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SAN JOSE, Calif. (KTVU) - Tarena Merritt turns 24-years-old on December 24th. She says she wants to celebrate her birthday by doing random acts of kindness this month. KTVU had the opportunity to meet this special young woman in San Jose.
Merritt decided she wanted to do one kind thing each day leading up to her Christmas Eve birthday.
We saw her in action Thursday, Day 10 at the Loaves and Fishes dining hall in East San Jose.
"Something I take for granted so often, I think many of us do, just a simple meal," said Tarena as she served meals to homeless and low-income folks.
She has a full plate. After a long day at work, she's volunteering her time to help those in need.
"I'm born in a season of giving. My birthday is the day before Christmas. So often, I think we get so consumed with me, me, me." said Tarena.
This month, it's not "me," but the "we" that matters to Tarena. She says she feels a special calling.
"I feel I have more than 24 reasons to give back," said Tarena. She says the 24 random acts of kindness are not easy to carry out.
She works full time and takes college courses, but says giving back is exciting. Each of the acts has some kind of different personal meaning.
She showed off toys she bought for foster children.
"I've had some family go through the foster care system," said Tarena.
She's even hand delivered a thank you note to firefighters. She gave one man who she happened to see on the street hand warmers and $20.
At Loaves and Fishes, Tarena's volunteer work is appreciated.
"It brings a tear to your eye. It does to me a little bit," said Rick Gonzalez, who's homeless.
"Hopefully it inspires a lot of other people to give back, not just during this time of year. I would hope that it inspires you to give back even if it's once a month. You're going to make someone else's day completely," said Tarena.
She has 14 days to go. On Friday, she plans to donate baked goods to a church.
After this undertaking, she says she hopes to give back at least twice a month in the coming year.