Palatine's Bridge Youth and Family Services Performs 'Random Acts of Kindness'
On Saturday, July 25, children who receive services at The Bridge Youth and Family Services, along with volunteers, toured around Palatine and gave away 150 bedding plants to people throughout Palatine. Cards inserted with each flower stated the gift was part of a 'Random Act of Kindness' project by The Bridge, and promoted volunteering opportunities with the 50 year social service organization based in Palatine.
Volunteer Coordinator Liz Dobryzynski said most people were very surprised that the flowers were being given away.
"Some people were speechless; one woman asked why are they free…what happened?" Dobryzynski said.
She added that the expression on the faces of those who were given the flowers at the Palatine Metra station, Eurofresh, Target and Jewel, totally changed once they realized there were no strings attached to the gift.
Stories from children who participated ranged from a woman who came of a store looking somewhat disgruntled, to smiling and saying that the flower made her day - to people giving small donations, to a man buying a couple of children a Snickers bar to say thank you.
"It's a beautiful thing to see a random act of kindness reciprocated?" Dobryzynski said.
Dobryzynski said some of shyer children were initially challenged and a bit stressed by the activity, but by the end of the day, they reported feeling good about themselves and gained confidence.
"What I love most about Random Acts of Kindness is that it allows the community the opportunity to see the children we serve in the positive light they deserve to be seen in," she said.
About The Bridge Youth and Family Services:
The Bridge Youth and Family Services is celebrating its 50th year of providing a wide range of services to children and their families, including counseling in English and Spanish, Crisis Intervention and Prevention and Volunteer services. Specific programs include individual and family therapy, parent counseling and education, psychiatric assessments, substance abuse assessment and counseling and counseling to prevent child abuse and neglect. Additionally, crisis intervention work is provided to residents of Palatine, Barrington, Elk Grove, Maine, Schaumburg and Hanover townships.
Residents of Palatine Township benefit from youth mentor programs and leadership development, parenting programs and classes, community education and support of a range of community service programs.
Fees are based on family income and situation. No family is turned away because of the inability to pay. For more information, visit www.BridgeYouth.org.