Newtown residents Aaron and Christi Carlson announced this week the creation of Newtown Kindness and the Charlotte Bacon Act of Kindness Awards. All children under the age of 18 are eligible to enter.
The organization and program was founded in memory of their friends' daughter, Charlotte Bacon, a victim in the Sandy Hook Elementary tragedy. It was established to support the Newtown community and encourage kids from around the world to engage in acts of kindness.
"We believe that every act of kindness will honor the victims of the Sandy Hook Elementary tragedy while creating more compassionate children around the globe," said Newtown Kindness founder Aaron Carlson. "Charlotte was known for her daily acts of kindness. In her life, no kind deed was too small, and we want that message spread and honored in her name."
Newtown Kindness will focus its efforts around the Charlotte Bacon Act of Kindness Awards. This initiative will encourage children from around the world to think about and perform simple acts of kindness. The children are also encouraged to tell their act of kindness story in writing or by drawing a picture for a chance to be recognized with a Charlotte Bacon Act of Kindness Award.
Award winners will be chosen by a committee made up of Newtown residents, including the Carlson and Bacon families. The first annual awards will be announced on February 22, 2013, which is Charlotte's birthday.
"My family has very much appreciated the many on-going and amazing acts of kindness, encouragement, love, support, and generosity we have received in so many different ways during these recent and most difficult days," says Charlotte's father Joel Bacon. "We have heard from so many friends, old and new, neighbors, community members, and even strangers from around the world. It is our hope to continue this mission to encourage others to be kind to others and spread love and hope to one another. The habits of good deeds, especially developed in children, will have an immensely powerful and positive influence in our future generations."
"This campaign provides a gentle way for this tragic experience to have a positive influence on our children -- teaching them a valuable life skill," adds Carlson. "We understand that there are many levels of comprehension by our children, from those directly affected by this tragedy to those not aware of the situation at all. We believe that our program is an appropriate option for parents to decide at what level they would like their children to comprehend this tragedy, while having some fun."
Charlotte Bacon Act of Kindness Awards information:
- Anyone the age of 18 and under is eligible.
- Entries preferred, but not restricted, from ages 18 and under.
- Entries are open to children in any location, and not restricted to Newtown.
- Entries must include name, age, contact information, and must received by February 21, 2013
- There is a suggested donation of $5.00 per entry, which will go to the Charlotte Bacon Kindness Fund (c/o Wells Fargo). Profits will be directed to a 501c3 non-profit organization that supports the Newtown Community in honor of Charlotte Bacon.
- The winners will be announced on February 22, 2013 on Charlotte's Birthday
- Entries can be sent by mail (Charlotte Bacon Kindness Fund, 2 Old Farm Hill Rd, Newtown, CT 06470) or email Newtownkindness@yahoo.com
For more on how to enter, and updated news on Newtown Kindness, visit: www.newtownkindness.org or www.facebook.com/NewtownKindness.org
Media Contact: Aaron Carlson, newtownkindness@yahoo.com, 203-461-1055
