Cape Kid of the Month: Ava Proves KINDNESS ROCKS!

March 27, 2018March 28, 2018 twhimsLeave a comment

This month we are excited to feature Ava as one of our youngest Cape Kids of the Month. This sweet girl has taught us that, regardless of age, you can be a hero!

As a kindergarten student in New Jersey, Ava has been spreading random acts of kindness through The Kindness Rocks Project, which encourages people to “…inspire others through randomly placed rocks along the way.”

Ava loved all the pretty rocks and inspirational sayings that were posted. She was so moved by the mission that she decided she wanted to spread kindness through the Kindness Rocks project, as well.

The very next day, Ava spent hours looking for the perfect rocks to share. She painted them, and wrote a message of kindness on each one. Then, this five-year-old rode her scooter up and down the block dropping off rocks on her neighbors’ front porches.

As the week went on, and she continued her quest of making a rock for everyone on the block, the neighbors were surprised to discover that the mastermind behind their special gifts was a young child. They each shared how the rocks and messages of kindness had brightened their day. This thrilled Ava, who genuinely loved watching her neighbors smile.

Best of all, since the Billeci Family had only moved to the neighborhood a couple months before, Ava was excited that it gave her the chance to meet everyone and spread some kindness. Needless to say, Ava has become quite popular on the block!

Ava has inspired some of her friends to join her in spreading kindness through rocks. For her 6th birthday party, Ava has requested a Kindness Rocks paint party, so that all of her friends can participate in helping to make someone smile by donating all the rocks from her party to her local library in order to create a Kindness Rocks garden for everyone to enjoy.

Ava’s mom Jennifer states, “Ava has forever been a loving and caring girl. She hates to see someone upset and frequently tells me how she is an upstander, and not a bystander. I can always count on her to include the child left out at a play date or be the first one to settle an argument among friends. She likes to see people happy and smiling!”

Ava became a big sister this past August. She loves looking after her little sister, Lyla, and always takes the best care of her. She can’t wait for Lyla to be old enough to explain to her that KINDNESS ROCKS and to join her in her mission!

Kidkind Club Proposal Template

February 28, 2018February 26, 2018 twhimsLeave a comment

You asked, and we’re delivering! Inspired by one of our very own Cape Kids of the Month, we now present to all Cape Kids an opportunity to exercise leadership at their schools by founding a club that promotes kindness. Make a positive impact on your school culture while having fun!

We introduce to you…the kidkind Club!

Using this letter template and suggested club meeting schedule, you (or your child) can easily propose a kidkind Club to your school…we’ve made it superHERO easy. Simply modify this template and bring it to a teacher, guidance counselor, or principal.

Please report back if you start a kidkind Club at your school so we can recognize you! If you need further assistance, email leighann@wearthecapekids.com.

Cape Kids of the Month – February 2018

February 27, 2018February 28, 2018 twhimsLeave a comment

Brothers who Love Sports, Family and Wearing The Cape

Shane and Dylan Kelly are our Cape Kids for the month of February and, boy oh boy, do these boys deserve it! These brothers are two exceptional young men, who wear the cape daily. They volunteer on many levels, often marrying their love of sports with their passion for doing good. It is a privilege to recognize them this month!

Shane, a freshman at Watchung Hills Regional High School in Warren, New Jersey is a talented, hard-working football player. Shane’s football coach calls him a “leader who will do anything he puts his mind to.” Dylan, a 7th grader at Warren Middle School in Warren, New Jersey, is a superstar on and off the field, too. His basketball coach says he has “a big heart and truly cares.”

Shane played football for Watchung Hills Pop Warner for seven years and was often found helping his teammates and coaches, and assisting younger players. He is now giving back to the Pop Warner Program in a new role, as junior coach for the Pee Wee Team. Dylan volunteers for the Warren Youth Basketball Program, helping the 3rd and 4th grade girls team, where his sister Ainsley plays.

Shane is also a timekeeper for the Warren Youth Basketball Association, where he can be found helping younger children practice their shooting skills between quarters. His brother Dylan devotedly supports the Baskets for Bama fundraiser that was created by his basketball coach and family to raise money to help find a cure for brain cancer at Duke University.

What’s more, both young men have taught Vacation Bible School at Liberty Corner Presbyterian Church in Basking Ridge, New Jersey for the past four years. They also help with the church’s Halloween Costume Drive, Coat Drive, and Ziti for the Needy initiative. Close to home for us, the Kelly brothers volunteer their time as helpers at kidkind foundation’s annual holiday party, where they greet guests with their warm smiles and kind hearts.

At home, both Shane and Dylan pitch in by preparing meals, creating recipes for all to enjoy. They are exceptional role models to their younger siblings Brayden, 10, and Ainsley, 8, as well as their friends. Their mom Rebecca Kelly shared, “They are kind, loving boys, who enjoy spending time with their family and friends.” Shane and Dylan, we thank you for being such tremendous examples of everyday heroes. We are so proud of you for being BETTER THAN THAT™ and for remembering to always WEAR THE CAPE. Keep up the good work!