Macaroni Kid publishers strive to enrich the communities in which we live, and that is why publishers across the United States and Canada celebrate Macaroni Kid Act of Kindness Day each year. It's one of our favorite events as publishers!
This year, we've expanded Macaroni Kid Act of Kindness day to Macaroni Kid Act of Kindness WEEK! This gives us all more opportunities to give back in our communities Sept. 28 through Oct. 5. Many of our publishers are already putting plans into place to celebrate.
In past years publishers have done everything from signing up as bone marrow donors to hosting community-wide fundraisers for diaper banks and pajama drives. We're excited to see what they come up with this year!
Macaroni Kid publishers will encourage our own families, along with families like yours, to work together to do good and spread joy through acts of kindness -- both big and small.
What can you do to help?
Leading up to Macaroni Kid Act of Kindness WEEK, we'll be creating and collecting cards for our first responders. This includes local police, fire, EMS and hospital staff. We can't do it alone - so we need your help! You can visit us at Clinton's Olde Home Day on September 7, or at Kids Fest at Wachusett Mountain on September 21 or 22 and make a card. You're welcome to drop off a card you've made, too. Businesses and families may donate supplies - envelopes, thank you cards, cardstock, markers, crayons, stickers - anything that can be used to get creative in making a card! If you'd like to arrange a pick-up or drop off materials or cards, please contact me at emilycabrera@macaronikid.com
During the week of September 28 through October 5, we'll be hand delivering the cards in our communities.
What participating in acts of kindness shows kids
Macaroni Kid Act of Kindness week is the perfect teachable opportunity to show your kids how important it is -- and how good it feels -- to be kind to others in your community.
Kids who participate in acts of kindness:
1. Feel good
Doing something for others makes them feel good and give them a boost of self-esteem for helping their community.
2. Strengthen community roots
Kids can partner up with current friends or join a community organization where they can meet new friends while doing good in their community.
3. Experience a feeling of belonging
Children sometimes struggle with feelings of being alone. Getting involved in giving back is a chance to feel like they belong to the community in a way that is 100 percent positive.
4. Learn gratitude
Helping less-fortunate community members will give you an opportunity to teach your child to be grateful for what they have.
5. See firsthand the effect of "paying it forward"
This is a great chance to teach kids about the ripple effect that comes with showing even small kindnesses and how their efforts make a difference in our world.
We hope you and your family will join us in celebrating Macaroni Kid Act of Kindness Week!
Follow along on our local Macaroni Kid Leominster-Clinton Facebook page and our National Macaroni Kid Facebook page for inspiration on how to give back to your community in both small and big ways!
And don't forget to use the hashtag #MKAOKweek on any social media posts you make related to Macaroni Kid Act of Kindness Week!