Messages of being kind to your neighbor and lending a helping hand are plentiful this time of year.

Along those lines, I would like to offer one simple suggestion that will surely promote peace and kindness at a very basic level -- and everyone can participate.

While walking through the parking lot into a store, offer to return a fellow shopper's cart. Simple, and yet very kind.

Parents who have just loaded a week's worth of groceries and their screaming 6-month-old into the car will definitely appreciate this -- especially when it's cold and snowy out. Older patrons who move a bit slower will take to this kindness as well.

It is small acts such as this that help us keep the community spirit alive and well throughout the year.