When someone used the hashtag #randomactsofkindess on Facebook, Jennifer Hodnett decided to do a little research. Hodnett, a senior majoring in human development and family studies at The University of Alabama, stumbled upon the Random Acts of Kindness Foundation.

On the foundation’s website, Hodnett found a map showing all the places across the country that have a kindness organization.

Hodnett went on to start Crimson Kindness, a student organization designed to help spread acts of kindness across The University of Alabama. The group is hosting Random Acts of Kindness Week Feb. 10-14, coinciding with International Kindness Week.

(See also “Crimson Kindness brightens lives.”)

Mary Alice Porter, coordinator of First Year Experience and Parent Programs and one of Crimson Kindness’ sponsors, said the group’s goal is to inspire acts of kindness in the community.

“I think an organization with that goal has a tremendous effect on our campus culture and is much needed,” Porter said. “It’s important to set an example of consciously seeking out simple ways to be considerate of others.”

Last year, Crimson Kindness put together a daily challenge sheet and posted it around campus. It also has a challenge sheet for 2014, but the event has grown significantly since last year, with 30 organizations registered to participate in some way. Some organizations are hosting public events, and others are conducting members-only projects such as writing encouraging notes to faculty members.

“We wanted to unite the campus in kindness,” Hodnett said.

The increase in size is due in part to sponsorship from SGA. Through the Delegates Program, Hodnett brought the idea to SGA, and they used their resources to help organize and promote the event.

“It gives them an extra level of assertiveness,” Elliot Spillers, deputy director of engagement for SGA, said.

Spillers met with Crimson Kindness and helped contact groups around campus to get them involved. By going through existing organizations, Hodnett said Crimson Kindness hopes to reach more students than if the group were on its own.

(See also “New group on campus encourages random acts of kindness.”)

New student organizations have a chance to get their messages out during the week. BLEND, a group started in the fall, is dedicated to celebrating diversity and creating new relationships. All week long, BLEND will be giving out kindness cards and high fives.

“We’re encouraging anyone who wants to join in to give high fives that day or, better yet, all week long,” said Haley White, a senior majoring in communication studies and BLEND’s vice president. “If you try to high five without smiling, it’s basically impossible.”

Crimson Kindness reached out to offices that are not just for students, like the Career Center and the Women’s Resource Center.

“It’s nice to be connected to something campus-wide,” Elle Shaaban-Magaña, director of the Women’s Resource Center, said.

The group is partnering with the Triota Honor Society to create a Standing On My Sister’s Shoulders honor tree. Friday, the group will have a table in the Ferguson Center where anyone can come by and write a message on an ornament for a woman who has supported them in some way.

“So many of us have had those women and girls in our lives that we didn’t think to thank at the time,” Shaaban-Magaña said.

Crimson Kindness is hosting “Send Some Love,” an opportunity for anyone to write a message to someone they care about. Participants will write a note on a dry erase board and then take a photo with the message. Crimson Kindness will share the photo on its Instagram and Facebook, and participants can send the photo to their loved ones.

Friday is Valentine’s Day, and Hodnett said International Kindness Week always falls on the holiday. She said the week allows for a celebration of love for one another, not just romantic love.

Hodnett said she and other members of Crimson Kindness are excited to see how the week goes.

“Let’s see what we can do. Let’s see if we can get the whole campus involved,” she said.

(See also “Remaining Acts of Kindness Funds to be used for students, employees in emergencies.”)