NORTH TONAWANDA, N.Y. (WKBW) — Christina Boyd can often be found storing small notes and gifts in stores across Western New York. The Tonawanda town mom is doing what she calls “random acts of kindness” in honor of her late son, Ollie.

“Things like this can make someone’s day,” she said.

Boyd unexpectedly lost 20-month-old Ollie in February 2023.

Ollie – Facebook Page Liked to infinity and beyond

“No parent thinks this is going to be the path their life takes,” she said. “There’s really no way to get over it, but we try to find purpose in life again by doing these random acts of kindness.”

She will leave notes, gifts, and lottery tickets in different stores or public places for people to find. It includes a note about Ollie and the Facebook page created in his memory, titled “Ollie – Loved to Infinity and Beyond.”

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Now his friends and family members have begun doing the same: leaving events across WNY in Ollie’s memory.

“People went above and beyond. Recipients were posting on Facebook that they had received something from someone who had left something for them or given them something,” she said.

Facebook

A few months ago, Boyd and her husband took their random acts of kindness to the next level. They partnered with a North Tonawanda organization for a book and toy drive to help local foster families. It’s called Rainie’s Foster Closet, and foster families can come pick up the things they need for the children in their care. Boyd says she couldn’t believe how perfect the organization was – in fact – it’s even located on Oliver Street.

“They come in and get seven days’ worth of clothes, socks, underwear, diapers, wipes,” said Jessica Dybdahl of Rainie’s Foster Closet.

“I had no doubt about who I wanted to donate to,” Boyd said with a smile.

Rainie’s now has a dedicated Ollie area. When families arrive, foster children can choose something on their own from Oliver’s Corner.

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“They are excited to be able to choose a toy, a stuffed animal or a book,” Dybdahl said.

Boyd says she plans to keep the book and toy drive going every year – along with her husband and Ollie’s little brother, Sullivan. She also wants people to pay attention to random acts of kindness and think of her little guy when they encounter them.

“I don’t want his memory and his name to be forgotten. I want people to always remember him. And maybe they will take a second and think of the most perfect boy,” she said .