One Good Deed at a Time: Zanesville Man Sets Out to Spread Kindness Across All 50 States

ZANESVILLE, Ohio— What if a simple act of kindness could change the world?

For John Larson, a father, grandfather, and local restaurant owner from Zanesville, that question sparked a nationwide mission, to complete one good deed in every U.S. state.

“I didn’t see a happy country five years ago,” Larson said. “I thought, what can I do as an individual?”

Now, Larson is preparing for a journey that goes far beyond sightseeing. His project, One Good Deed Journey, is focused on spreading kindness through action and simply showing up for those in need.

Whether he’s passing out coins and mission cards or chatting with guests at his restaurant, John hopes his story encourages everyday people to take small steps toward positive change.

Each stop on Larson’s journey will be shared online to inspire a ripple effect of good deeds across the country. In addition to acts of service, he also plans to launch scholarships in each of the 50 states, but he says he may need help getting there.

Still, John’s message is clear: you don’t have to travel the country to make a difference.

Right here in our community, there are countless opportunities to give back. From food drives and park cleanups to local mentoring programs, nonprofits are always looking for helping hands.

So, next time you flip a coin, don’t just ask heads or tails. Ask yourself:

What can I do to make a difference today?

To follow John and his journey stop by his website One Good Deed Journey – Share Good