American Faces No. 112: 3000 Acts of Kindness!

What better way to kick-off 2026 than with an American Faces subject I photographed in 2025.  September 25, 2025 to be exact.  I know, so yesterday!  Well life got a bit busy in the fourth quarter of 2025. I think in all truthfulness I was supposed to let this story marinate until I understood the full scope of Danielle Igbanugo’s heart for those on the streets and people surviving as they experience homelessness.  

She’s a light in a world that so desperately needs it.

But this story is more complex.  Complex in the sense that Danielle does not do all the difference making by herself.  It started years ago when she had a vision for bringing people together to do acts of kindness; multiple acts of kindness, well, specifically 3000 acts of kindness (I am sure it is way more than that in all truthfulness) Danielle knows that a vision with that scope is not done alone.  She asks for others to come alongside her as fellow “Difference Makers” for a one day event called 3000 Acts of Kindness.  This event is hosted by Danielle’s organization Coated in Love and supported by many sponsors.  The foundation of the day is set up with an area for spiritual care, another area for footcare, other areas offer boots, haircuts, backpacks, sleeping bags, lunch and more.  Dignity, love and care were in full measure.

The fifth year of this amazing event was held at the Minneapolis Convention Center in 2025.  There were 100’s of “difference making” volunteers wonderfully caring for people and showing dignity in tangible, heartfelt ways that truly brought a tear to the eyes of the onlooker. I had the privilege of attending the event this year not as a content creator/photographer but as an interviewer to help tell the organization's story of impact with a video crew that captured amazing footage throughout the day.  While I was conducting the interviews of both volunteers and those needing help, there was a common theme; HOPE.  Not just the lukewarm use of that word, but real hope.  There were smiles, hugs, human care and above all dignity in large doses shared with all.  That day, HOPE set the course for how people were treated.  It wasn’t about an ideology; just being human to one another.  People were prayed for, their feet cared for and their hearts filled.  Oh and differences made one human to another.  Not just to the receiver, but also to the giver.

Take a look at the incredible impact and scope of the event:

Now imagine if Danielle had not listened to her heart years ago.  The lives of people on that chilly December day would not have been touched by the profound kindness of all the volunteers, sponsors and the countless people behind the scenes.

Here’s the challenge; How will you make a difference in the life of another in 2026?  If you need a date to help you get something on the calendar go to Danielle’s website.

Photos and story by: Nielsen Studios

Editing by: Cristine Nielsen

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