On Saturday August 14th, children around the world gave smiles, hugs and heart-shaped cards. They gathered in groups to clean up streets, parks and beaches and to tend community gardens. They made and sold cookies, brownies and lemonade to raise money for various causes, from local animal shelters to global nonprofits. They delivered treats and thank you messages to public servants, from firefighters to librarians to elected officials. They did kind deeds for seniors, military families (here’s where we come in), the homeless, the hospitalized, for family members, friends and strangers.
Handing out Balloons to kids & cold water to the soldiers on this HOT, HOT day
{Conquering the shyness factor & doling out hugs & High Fives for Heroes}
Held on the second Saturday in August for the last three years, The Great Kindness Challenge is one day where kids around the world do acts of kindness. This year the challenge managed to reach all 50 states and many places around the world! Super proud we got to be a part of it this year & we can’t wait to do it again next year!
What we’ll remember about today: I asked Happy what he learned during our Great Kindness Challenge & he told me, “It’s easy to make friends when you have balloons!” On a brighter note, when we went grocery shopping this week he still high-fived all the men & women in uniform and thanked the retirees. 
I’d say the Challenge was a smashing success in Texas!
{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }
What a great idea! I wish I would have known about this. I am definitely going to put it on my list of things for next year. I think it’s great for kids to learn to give back early in life.
Tracy´s last [type] ..What’s For Dinner Menu Planning Tips for Busy Moms
Love the post. Growing up my mom would often encourage us to give back to our community and help others whenever we can. These are lessons that make children great leaders. http://cleverlychanging.com/?p=106
Elle´s last [type] ..Truly Thankful
Darn, I wish I had known about this! I would have taken our kids. I think it’s important to teach the kids to support our troops, and this would have been a great way to do it.
LOVE IT!!! Would have loved to have seen the high 5′s!
Jersey Diva Mom´s last [type] ..Hell Days Down to the The Home Stretch
You & me both
Unfortunately the balloon bouquet & 1 year old didn’t leave me with enough hands for more photos. We did tons of cute stuff and I was really hoping to get some good action, but it just wasn’t in the cards. We plan on doing this again, so maybe next time 