In an effort to spread some positivity in memory of Erica Owen, people are being encouraged to #CelebrateErica by passing on random acts of kindness to others in the community.
Suzanne Jagoe first thought of the idea a couple weeks ago, and it didn’t take long for people to join the cause.
“Erica’s friends have jumped on board with this like you can’t even imagine,” she said. “People that don’t even know her are asking me for cards because they know the story.”
While the campaign is meant to spread joy, Jagoe said the idea came to her a few weeks ago after she had been in a negative state of mind.
On April 30, a bond was set for the man who took Owen’s life in 2018. Jagoe said she got a call from Lisa Greer, Owen’s mother, and the two were upset with the ruling.
After letting her initial feelings subside, Jagoe went through the drive-thru at McDonald’s and paid for the next person’s meal.
“While I was sitting in my car, I thought you know what, I’m being ridiculous,” she said. “Let’s turn this negative energy that I’m feeling into something positive.”
Jagoe talked with Greer later that day, and she was in full support of asking others to join in the cause.
Jagoe designed a card with Owen’s picture on it that can be passed along to encourage others to pay the act forward, and people are can share their efforts on social media using #CelebrateErica.
“She’s beautiful and everybody remembers that face and her smile,” Jagoe said. “She was one of the most kind-hearted girls I’ve ever met. She loved doing things for people. This random acts of kindness thing is something that she would love and be on board with. I’m thinking it can be an ongoing thing. We want to keep her face out there and keep her spirit going in a positive way.”
Jagoe said they have also done bracelet campaigns in Owens’ honor and plan to release a new one each year on her birthday. Owen would have turned 27 this Wednesday.
Last year, bracelet proceeds went toward Owen’s scholarship at the community college, while this year’s are expected to go to new playground equipment at OASIS Women’s Shelter.
Jagoe said so far for the random acts people have done things like send flowers with a note and mow someone else’s yard, but she encourages everyone to find their own way to spread joy — even if no one ever finds out.
“People don’t want to be recognized necessarily for their act of kindness,” she said. “They just want to be recognized for doing something in her honor. It’s not about the person doing it. It’s all about Erica.”
