Susquehanna Valley United Way’s Annual Kindness Campaign is Back!
A focus on youth mental health and showering the community with kindness.
Susquehanna Valley United Way (SVUW) proudly announces the 5th Annual Kindness Campaign sponsored by Evangelical Community Hospital (evanhospital.com). February 12th kicks off a week-long celebration of kindness with activities, daily challenges, and more! This year’s themes are Kind is the New Cool, Be Kind to all Kinds, Random Acts of Kindness, Be Kind to Your Mind, and Celebrate Kindness!
The Kindness Campaign started in 2020 as part of United Way’s Youth Mental Health initiative to bring awareness to anti-bullying and youth mental health. Today, it is a year-long celebration of kindness throughout the schools and communities of Columbia, Montour, Northumberland, Snyder, and Union Counties.
“The Kindness Campaign is a great way to show care for others in our community. A little kindness can go a long way in reducing social isolation, promoting social and emotional wellness, and bringing individuals together in a positive way in our communities,” said Sarah Dobeck Troutman, Director of Behavioral and Mental Health at SVUW.
Troutman joined the United Way in May 2023 as their new Director of Behavioral and Mental Health. “Approximately 40% of youth in the Susquehanna Valley feel sad or depressed over half the days of the year, according to recent P.A.Y.S. data. Showing our youth that acts of kindness are important in our region can help reduce the amount of depression our youth are currently experiencing. We encourage everyone to involve local youth in your kindness activities.”
As part of the Kindness Campaign, the United Way will distribute copies of Today, I Feel Anxious: A Book About Managing Emotions by Dr. Amy West. This evidence-based book provides kids a social-emotional guide to managing their anxiety and helps them discover powerful coping strategies. It will be distributed to local schools, libraries, afterschool programs, and other organizations and used to share the message of “be kind to your mind” with children throughout the Susquehanna Valley region.
The Kindness Awards are also back! Nominate someone deserving who is making a difference in our community, big or small. For example, this could be someone who helps run errands, serves as a mentor, volunteers, or has impacted your life or the life of someone you know. There is no age limit for nominees. Nominations can be submitted online at svuw.org/bekindnominations and are open now through Sunday, February 4th, 2024.
Award winners are announced daily throughout Kindness Week (Feb 12-16) across Susquehanna Valley United Way’s social media channels @SusquehannaValleyUW and LIVE with Tom Morgan on 94KX radio station (wqkx.net).
Prizes for the winners include $50 gift cards to local small businesses and Be Kind. merchandise. One Grand Prize Winner will be chosen on Friday, February 16th, 2024, and will receiving $100 gift card.
“As the Kindness Campaign continues to grow, there are even more ways to “Be Kind” throughout the year,” said Adrienne Mael, President/CEO of SVUW. “On April 26th, we are hosting our annual Day of Action. Volunteering is a wonderful way to show your community and local nonprofits that you care through intentional acts of kindness.” If you would like to sign up to volunteer or are a nonprofit looking for volunteers to come to your organization during our Day of Action, visit svuw.org/dayofaction for more details and to sign up online.
Free Be Kind. stickers and yard signs will be available once again this year and can be found at your local libraries. Visit your local library’s websites for hours and any additional pick up procedures. Be Kind. merchandise such as t-shirts, mugs, and totes are also available for purchase at svuw.org/bekind.
Susquehanna Valley United Way thanks Evangelical Community Hospital for helping to bring the 2024 Kindness Campaign to our schools and community.
“At the Hospital, kindness is a way of life,” said Kendra Aucker, President and CEO, Evangelical Community Hospital. “Kindness impacts the way patients receive care when they are feeling ill, calms fear and anxieties, creates a working environment where employees can lift each other up, and makes the Hospital a welcoming place for everyone without exception. Focusing on kindness as an essential element in life, not just during the campaign, but always, speaks volumes in making communities stronger.”
Follow @SusquehannaValleyUW or visit svuw.org for more about the Kindness Campaign and other exciting community initiatives.
Media Contact:
Danielle M. Velkoff
Senior Director of Marketing and Communications
e: marketing@svuw.org | t: (570) 360-5009
