Poland campaign demonstrates acts of kindness

Jessica Cedergren and Tiffany Ogden, directors of the Before and After School Care program, stand by the poster created by Poland Community School students in the program. Betty Fuller photo

Students in the Poland Before and After School Care Program have created a Kindness Tree to show that it’s the little gestures and small kindnesses that people give and receive regularly that make their world a happy place.

Using colorful hand prints, they have listed acts of kindness — ones received and ones conducted. For example, one cleaned his brother’s room, and another helped the staff move the TV. One child shared her toys, and another held the door open for someone, according to a news release from Eunice Stover, Poland Huddle member.

The helping hands display was created under the direction of the program leaders, Jessica Cedergren and Tiffany Odgen, to be displayed in the Poland Town Hall on Election Day. Fifty children, ranging from kindergarten through grade six, participate in the BASC program.

Another Kindness tree is “growing” in the Ricker Memorial Library in town. This interactive display has been created by members of the Poland Huddle. Leaves on that tree list acts of kindness taking place in the community. Examples include “Baking cakes for friends is my kindness hobby,” “I pick up litter on my road,” and “neighbors visit me.” Community members are adding leaves to the display regularly.

In October, Huddle members, working together to positively impact the community, launched the kindness campaign to spread the message that kindness is happening and kindness counts.

This Kindness Tree is an interactive display at the Ricker Memorial Library in Poland. It was constructed by members of the Poland Huddle. Betty Fuller photo