Being kind costs little, but the difference it makes is priceless

Jaime Spinato

Submitted photo/Matt Young

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To learn more about The Kindness Challenge, how it works and how to get involved, visit spinatospizzeria.com/kindness-challenge.

For more information about the nonprofit Kenneth Anthony Spinato Foundation, its mission, programs and pillars, visit kennethaspinato.org/home.

Neighbors

Spinato’s, St. Vincent de Paul shelter commit to helping homeless with sales

Have you ever had someone help you with a kind, selfless act? Do you remember how that lifted your spirits?

Life can change in an instant. A job loss, a medical emergency, a sharp increase in rent, the death of a family member, a constant struggle with substance abuse and other mental health challenges. So many things can affect our ability to afford life’s basic needs, such as food and shelter.

That’s why it is so important that we work together to build a culture of kindness. In our fast-paced society, it’s easy to be laser-focused on our own needs. But taking the time to be kind can be beneficial for you, too.

Last year, a study by a Brigham Young University researcher found that offering a single act of kindness each week reduced loneliness, social isolation and social anxiety, and promoted neighborhood relationships.

There’s also a good reason to lead by example and instill kindness and compassion in your children. A new study from Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health revealed that children who display kind, caring and helpful behavior between the ages of 5 and 11 are more likely to make healthier eating choices as teenagers.

There are so many great reasons to be kind. September is National Kindness Month, the perfect time to reflect on how you can do more to help others.

For the third consecutive year, our family business, in partnership with the Kenneth Anthony Spinato Foundation, is issuing “The Kindness Challenge” to help the homeless and to raise funds for St. Vincent de Paul. This year’s event has grown to include the support of other businesses, including Gold Sponsors Greco & Sons, an Italian food service distributor, and Pepsi.

In mid-August, our team members, challenge sponsors and other caring volunteers created several hundred Kindness Bags filled with toiletries, snacks, water, socks and other items. This month, guests who donate will receive Kindness Bags to give to someone in need. All of the proceeds will benefit St. Vincent de Paul.

Addressing a dire need

I had always heard of the great things St. Vincent de Paul does for our community, but until I toured their campus, I did not realize they have been serving communities throughout central and northern Arizona since 1946. This wonderful nonprofit provides services for people experiencing homelessness, medical and dental care for uninsured patients, charity dining rooms that serve thousands each day, food boxes for hungry families and thrift stores throughout the region.

Metro Phoenix is facing a significant and worsening homeless crisis. Food insecurity also continues to be a problem. According to Maricopa Association of Governments’ 2025 Point-In-Time Count Report, there was a 3% increase of people experiencing homelessness from last year, which included an increase of homeless veterans and young adults 18 to 24.

A small act of kindness can go a long way, especially for someone experiencing homelessness. There are many other ways to assist St. Vincent de Paul, and you can learn more about all their programs by visiting stvincentdepaul.net.

The world around us may be changing, but one constant is that kind acts will always be appreciated. Our hope with The Kindness Challenge is to inspire others to take action, no matter how small the kind gesture is. Whether you give a Kindness Bag to someone in need, volunteer for a charity that you are passionate about or check in with a friend or neighbor who has been struggling, your kind act will truly make a difference.

Editor’s note: Jaime Spinato is brand manager and director of community outreach for Spinato’s Pizzeria & Family Kitchen, which has locations in Ahwatukee, Gilbert, central and north Phoenix, Scottsdale and Tempe. Please submit comments at yourvalley.net/letters or email them to AzOpinions@iniusa.org. We are committed to publishing a wide variety of reader opinions, as long as they meet our Civility Guidelines.