Random Acts of Kindness: ‘If I’m able to help, I want to’

In the snowy winter months in Munising, small acts of kindness can make a big difference. One local resident, C.J. Matson, has been quietly helping neighbors and showing that simple gestures still matter.

Neighbor Kathy Carr first noticed Matson’s kindness through his everyday manners. 

“He’s super polite,” Carr said. “He always calls me ‘ma’am’ or ‘miss.’ One of the first times I noticed how well-mannered he was, he held the door for me when my arms were full.” 

Carr said Matson’s helpful nature became especially clear during a recent snowstorm. With more than a foot of snow on the ground, Matson knocked on her door to warn her that snowplows would be clearing the parking area.

“He asked if I wanted him to move my car,” Carr said. “I told him I’d do it myself. But when I got outside, he had already cleaned off my car and shoveled around it so I could get to it.”

Carr also noticed Matson walking closely behind her as she made her way through the deep snow.

“I think he was just making sure I didn’t fall,” she said.

Another resident, Cristen Zaleski, witnessed Matson helping neighbors outside the apartment building.

“He was cleaning off Kathy’s car and shoveling around it,” Zaleski said. “He offered to clean mine off too. I tried to pay him, but he didn’t want to take it.”

For Matson, these actions are simply part of who he is. 

“I was born and raised here,” he said. “My family always taught me to be courteous and respectful to everyone.”

Matson graduated locally in 2013 and chose to stay in the community because of his strong family ties. While he once pursued martial arts as a hobby, he says helping others has always been a natural part of his life.

“I don’t like seeing people struggle,” Matson said. “If I’m able to help someone, I want to do it.”

He also believes that kindness is something people should work harder to keep alive. 

“I feel like kindness is fading away these days,” he said. “I just want to show people that it’s still there.”

For Carr, having someone like Matson as a neighbor brings comfort and reassurance. 

“I feel really safe living here,” she said. “Especially as you get older, it’s nice to know there’s someone around who genuinely cares about people.” 

Whether it’s holding a door, shoveling snow or salting icy sidewalks, Matson’s simple acts of kindness remind the community that even small gestures can make a big difference.