MOSCOW, Idaho (AP) — The family of one of four University of Idaho students killed in a stabbing attack last fall wanted to find a way to celebrate her birthday by remembering the joy she brought others, not the grief created by her absence.
And so earlier this month Madison Mogen’s family announced the creation of Maddie May Day, urging people to commit random acts of kindness in Mogen’s memory every May 25.
The idea soon spread across social media sites, and sure enough, Maddie May Day hashtags and happy stories of people doing good deeds began trickling in on Thursday: A donation to military-focused charity made in Mogen’s name. A planter with pink flowers (Mogen’s favorite color), and a sign about the day dropped off for display at a northern Idaho coffee shop. A granddaughter who brought a surprise bouquet to her grandmother at work. Donuts and other treats purchased for colleagues.
“There is not a monetary movement, there is no requirement to be anywhere or do anything specific,” the Mogen family wrote on a the MaddieMayDay.com website. “It’s beautiful in its simplicity. And yet it’s effective and powerful.”