Our History

We were founded in September of 2019. Our founder wanted to find a way to anonymously bring more positivity and cheerfulness into the community. She started out by leaving small notes and gifts around town for random people to find. At the time, she did not imagine it turning into anything significant. 

Then suddenly it was 2020 and we were dealing with a pandemic and an upcoming presidential election! She was disheartened by all of the increased hatred and contempt that people seemed to be showing for each other (especially on social media). She decided it was time to do more with Keep Delco Smiling, so she worked to turn it from a one person hobby to a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. 

Our mission is to "Keep Delco Smiling" by performing acts of kindness. We aim to strengthen our community with kindness and to connect people based on their shared humanity. 

We love when people help us with our mission by paying it forward when they receive an act of kindness. Sometimes people pay it forward by doing their own act of kindness, by donating to support our mission, or simply by telling others about our organization. 

Let's be realistic though...sometimes they do nothing, and that's fine too! As long as we made them smile, our mission is still accomplished. Plus, we like our acts of kindness to be freely given rather than conditional. So yes, we'd love for you to pay it forward but we won't be upset if you don't.

The one word that sums up our values is the pali word Mettā. Mettā is a term meaning loving-kindness, goodwill, friendliness and benevolence. It can also be defined as the strong wish for the welfare and happiness of others. 

Mettā is devoid of self-interest. It overcomes all social, religious, political, racial and economic barriers. It recognizes the most basic solidarity that we have with others. 

We believe in treating everyone with dignity and kindness regardless of their personal beliefs.  However, we are selective about the businesses that we choose to associate with. We don't support any businesses that we believe are homophobic, racist, hateful or discriminatory in any way.