During the holidays, society always professes to be treated better. There is a general shift for us as humans to be nicer to one another. This idea is not exclusive to the holidays however, as there are organizations, clubs, and groups, that use this as their guiding mantra. This movement joined the rest of the world in showering Newtown with kindness after December 14. After this, they settled permanently in Connecticut, creating an additional location in Newtown.
Ben’s Bells is an organization founded in Arizona by a grieving family who discovered the power of kindness in healing. The loss of the family’s son, Ben Mare Packard, to Croup (a vocal infection dealing with the larynx and trachea) in 2002, just before his third birthday moved the family into beginning the development of Ben’s Bells.
What began as working with clay therapeutically evolved into the making of Bells which were then spread randomly to encourage kindness. Over time, Ben’s Bells and spreading kindness became known throughout the nation.
With a mission to “inspire, educate, and motivate people to realize the impact of intentional kindness, and to empower individuals to act according to that awareness, thereby strengthening ourselves, our relationships and our communities,” the organization has been creating bells, murals, and jewelry countrywide.
“Ben’s Bells has had a positive impact and helped people ever since the organization came to Newtown. Their presence in our town has definitely made me think about my actions and spreading positivity. I wear a “Be Kind” necklace and have a car sticker because I think it spreads the message to be kind and care for others,” NHS senior Cassidy Keller said.
Even when Newtown High School students graduate and move on to their next step, they still carry the message of Ben’s Bells with them.
“I feel like Ben’s Bells’ message of kindness is very important. It reminds me and others, even in college, being outside of Newtown, it is always important to be kind,” 2016 NHS graduate Matt Elias said.
Ben’s Bells is open to any individual who would like to volunteer. These volunteers help create bells, kindness coins, and additional Ben’s Bells products.
“Quote from Mrs. Rosenthal”
Though there are only four current locations-- two in Tucson, AZ, one in Phoenix, AZ, and a fourth in Bethel, CT-- Ben’s Bells and their kindness initiative has been spread worldwide.
After receiving a “Be Kind” necklace at a summer camp in 2015, Florida resident Sydney Krulik still wears her necklace to help spread the message of kindness.
“Many people have asked me about my necklace. I always explain the message behind it, and hopefully they will also be inspired to be a more thoughtful and kind person. It is important to spread kindness to people around you. You never know how a random act of kindness such as giving a compliment or helping someone in need will benefit them. Ben's Bells promotes the idea of being a better person in a world where people are not always nice. It is an amazing feeling contribute to making other people's lives a little better. A small action to brighten their day,” Krulik said.
Ben’s Bells “Goods for Kindness” go beyond just the well-known “Be Kind” necklace and and trademark “Ben’s Bell.” They also many other items from ornaments to coffee bags to bumper stickers to various apparel items.
Ben’s Bells was originally located on Church Hill Road in Newtown, however they are now continuing to create in a new space at 32 Stony Hill Road in Bethel, CT. They are open Tuesday- Thursday from 12pm to 8pm and Saturday from 10pm to 2pm.
Image Courtesy of The State Press