Way: Rays of Kindness initiative, seeking out Vermonters to nominate people in their local communities that have done selfless acts of kindness through the month of December.

Gov. Scott said the effort is to recognize Vermonters for everyday acts of goodwill and kindness.

According to Rebecca Kelly of the Vermont Office of Communications, the governor is calling on Vermonters to nominate those in their community who have gone above and beyond, have given back, set a good example, or in a small way brightened someone’s day.

“Awardees will be highlighted on our social media channels,” Kelly said. “It’s anything big or small, sometimes it’s a larger organized effort like a toy drive like the one in Brattleboro where the organizers are nominated, or the gentleman who would go over an elderly neighbor’s house once a week and just make sure that he had connection with somebody. The gentlemen were both veterans. We’ve had students nominated who were in public service, as well.”

Kelly said Gov. Scott thought of the Vermont Lights the Way initiative during the COVID pandemic asking neighbors, businesses and organizations to decorate outdoors with Christmas lights which lead to the larger idea of recognizing acts of kindness big and small.

“It became so popular we had hardware stores contacting us to let us know they were running out of Christmas lights,” Kelly said.

In a press release Gov. Scott spoke to citizens about the need to recognize the goodness in Vermonters especially during harder times.

“Vermont really does light the way in many different respects, and we’ve proven it time and time again. Whether it was through the pandemic, this summer’s flooding, or global and national turmoil, Vermonters continue to show their commitment to community, willingness to serve and for going the extra mile to help those in need,” said Gov. Scott. “Oftentimes, it’s the little things; those simple, random, everyday acts of kindness and goodwill that can make all the difference.”

Vermonters can nominate individuals for a Ray of Kindness recognition year-round. The program aims to call more attention to acts of kindness, selfless service and goodwill happening throughout the state to celebrate it and inspire more.

“Kindness is contagious. There’s a chain reaction with good deeds, and we need more of it,” said Gov. Scott.

There have been 100 Ray of Kindness recipients since the campaign launched in December 2020, with a few dozen a year the first few years, and more than 60 so far this year. Any Vermonter can nominate someone for this recognition by visiting governor.vermont.gov/kindness.