Company promotes random
acts of kindness

APPLETON - During the next few weeks, angels of goodwill will be hovering around the Appleton area, waiting to spread a little holiday cheer. They're actually employees of Pro-Label, who on Thursday opened up a present along with their pay checks; two $50 gift cards, one for gas and one for groceries.

A letter from the company to the employees explains the gift, but also details a special assignment. One card is for the employees to keep, the other has to be given away as a random act of kindness.

"No names, no reason, just give it and walk away," said Pro-Label employee Kim Ott. "I don't have the extra money to do it, yet I'm going to be able to touch someone's life. I think that's just awesome."

Employees are already trying to figure out how to make someone's holiday brighter.

"Who are we going to give it to? How are we going to pick?" asked employee Vickie Anderson.

"Doesn't have to be anyone who looks like they're hard up for money, but someone to say to, hey have an easier day," said Ott.

And the workers are hoping their random acts of kindness don't stop with them.

"It may go to someone who doesn't really need it, but they'll know how nice it was to receive something for no reason, and maybe they'll do it for someone else. That'd be nice," said Ott.

The assignment has already inspired employee Mark Veeser to keep the giving going.

"I'm also going to extend this to my kids where I'm going to purchase two $25 gift cards and let them hand it out to someone at school," said Veeser.

All in an effort to make the holidays a little happier for no one in particular.

"Appleton we're coming," said Anderson.

Employees hope this idea of "paying it forward," spreads to other companies in the area.