AURELIUS - Kindness was on sale at the Fingerlakes Mall Saturday.

It came in a number of different varieties, but it was the same deal for every one - both the buyer and the recipient left feeling good.

Visitors during the 10th Annual Community Day found representatives of many area nonprofit organizations at stops throughout the mall.

Purchasing baked goods would help the Throopville Church, while a raffle ticket good for a Halloween basket went toward the Stepping Stone Children's Center.

A bag of popcorn at the Mercy Health and Rehabilitation Center booth provided funding for the American Red Cross Hurricane Katrina Fund, plus gave the opportunity to learn about the facility's Adult Medical Day Program.

”I like to call it a nursing home without walls,“ said Director of Admissions Judy Greco. ”Our registrants come to us during the day, and go back home at night.“

Community Day was a wonderful, family based way to let the public get to know about the program, she said.

”We all think it's the best kept secret in Cayuga County,“ Greco said about the adult day program.

”You know, people who may not have a family, we become the family,“ she said. ”And they all help each other and support each other.“

The hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, with meals, snacks and activities included with the visit. Medical and dietary staff are in attendance.

Peggy Evans, of Aurora, has come to the mall for community day before, but has never seen newcomer Mercy Health's booth, and was glad she did.

”I think it's great for families with older members,“ Evans said.

”We may be using it in the very near future. My mother-in-law lives alone but has growing medical needs that need to be addressed,“ she said. ”This will help her remain independent,“ she added.

The day program provides handicapped transportation if needed.“