BOSTON (WHDH) -- It’s not uncommon to get the winter blues this time of year, but in Boston one group found a simple way to pep people up during any season.

The morning commute is a rush of shuffling feet, crowded platforms and poker faces -- not exactly the recipe for warm and fuzzy, but in a social experiment Bostonians are now being gently squeezed.

One day the group handed out oranges at MBTA stations. There have been high fives at Fenway Park and a capella melodies in those awkwardly quiet elevator rides. All of this is part of Happier Boston, an effort to cheer up the city by Samaritans, a suicide prevention non-profit.

“It’s amazing that when you give someone a smile and a greeting, nine times out of 10 you get that back in return,” said one woman. “That fuels you, and it really does make a difference.”

Volunteers for Samaritans have been a life changer for 17-year-old Jessica Kruger, who says depression hit her as a ninth grader but with help she found her way out.

“Saying hello to one extra stranger or just giving someone a nod is so important to someone who might be struggling for whatever reason,” said Kruger.

In the fifth largest metropolitan area in the country invisibility is a reality, but one Samaritans hopes to change.

“Part of my life is about connections to other people and I think a lot of times on our daily commute and our daily lives we’re very disconnected. It’s nice that some people go out of their way to make me smile,” said a man.