Young Boy Inspires With Random Act Of Kindness At Woodland Mall In Kentwood

A random act of kindness, that took place at Woodland Mall in Kentwood on December 18, is inspiring many.

We've been highlighting the amazing and generous people of West Michigan all week.

Hundreds of people across West Michigan have been volunteering their precious time to bring joy to others:

Volunteers bring power in numbers, but sometimes just one person can bring great joy.

David Sisson lives in Grand Rapids. He is the Manager of Data Initiatives for First Steps, a non-profit which focuses on early childhood development and access to services for children in Kent County.

On December 18, Sisson stopped at Woodland Mall around 7:00pm. He was walking through the center of the mall, on his way to Williams Sonoma, when he was approached by a young boy. He then experienced a random act of kindness he will never forget.

Sisson couldn't wait to share his experience. As soon as he got back to his car in Woodland Mall's parking lot, Sisson posted the following on his Facebook page:

I ran in for something quick, Starbucks travel mug in hand, when an 8-year-old boy walked up to me, tugged on my jacket, handed me an envelope with the words "For You" scrawled across it, and wished me a Merry Christmas. I thanked him, wished him the same in return, and stood there a moment to process what just happened. The boy was gone before I knew it, lost in the hustle and bustle of the mall crowd one week before Christmas. Inside the envelope was a gift card to Starbucks and the following note:
"This is random act of kindness #15 of 26 in honor of the victims of Sandy Hook Elementary. Please enjoy this, and pay it forward by doing something kind for someone else."
Wow. Merry Christmas is right. Thank you, Lord, for visiting me tonight. I hear you. Consider it done.

What a great and inspiring reminder of the impact that just one person can have. Whether it's a $10,000 check to pay off layaway at a store, a small gift card to a stranger, or a special visit from Santa...one person CAN make a difference!

The $5 gift card is still in Sisson's pocket...for now. Eventually the gift card will be gone, but the act of kindness from a young boy at Woodland Mall will continue to inspire.

The spirit of Christmas and the memory of those lost at Sandy Hook Elementary are both strong in West Michigan.