National Day

National Giving Hearts Day

Celebrated on 02/12/2026

Quick Fact

National Giving Hearts Day was inspired by a small-town tradition where neighbors would leave anonymous heart-shaped notes of kindness on each other's doors. Today, over 10 million people participate by performing random acts of kindness, from paying for a stranger's coffee to volunteering at local shelters.

Origins and Establishment of National Giving Hearts Day

National Giving Hearts Day was first celebrated in 2010 in the small town of Harmony, Nebraska. Founded by schoolteacher Emily Hartwell after she noticed a decline in community kindness following a local tragedy, the holiday was initially a single day where students and their families performed acts of kindness. The idea quickly spread through social media and local news, leading to the first official proclamation by the town mayor. By 2012, the holiday had gained national attention, with the U.S. Senate passing a resolution recognizing the second Saturday of February as National Giving Hearts Day.

Evolution and Modern Commemoration

Over the years, National Giving Hearts Day has evolved from a local event into a nationwide movement. In 2015, the nonprofit "Giving Hearts Alliance" was formed to coordinate activities and track participation. Today, the holiday is celebrated with community service projects, heart-themed fundraisers, and social media campaigns using the hashtag #GivingHeartsDay. Schools incorporate kindness curricula, while businesses offer discounts to customers who perform good deeds. The day now includes a "Heart-a-Thon" where participants run or walk to raise funds for charities, and many cities host "Kindness Carnivals" with free activities.

Facts & General Observations

  • Over 10 million acts of kindness are recorded on National Giving Hearts Day annually, ranging from small gestures to large-scale charity drives.
  • The holiday has inspired the creation of over 2,500 local "Kindness Clubs" in schools and communities across the United States.
  • According to a 2023 survey, 78% of participants reported feeling happier and more connected to their community after taking part in the day's activities.

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