Purple-clad ambassadors offered much-needed doses of kindness and generosity to passersby that culminated in laughs, tears, and plenty of heart-to-heart conversations along a two-block stretch of Park Street on Sunday, January 25.
These radiant displays of human connection were part of the inaugural Kindness Crawl organized by the Kindness Coalition, a group of volunteers who first assembled in late 2024 to bring kindness and mutual support to the Alameda community. Members helmed about a dozen stations between Santa Clara Avenue and Encinal Avenue, designated by the characteristic purple balloons and tablecloths, offering everything from free homemade baked goods to a listening ear for anyone walking past.
On the northeast corner at Central Avenue, Teena Hahn was doling out compliments, which were just as sweet as the free ice cream that her co-volunteer, Marc Fournier, was handing out to incredulous guests.
“I love seeing the realization when there’s no strings attached,” chuckled Fournier. “No one just gives away stuff for free!”
Further down Park Street, Liz Garone offered art pieces that she had created with her daughter, Zoe Goss, using cardstock and playing cards. For Garone, who was volunteering for the first time with the Coalition, it was a great way to surround herself with fellow community members.
“It’s an opportunity to open up to people,” she said.
There were even offerings for friends of the four-legged variety. Mesceille Ogata, a self-described “pet owner and pet lover,” eagerly fed treats and attention to the passing dogs that were quick to alert their owners to the goodies in store.
“It’s great! It’s what everyone needs right now,” said Valerie Hirbod, as she made her way along Park Street to visit each station. “I almost cried when that guy over there gave me a hug.”
And if Alameda Avenue—where tables on all four corners of the intersection provided advice, succulents, and fresh food—was the physical center of the operation, then Deirdre Freeman was the moral center.
As the Coalition’s founder and leader, Freeman started the project in response to what she saw as a stressful time in Alameda and around the country, and wanted to make a difference by bringing the community together through love. Although the Kindness Crawl has been planned for months, recent national events—particularly the fatal shooting of nurse Alex Pretti by federal immigration agents in Minneapolis just the day before—generated a poignant undercurrent and a sense of urgency to the timely event.
“People are hurting,” Freeman said. “And kindness is an essence that everyone is born with. So, we see where we are needed, and extend ourselves in ways that are the most helpful.”
The group is primarily driven by individuals who donate their time, effort, and talent to the Coalition’s events, which could include efforts ranging from free bake sales to community services, such as yardwork or babysitting for those in need. Those interested in being part of the project can visit The Kindness Coalition’s Facebook page or email Freeman at [email protected].
As the Crawl began to wind down, visitors were treated to one last surprise. A brass band composed of a motley crew of young and not-so-young musicians made their way around the event’s perimeter. They played tunes that included “This Little Light of Mine” and “We Shall Overcome” as the crowd sang and danced along, demonstrating that it takes the diversity of ages, backgrounds, and capabilities to allow unity, joy, and defiance to shine through the darkness.
The band plays “We Shall Overcome.” Video by Ken Der.
Ken Der is a contributing writer for the Alameda Post. Contact him via [email protected]. His writing is collected at AlamedaPost.com/Ken-Der.
