Operation Kindness: How Creekside Students Are Making a Global Difference

When a simple classroom lesson turned into a life-changing project, Creekside Early Childhood School second graders proved that compassion knows no borders. During an English language arts unit on schools around the world, teacher Stephanie Allan shared photos of a school in Malawi, Africa. Her daughter visited the village of Blantyre on a mission trip last year. The images sparked questions - and a desire to help.

“(My students) were struck by the number of hardships these particular children deal with on a daily basis,” she explained. They showed great compassion when learning about the village, asking many questions and comparing differences. They were surprised by the fact that students did not have options for lunch. "Wait...no funables?" one student asked. Allan replied, "Nope, and not even a chicken nugget Tuesday!" She went on to share that “they loved (watching) a video of (the children) singing and seeming quite happy in their school.”

From Lesson to Action

The school partnered with Finish Line Ministries to support The Orphan/Day School in Blantyre, Malawi, Africa through a clothing drive. Emma, a second grader at Creekside, explained why the clothing drive was a good idea, saying, “They don’t have as many clothes. They wear a uniform and we wanted to donate clothes.”

Classmate Michelle agreed and shared why showing kindness is important. “It’s a good idea to spread kindness so we can show people the world is kind.”

Students Take the Lead

When Allan asked her students how to spread the word to other second grade students,  their families and teachers, they brainstormed ideas, finally deciding to send flyers home with each second grader. They designed them themselves, turning creativity into advocacy.

Boxes arrived from Columbus, and the students jumped into action—collecting clothing from classmates and staff. Student Manraj explained that “we had to bring clothes we don’t wear anymore” and shared that he picked out his donations with his parents.

Loujayne carefully selected her items to donate because “I want (the students) to feel like they’re loved.” In addition to clothes, the students wrote notes to include in the donation boxes.

Altogether, Creekside second graders were able to fill 25 large boxes with a few additional large garbage bags as well.

Lessons Learned

This project went far beyond comparing and contrasting schools. Students discovered:

• The power of teamwork: Together, we can meet big needs.
• The value of empathy: Understanding others’ challenges sparks action.
• The joy of giving: Helping others feels good—and makes a difference.

“I felt good walking away from the project,” said student Christian. “Doing something for others makes me happy.” His classmates agree.

“It makes me feel good in the heart because we’re spreading kindness,” said Loujayne.

“I feel amazing,” said Michelle. “It makes me happy when I show people kindness.”

“(Our students) learned that they have a voice, and it can be heard,” said Allan. “But mostly, they learned that it warms the heart to take care of others and give. Afterall, it is (Creekside’s) motto to take care of ourselves, others and this place.”

“My hope is that (our students) remember the warmth and care (they) put into others and practice it more in their lives,” said Allan. “Children naturally have compassion for others. My hope is they continue to act on it over the years.”