Random Acts of Kindness will be spreading throughout the world!

Part of Abby’s legacy as well as many children that pass, is kindness. Why is this? Are all these kids that left us kind? The answer, in most cases, is yes. I speak directly for many bereaved parents and indirectly for millions. Most children, especially around Abby’s age are kind hearted souls. Abby was a genuinely kind hearted girl. She constantly brought her teachers flowers. She would give up a possession for a friend just to make them happy. Would this last? I can’t answer that but I like to think it would be yes.  Abby is our forever ten year old daughter. There are many Abby’s that have passed. As parents, we want to see kindness. We want a more peaceful life. We want this to honor our children. Tomorrow, my county, Bucks County, will proclaim Abby’s birthday for the second year, Random Acts of Kindness Day. The goal of the Abby’s Light Memorial Foundation is to do this all year. We have been doing RAK for quite awhile. Hundreds, if not thousands of people have performed RAK just because they knew Abby lived. Abby’s birthday is approaching on November 19th and RAK is picking up steam. Abby’s school district, Central Bucks, will be taking part. A big thanks to one of our Directors, Marion Mass, for facilitating this. Kindness is spreading. What will you do?

Dear Central Bucks District Wellness Representatives, 

Part of good health is contributing in an altruistic way in the world around you.  Central Bucks Students have the opportunity to feel empowered on Bucks County’s Official Random Act of Kindness Day, (RAKD) held annually on November 19.  RAKD is a day in honor of Abby Schumer, a former CB student who tragically lost her life to a brain tumor in 2012 at the age of 10.  Abby believed in doing small kind things for teachers, friends, and others in her life.   

Abby’s Home schools of Groveland and Tohickon are making RAKD a special day by encouraging students to perform a RAK sometime throughout the Day.  At Tohickon, students will receive a sticker in the morning and will be told to perform a RAK and wear their sticker proudly, once they have done so. (kind of like “I voted” badges) At Groveland the staff is going to talk about RAKD as a group and each classroom teacher will discuss the day and encourage participation with their class.  Groveland will promote RAK all week on morning announcements.   Other schools might consider placing posters (Mike Schumer, President of Abby’s Light Foundation, is happy to provide each CB school with promotional posters and other printed material)  in the school’s hallways, and introducing the idea on morning announcements, or having the high school key clubs promote awareness of this day. What might your school do to start a wave of kindness???? 

What a special way to kick off Thanksgiving week, and a simple beautiful way to promote wellness among our staff and students.  

Corrine Sikora, Supervisor of Student Services, Central Bucks School District.