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Community Corner

Ms. Sunshine is Spreading Kindness Every Day for a Year

La Costa Glen resident Carol Dykstra, known as "Ms. Sunshine," is doing a simple act of kindness every day for a year

A Carlsbad senior is making it her mission to bring a simple act of kindness to everyone she encounters every day. Carol Dykstra, known as “Ms. Sunshine” by her La Costa Glen senior living community neighbors, is sticking to her New Year’s resolution of doing a simple act of kindness every day for a whole year.

From delivering treats for Valentine’s Day to 29 of her La Costa Glen neighbors, to making goodie bags for the landscapers at the community, this Carlsbad woman is spreading kindness one small gesture at a time.

Carol, a retired elementary school teacher, says, “the world needs more kindness,” and experts agree. Studies show there are significant physical and mental health benefits to sharing kindness with others.

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Even during the pandemic, Carol has been able to stay connected to her neighbors by running errands for those unable to leave, and surprising the more than 800 residents at the community with a birthday card and treat on their birthday. Most recently, when her neighbor turned 90 years old, she surprised them with a bouquet of balloons and flowers.

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