As Heather Bowland made her way out of the Riverland Community College’s main building on Friday, the last thing she expected, she said, was a $10 Amazon gift card being handed to her.

Add to that a koozie and a plump-sized muffin, thanks to Primrose Retirement Community staff and residents.

“Actually, I need a new phone case so this will come in handy,” said Bowland, 17, nodding to the gift card. She is an Austin High School senior who attends some classes at Riverland.

Thanks to Primrose, lots of students took home the goodies -— all of it with the hope they would then conduct their own acts of kindness for others.

Staff and residents in Primrose’s 34 locations all participated on Friday as a way to not only promote good deeds, but to raise the awareness level of Primrose and its services. On hand Friday were Rebecca Earl, sales director; Annette Ross, executive director, and Primrose residents Grant and Myrtle Bentley, who helped to hand out items.

“I like to be out and talk to people,” said Myrtle Bentley.

Nel Zellar, director of admissions at the college, said the simple acts were “the greatest thing I’ve ever seen,” she enthused.

“I love this,” she said, adding the effort falls right in line with the Civility Campaign undertaken by Minnesota state and community colleges. The campaign is a response to bullying, and “this is a wonderful way to show that spirit of giving,” Zellar said.

“It’s very nice,” agreed Robert Dansby, 24, who will graduate with his associate’s degree this spring.

“I’m want to get a psychology degree,” he said. “I want to help people; I like to help people every day.”

Bowland said paying it forward was a good response to today’s political climate.

“It’s really a good idea since everyone seems to be against each other, right now,” she said. “This is nice.”