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Visits Of Pope Francis And Dalai Lama Inspire Creation Of Citywide Day Of Kindness

By Molly Daly

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- With the impending arrival this fall of two religious leaders, Pope Francis and the Dalai Lama, there's a move afoot to prompt Philadelphians to embrace their messages of love and kindness, and put them into action, with A Day of Kindness on October 27th.

It's also the city's 333rd birthday.

I could easily frame this story with the tiresome idea that Philly's a tough town where kindness is as foreign as mustard on a cheesesteak. But anyone who's been here knows its virtues are many. A Day of Kindness Executive Director J Nathan Bazzel says organizers are hoping capitalize on that amid the holy men's visits -- one of which is sparking some anxiety.

"It's an opportunity for all of us, as we're building up to those events, start looking at our actions, find ways for ourselves to be more kind in our actions, and that might make all of our stresses be a little easier," said Bazzel.

Bazzel says they're aiming to make their website, adayofkindness.org, a meeting place.

"They will be able to go on, connect with organizations that might need assistance or acts of kindness, and also share their own stories of kindness."

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