Kruckenberg was inspired by a former student to embrace the meaning of random acts of kindness, and her staff at Butler sprang into action to make some special deliveries this past week.

The staff put together gifts and treats for the Fort Dodge Fire Department, Northfield Church of Christ in Fort Dodge and for the school district’s bus drivers. They delivered their gifts on Wednesday.

Random Acts of Kindness Day is actually today and is the culmination of Random Acts of Kindness Week, which runs Feb. 11-17 each year.

“Random Acts of Kindness Day has always held a special place in my heart. I was fortunate to work with a student in a previous district whose family ignited that passion for me,” Kruckenberg said. “I decided that this seemed to be the perfect opportunity to bring it here. Instead of our traditional staff meeting that is held once a month, we are using that time to spread kindness within our community.”

-Submitted photo
Butler Elementary staff hand out treats and refreshments for services at Northfield Church of Christ this past Wednesday. Northfield was one of three groups visited by Butler staff for Random Acts of Kindness Day.

Kruckenbrerg said staff worked in small groups to come up with a list of possible places within the Fort Dodge community that they could give back to. Once the list was compiled, staff voted and the top choices were announced: Northfield Church, FDCSD bus drivers and the Fort Dodge Fire Department.

“These are entities that continue to show us grace and kindness from monthly birthday celebrations for our kids to DART tokens to driving our students to and from school as well as to field trips throughout the year,” she said.

Staff made plans to provide treats and refreshments for all three locations. The bus drivers were greeted with snacks and other goodies when they returned from their evening route at the district bus garage, staff delivered treats to the Fire Department and Northfield received bags of snacks for their evening service.

Each group received cards with the tag-line “Kindness Matters” plus a small message.

“We knew that we could take this time to spread kindness to them for all they share with us,” said Kruckenberg.

-Submitted photo
Butler staff prepare to deliver items to the Fort Dodge Fire Department for Random Acts of Kindness Day. The FDFD was chosen along with two other groups as a thank you for all they do. Random Acts of Kindness Day is today, the final day of Random Acts of Kindness Week.

The Random Acts of Kindness foundation has celebrated Random Acts of Kindness Day and Week every year since 1995, according to its website, with various initiatives/campaigns, always in an effort to remind the world that a simple act of kindness is sometimes all it takes to change a person’s day, week, possibly their life.

“Northfield Church celebrates our students every month for their birthdays, and they are always providing items that our students may need. The bus drivers transport our students daily to ensure a safe arrival to school and back home,” said Butler Talented And Gifted Teacher Dawn Richardson. “It was so fun to show our appreciation for the people that care about our kids. The Fire Department works daily for our community, and they deserve a big thank you for what they do. It was a great opportunity to spread kindness to those that do so much for our students.”