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COVID-19 Response
A Message from the Executive Director
The COVID-19 pandemic has tested the resolve and resiliency of The Kindness Campaign, its members and partners, as well as the conviction of its target impact initiatives in support of the homeless and food insecure families (senior citizens, the disabled and limited income households).
The COVID-19 pandemic has exponentially increased the number of shelters, tent cities (homeless settlements) and food insecure families we serve with gourmet, nutritious meals as well as the amount of food that is necessary to ensure a healthy mind and body due to the interruption of schools, restaurants, community organizations, food pantries and other sources of food and resources. Additionally, we have expanded our Kindness Kupboard initiative to include hygiene items, cleaning supplies, clothes and well-being calls.
We have identified, empowered and equipped “essential people” to be the local leader necessary to ensure calamity and stability during a time of hysteria and panic, impacting the well-being of many people and resting the inner strength of our community.
We have a great core of Outstanding Members, better yet, Essential Local Leaders, as well as involved businesses that has answered the call to action in support of Kindness Kupboard, our expanded initiative to combat the COVID-19 pandemic and maintain the health and stability of our community and its most vulnerable citizens.
Impact is made while adhering to Center for Disease Control and Illinois Department of Public Health guidelines, especially “social distance.” Impact is made with little to no direct or close contact with the people being served.
On behalf of The Kindness Campaign, the community and the people that allow us to serve them, thank you for your confidence and support.
Kind Regards,
Christopher Watts, Executive Director
"The Kindness Campaign creates local leaders, involved community members, engaged businesses and at-promise young adults through leadership of impact initiatives."
Christopher Watts, Executive Director
2020
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200,000 lbs + of fresh, healthy food was shared for FREE, positively impacting the health of community; building stronger bodies while decreasing negative impacts of an unhealthy diet: low energy, digestive discomfort, headaches and frequent colds.
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Over 35,000 gourmet meals were served to homeless people and shelter residents through a partnership with The Chopping Block, Northwestern Memorial, McKinsey & Company and Pret A Manger.
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7,500+ residents felt connected to and comfortable in the Auburn Gresham, Englewood and Greater Grand Crossing communities because of experiences at showcases that promoted local culture and talent: Performing Arts, Sports and Neighborhood Beautification.
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15+ “at-promise, inspired young adults” continued their path to adulthood through service, education and employment in their community while developing knowledge, skills, values and motivation.
2019
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Over 40,000 meals were served to the homeless and food insecure families through a commitment to end local food insecurity by directly rescuing and transferring fresh, usable food that would have otherwise been thrown away from grocers, restaurants and other food industry sources.
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Over 400 students ages 6 – 17 were prepared for a successful school year by participating in back to school activities to prepare and inspire them for academic success.
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Over 4,500 community members were encountered and benefited from violence reduction through community improvement projects.
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Over 10 at-promise, young adults participated in employment and community service focused adulthood development that built skills, maturity and service orientation in the transformation into future leaders.
2018
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Over 25,000 meals were served to the homeless and food insecure families through a commitment to end local food insecurity by directly rescuing and transferring fresh, usable food that would have otherwise been thrown away from grocers, restaurants and other food industry sources.
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Over 250 students ages 6 – 17 were prepared for a successful school year by participating in back to school activities to prepare and inspire them for academic success.
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Over 2,500 community members were encountered and benefited from violence reduction through community improvement projects.
"Random acts of kindness have always been our model and sometimes people just pay it forward."
Christopher Watts, Executive Director
