Colleen Ritzer's Family, Friends Ask People To Perform Acts Of Kindness

DANVERS (CBS) -- It's not every day free cookies are given away in Danvers. It's a random act of kindness from a downtown bakery as employees hit the pavement looking for recipients to honor Colleen Ritzer.

"We just try to rally around the community and help however we can," said Christina Doucette, manager of Cakes for Occasions.

When Jennifer Bergen and Bridget O'Brien showed up today at an Andover retirement home with some goodies, it was also random but with purpose. "This is better than I ever imagined," said Bergen, a childhood friend of Ritzer who organized #Kindness4Colleen. "Doing acts of kindness makes me feel like I'm doing good for Colleen."

It was two years ago the 24-year-old math teacher was brutally murdered inside Danvers High School. But rather than dwell on the sadness of the anniversary, the friends are making gestures in her honor.

"If there's one thing that stands out with people about who she was, it's that she's a truly caring and kind person," said O'Brien. They hope the idea becomes infectious and a reminder to anyone on the receiving end it'll be their turn to pay it forward. Social media lit up with postings of kind acts.

Danvers High School English teacher John White brought in cookies and milk for his students, according to his Twitter page.

Bergen says what's great about the campaign is it's not restricted and people can be creative.

"I really think that kindness can create more kindness, and I'd love to see a chain reaction," Bergen says.

In a statement released Thursday afternoon, the Ritzer family thanked everyone for supporting the cause.

"Our family is overwhelmed by the tremendous outpouring of good performed today in support of the #Kindness4Colleen effort," the Ritzer family said. "Since 2013, and going forward, October 22 will always be a day of great sadness and pain, however we, and Colleen's extended family and friends, are strengthened by the many good deeds that are done today in her name.

"We are proud that Colleen continues to inspire others to simply be good to people."

Jennifer Bergen says these are acts Colleen would have done herself, and in addition to the generosity, it helps her get through a difficult day. "Who she was is becoming bigger because we're able to do these acts in her name."

For additional information, visit the Colleen E. Ritzer Memorial Scholarship website or the Kindness for Colleen Facebook page.

WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Ben Parker reports

WBZ-TV's Beth Germano contributed to this report.