UNITED Way Glenelg is shifting the focus from chocolate and gifts to spreading kindness and appreciation this holiday season with a community advent calendar.

The Acts of Kindness advent calendar aims to inspire the community to carry out one act of kindness every day for 25 days.

United Way executive officer Nicole Carr said an act of kindness could take many forms.

“It might be as simple as saying hello to someone on the street, helping out a neighbour, or learning about a social issue to gain a new perspective,” she said.

“The last two years have demonstrated just how our community is engaging in extraordinary acts of kindness every day.

“Many people have been the recipient of a free coffee or opened the front door to find a meal on their doorstep.

“Often kindness comes at a time when it was needed the most.”

Ms Carr said research had shown generosity was contagious.

“For every person that takes action to make their community better, there is a domino effect,” she said.

“One person’s generosity spreads to three people and then to nine more after that.

“With just one act of local love, 12 people can be inspired and engaged to pay it forward.

“There’s no end to the ripple effects that follow.”

The Advent Calander has been developed to keep acts free or low cost, making it inclusive for everyone to join in.

United Way Glenelg is also encouraging the community to photograph their act of kindness and upload them onto their socials using a special hashtag #glenelgactsofkindness.

“We’d love to see what you are up to, how this fun challenge is making an impact on you and the community in some small way. This will give us some great inspiration to share and to help others,” Ms Carr said.

The advent calendar can be downloaded from United Way Glenelg’s website www.unitedwayglenelg.com.au or collect your cardboard perforated advent calendar from Davis Print Portland, Portland Newsagency, Heywood Newsagency and Tattslotto, Casterton Newsagency and Lotto, Nelson Kiosk and LPO and the Dartmoor General Store.