Two $100 gifts, two creative sparks. The first went to buy a locally made children's book, donated to Early Connections Learning Center in Colorado Springs — with the author now set to visit the kids herself. The second became a scavenger hunt: twenty $5 bills, each with a "Spread Kindness" note, tucked around the Manitou Dollar Tree for strangers to find.

A lifelong Manitou Springs resident, Ian donated his $100 to the local Food Pantry. "I have always realized that I live in a special place where people are more giving and charitable to one another than they tend to be elsewhere."

Tavi split his $100 four ways: $40 to the fire department for youth outreach events, $20 to Green Horse Gallery's owner ("she said she was going to spread kindness with it"), $20 to a Red Dog Manitou worker's tip jar to share with coworkers, and the last $20 to a family member, who passed it on again — to Flying Pig Farm. "It was cool to see how a little bit of money could spread kindness to so many people."

Becky knew exactly where her $100 belonged: Pikes Peak Permaculture, a mostly-volunteer nonprofit that's been teaching sustainable, hands-on living in the Manitou Springs area since 2003. From free seed-ball and natural-paint activities at Meadowgrass Music Festival to youth programs like Nature Lab in local schools, PPP shows kids and neighbors alike what it means to care for the land. "We are passionate educators who want a better future," said instructor Ally Richardson, "and we believe this future grows stronger when all people connect with the natural world."

Bob gave his $100 to the Rocky Mountain Field Institute — an organization he'd volunteered with himself, including on Manitou's own Fountain Creek Restoration project. "I feel good that the money will be put to good use."

Natalie knew exactly what would bring her joy — and other kids' joy too. She spent her $100 on five stuffed animals from Gigi's on Manitou Ave, then spent the weekend handing them out to children she met around town. Her mom watched from a distance: "One child immediately tucked the stuffed animal under her neck... I saw the reaction from the kids, and I understood."

Alice found her moment poolside — handing $100 to a pool staff member known for going above and beyond, including for a regular swimmer who needs extra help getting in and out of the water. "Thank you for giving me this opportunity to share kindness."-Alice

Eddy shared his spent his talent. He performed free on the patio at Toasted, bringing friends to sing along, starting a collaboration with the Think Positive Club, and lining up a retirement-home show next. "Everyone involved has been touched, moved, and inspired — and that includes me. I could get used to this." -Eddy