HERO Club practices kindness

Local after-school program is part of a nationwide effort to make the world a kinder place. by Lorri Freeman -- The HERO Club, a partnership between High Desert Grange #22 and the Epworth United Methodist Church, was established earlier this year. HERO Club is designed to Enrich, Educate, and Assist its members in becoming future leaders, strengthen family values, and have a strong sense of community pride. Staff assists with homework, provides enrichment activities, and are involved in community service. Recently the students participated in the National Day of Kindness on Nov. 13. The children, ages 5 to 15, pledged to do three specific acts of kindness following the reading of the book “Oliver the Ornament.” The book, written by Todd Zimmerman, follows a Christmas ornament who is bullied by other ornaments but remains kind despite his pain. Oliver provides insight on how important it is to talk with children about the issues of kindness. Assistant Program Director Lorri Freeman feels that this concept is very important to their program. It supports what they are trying to accomplish. Freeman, an officer of High Desert Grange #22, recently learned of the series while attending the 153rd National Grange Convention in Bloomington, Minnesota.  She met with the author, and together they worked to establish activities that focus on kindness and service for the Hero Club students. “I was immediately captivated by this series of books because of their positive messaging that feels needed right now,” said Freeman. Granges across the country have been built on the idea of family, brother- and sisterhood, acceptance, and kindness.  “I am thrilled to introduce these thoughts and practices into our community through a book like this.” After a discussion on bullying, kindness, and the reading of Oliver the Ornament, HERO Club children also wrote on blank cards.  They wrote words and phrases like, “smile your beautiful,” “be kind,” “you’re helpful and loving,” “don't give up,” and “your presence is a present,” just to name a few. These cards were delivered to the William N. Pennington Life Senior Center where they were placed in library books so these words may travel throughout the community.  After the activities, each child received a certificate of completion for National Day of Kindness, bringing big smiles to their faces. "Kindness should be as easy as a blink of an eye," Gloria Damazio-Montero Program Director for High Desert Grange said. "Every day you practice kindness the world around you becomes a better place. These books help reinforce why kindness is important in our daily lives."

HERO Club’s partnership is already expanding.  The Churchill County Library is signing on for the next National Day of Kindness Nov. 13, 2020. “We look forward to working with the organization next year,” Carol Lloyd Churchill County Library Director said. HERO Clubs activities on National Day of Kindness kicked-off a fundraiser with Oliver the Ornament. The HERO Club will be selling copies of Oliver the Ornament books and related items online at Oliver at the Grange or you can contact a member of the HERO Club through Dec. 15.  $10 from each gift set purchased will be retained by the HERO Club. A percentage of the books purchased will also be donated to various children’s charities. Spreading kindness to others can bring joy to a child and is very uplifting. This fundraiser offers the opportunity to develop anti-bullying initiatives and promote kindness one act at a time. If you are interested in placing an order, you may contact Lorri Freeman at (661) 237-9157.     Never miss a meeting or community event – keep an eye on the community calendar at https://www.thefallonpost.org/events/ If you like what we’re doing, please support our effort to provide local, independent news and contribute to The Fallon Post, your online news source for all things Fallon.