Melrose's Mother Of Kindness: Local Hero

MELROSE, MA — It doesn't take all that much to be kind to someone. Buy their coffee, give them a ride — it's usually a few bucks or a few minutes and you're on with the rest of your day.

But to get an entire city to be kind to people is, in a word, heroic.

That's what Maribeth Darwin has done for five years running. The heart behind Melrose's Random Acts of Kindness Day was nominated by friend Stephanie Nelson to be recognized as a local hero.

"Maribeth is an exceptional individual who reminds us daily via #melrosekind that there are good people in this world, doing remarkable things, and to never lose hope or faith in humanity," Nelson said. "She makes me and so many other people want to be a better person."

That's not just lip service. Darwin has inspired scores of residents over the past five years to be a blessing to someone else, particularly on Nov. 20.

Why that day? Because Darwin didn't want to let something negative — like the ill-conceived "Kick a Ginger Day" that cast a cloud over the middle school in 2015 — define it.

Since then, the city has moved to embrace Random Acts of Kindness Day. Politicians, businesses and schools join everyday people in doing something — anything — to bring a smile to someone's face.

"Maribeth represents what makes Melrose such a special place," Mayor Paul Brodeur said. "Her kindness project demonstrates what average citizens can do when they work together to make their community a little bit better one action at a time. And who couldn't use a little kindness these days."

Indeed, it's needed now more than ever. The coronavirus pandemic will limit the hugs and meals people share, so in addition to Nov. 20 there will be a 10-point "kindness challenge" to be completed during the first three weeks of November. Check that out here.

When you're done, take part in the 2020 Kindness Mural painted on the side of the YMCA.

Email mike.carraggi@patch.com if you have a Local Hero submission. Make sure to include a short message about why your nominee is a Local Hero and a photo you own the rights to or have express permission to share.