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Gratitude Practice

Let's start by taking a moment to practice gratitude.

  • Who is a teacher/mentor that you are grateful for and why?

  • What is something that you learned from a mentor that you are grateful for and why?

The Recipient

In 2019, 40.7% of all Colorado students, 379,563 children, qualified for the Free and Reduced Lunch program (Colorado Children’s Campaign). With the average parent spending $117 on standard classroom supplies each year (National Retail Federation), it is no surprise that many struggling families simply cannot afford the expense of school supplies for their children. Many kids are unequipped with proper essentials to start their school year.

The Reason

By providing children in need with a brand new backpack with grade-appropriate supplies in it, you are helping children go back to school equipped and ready to learn.

Unpack the Box

  • Take everything out of the box.
  • Lay everything out so you can find what you need to build the kit.

Create Your Kynd Code

Please follow the instructions on this card to create your own Kynd Code. This Kynd Code will be included in the final kit.

*Make note of your Kynd Code. You will use this code at the end of the project. 

Find the Kynd Card

This is for you to spread extra kyndness to someone in your own life.  Consider writing a note to a friend, loved one, or colleague that you are grateful for.  Address the note and send it in the mail or give it to someone in person.

DO NOT include this in the finished kit.

Write a Note to the Recipient

1. Find the following items:
  • Blank card and matching envelope.
  • Enclosed materials such as crayons, markers, stickers.
2. Write your letter and decorate the card.
  • Use the enclosed materials to decorate the card.
    • Express your encouragement and include a hopeful message for the child starting a new school year.
    • Decorate the front and the inside of the card.
      • Helpful Tips:
        • Do not include a date or year on the letter.
        • Avoid politics completely and religion in excess.
          * Can’t think of what to write, draw a picture!
3. Decorate the envelope.
  • Use the enclosed materials to decorate the envelope that will hold your card.
    • Make it colorful and fun. Decorate the front and back of the envelope.
4. Put the completed card in the envelope you decorated. 
  • Include the Kynd Code sheet with the card.

Decorate the Canvas Bag

1. Find the following items:
  • Canvas bag
  • Sharpies
2. Decorate the canvas bag
  • Use the permanent markers to decorate the canvas bag.
    • Make the bag fun and colorful for the child to use as a pencil bag or toiletry bag in their backpack.
      * Can’t think of what to write, draw a picture!
 

Worry Stone

* Worry stones are smooth, polished rocks used for relaxation or anxiety relief to help one feel grounded. The stone is meant to be kept in one’s pocket. The physical act of massaging a worry stone for several minutes is proven to provide therapeutic & psychological benefits that help soothe your nervous system, reduce stress and anxiety, and help clear your mind so you can focus and think clearly.

Write a note to the recipient letting them know what a worry stone is and place it in the decorated canvas bag or backpack for them to carry around in their pocket or backpack at school. 

DIY Stress Ball

1. Find the following items:
  • Three balloons
  • Two Play Dohs
  • Scissors (not provided)
2. Combine both Play-Dohs.
  • Take the Play-Dohs out of the containers.
  • Roll both Play Dohs into one large ball.

3. Cut the stem off of one of the balloons.

4. Take the ball of Play-Doh that you just created and insert it into the balloon that you just cut the stem off of.

5. Add a second balloon layer.
  • Cut the stem off of a second balloon.
  • Stretch the balloon over the ball in the opposite direction of the first balloon.

6. Final balloon layer.
  • Do not cut the stem off of the third balloon.
  • Stretch the third balloon over the ball.

7. Tie a knot in the stem of the balloon.

8. Cut off the excess stem of the balloon.
  • You now have a completed stress ball! Good work!

Surprise Kyndness

Go through the pages of the notebook, coloring book, and the sticky notes and write uplifting messages, draw small colorful images, or create fun writing prompts for the recipient. 

Pack the Kit

  • Pack the writing utensils into the small decorated canvas bag.
  • Pack all of the materials into the backpack and then place back into original box.
  • Make sure the Kynd Code is included.
  • Add any additional items you would like (optional).
  • School supplies (flashcards, pens, pencils, sticky notes, folders, etc.)
  • Books
  • Hygiene items
  • Self care items

Delivery Options

  • Give your completed kit to a child you know that could benefit from a back to school bag.

OR

  • Return your completed kit to be distributed to foster youth going back to in person school.
     
    To get a return label, click HERE.

Share Your Impact

Post your experience on KyndHub.

KyndHub is an online community that gamifies volunteering, acts of kindness, and gratitude.

  1. Go to KyndHub.com or download the free app.
  2. Create a free account or log in.
  3. Select “I Built a Kynd Kit” from the post menu.
  4. Post about your kit.

LOGIN TO KYNDHUB

Share Your Completed Kynd Kit on Social Media!

We’d love to hear about your Kynd Kit experience. Post your completed kit on social media and tag Project Helping.

You Did It!

Thank you for building a Kynd Kit!

Where would you like to go from here?

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Get More Kynd Kits

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