MyGoodDeed.org was established by 9/11 families and friends after the terrorist attacks. The group hoped to honor those killed and injured and those who aided in rescue and recovery by setting up a place to continue the nation’s unity so prevalent — for a while — after that day.

This year, leaders of the organization, who would like Sept. 11 to be a national day of volunteer service to others, have asked the presidential candidates to refrain from campaigning on Sept. 11. They ask that for just one day, they “engage in community service and other charitable acts … which help to recall and rekindle the remarkable spirit of unity and compassion that existed in our country in the weeks and months following the 9/11 tragedy.”

A nice idea, of course. And regaining that “unity and compassion” would likely make us all better individuals as well as create a stronger nation. But how long would it last? On Sept. 12, candidates will just pick back up opining on each other and the respective parties instead of convincingly telling us of their own plans. (And their supporters won’t be half so polite. Many times, it is the supporters, not the candidates, who sour the public on the process.)

Some “scripted” good deeds have lasting impact, and many of the suggestions from the organization’s Web site are worth consideration. But the unprovoked good deed, the simple acts of kindness one human can display to another, intrigue us more.

Several years ago, National Public Radio (NPR) asked its listeners to share stories of good deeds. Some involved good deeds done for the individual. Others recounted how witnessing a good deed influenced their thinking about doing for others. Most were not gigantic efforts but rather small gestures, including one woman who told of her mother feeding a stranger, an event her mother didn’t even remember years later, so ingrained was the idea that just seeing another hungry demanded he be fed.

Many of the good deed recipients knew their benefactors; just as many were helped by strangers or anonymous friends who preferred to allow them dignity during a time of need. But all of those who told their stories to NPR remembered the details, even years later.

Have you witnessed any good deeds lately, or had one done for you? Let us know how another person’s unselfish act has influenced your life, convinced you to, as a movie advised, “pass it on.” See the addresses, both postal and e-mail in the letters instructions below, and share stories about people you know — or strangers — who believe that a major part of a successful life is doing what good you can while you’re here.