By MATT PIKE
St. Joseph Post
The Noyes Home for Children is recognizing people in the St. Joseph community for their kindness
Kindness St. Joseph is designed to recognize acts of kindness and people’s work in the city.
Executive Director Chelsea Howlett says students in kindergarten through 12th grade were invited to submit essays nominating people in the community
“Obviously, kindergartners got to draw pictures and have someone help them write those sentiments about the kindest person they know,” Howlett tells KFEQ Hotline host Barry Birr. “And just last week we actually read all the essays, they were due on November 8th, and I tell you what it was really heartwarming to see what our children see out in the world and those that are doing great things.”
The event is based off the Kindness Kansas Citian, presented by Synergy Services in Kansas City.
Howlett says the people submitted run the gamut, and adds that as a mother herself, it was heartwarming to see many submissions from students nominating their moms.
“And all the things that they do to make sure their lives are good, that they’re nourished and cared for, and all the extra things that moms do, and dads do too, to ensure that they have what they want and what they need in life,” Howlett explains. “There were so many essays about moms but there were also great essays about grandparents, aunts, neighbors, teachers were very common.”
Howlett says winners of the event will be announced in January, with a celebration in March.
And Howlett says they aren’t just honoring people though, and currently people can nominate the Kindest School in the city.
“So, anybody of any age can say you know what I feel that this school really exemplifies what it means to be kind and accepting, whether it be how the students engage with one another, the teachers, the administrative staff, just the culture of kindness in general,” Howlett says.
Individuals can also nominate anyone in St. Joseph as a Kindness Keeper. Forms are available on the Noyes Homes website.
You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.