Volunteer

Essential Worker [+]

Plus Kynd Kit
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Gratitude Practice

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

  • In a recently changed world, what essential jobs have had the most impact on you and your family and why?

  • What is something in your life that is now being provided by an essential worker that you are grateful for that you have otherwise taken for granted?

The Recipient

After a long shift or two, our essential workers are exhausted both physically and mentally. They are on the frontline each day which can be exhausting and oftentimes seem like a thankless job. This kit can help lift their spirits and know we are grateful for their work.

The Reason

Build an essential worker gratitude kit to let an essential worker know they are appreciated during this scary, uncertain time. We have included items in your essential worker gratitude kits that could help those on the frontline as they work tirelessly to meet our needs.

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.
    • 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 Tote

1. Find the following items:
  • Canvas Tote
  • Markers
2. Decorate the canvas tote:
  • Use the enclosed markers to decorate the tote.
  • Consider writing a hopeful message or draw a picture.
  • This tote will be used to pack all of the items to then be given to an essential worker… so be creative!

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!

Worry Stone

1. Find the following items:
  • Worry Stone
  • Sharpies
  • Drawstring Bag
2. Decorate the drawstring bag
  • Decorate the drawstring bag to put the worry stone in for the recipient to then carry around in their pocket. 
  • Kit Builder Tip: place a piece of paper in the bag before drawing on the outside. This way the marker will not bleed through the other side of the bag.
* 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.

Decorate the Travel Mug

Find the travel mug and permanent markers. Write words of encouragement on the outside of the mug so that the essential worker can see these and feel encouraged next time they are drinking their tea or coffee.

Surprise Kyndness

Go through the pages of the journal and write uplifting messages, draw small colorful images, or create fun writing prompts for the recipient.

Pack the Kit

  • Pack all of the materials into the decorated tote bag and put it back into the original box.
  • Make sure the Kynd Code is included.
  • Add any optional items you would like.
  • Fuzzy socks
  • Books
  • Positive notes
  • Personal care items
  • Disinfectant wipes
  • Protein rich snacks
  • BPA-Free Water Bottle
  • Caffeine-Free Tea (like Peppermint, Chamomile, Ginger and Lemon Tea)

Delivery Options

This kit has been designed to be self-distributed to an essential worker.
 
Examples:
  • Write a note on the outside of the white envelope and leave it out for your mail carrier, delivery driver, or garbage driver.
OR
 
  • Bring your finished kit to the store and give to those working the cash register or stocking the shelves.
*These are just two examples of how to distribute your completed Kynd Kit.

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!

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