Cocoa & Kindness fundraiser builds character, spreads joy
When Gerald Subaru of Naperville learned about Inside Out Club DuPage's (IOCD) mission of helping develop and practice character in children ages 3-12 to empower them to thrive in their lives, community and later in their careers, the dealership knew they wanted to help get the nonprofit's message out to their customers and community.
The first order of business was helping to sponsor and shine a light on IOCD's winter fundraiser, Cocoa & Kindness. The event, which runs through Feb. 13, was developed to spread kindness to friends and neighbors through selling and donating individual and family activity boxes, while also raising funds to cover operating costs for IOCD during the pandemic.
Items included in the boxes foster connections and creativity between family and friends through at-home activities like the Blizzard of Kindness Jar, fun treats and tips of spreading kindness. While the fundraiser has a meaningful impact on funding for IOCD, the joy the boxes have spread throughout DuPage County during this time of uncertainty and social distancing has made an even greater impression.
"Cocoa & Kindness is not just a way to raise necessary funds during the pandemic, it is an amazing way to connect friends and neighbors through intentional acts of kindness. We have been overwhelmed by the response to Cocoa & Kindness so far and are thrilled to share this new program with so many families in our community," said Marion Ruthig, founder and executive director of Inside Out Club DuPage.
Individual and family activity boxes can be purchased at Inside Out Club's DuPage website. To date, the organization has sold or donated 150 individual boxes and 52 family activity boxes. Ruthig said the goal is to sell or donate 240 individual and 75 family boxes by Valentine's Day. Based on the success they've had so far, members of IOCD are well on their way to meeting and exceeding that goal.
"We are thrilled to have been able to sponsor the Cocoa & Kindness Boxes and help Inside Out Club of DuPage spread joy to the community," said Alec McKean of Gerald Auto Group. "We believe in their philosophy that children are empowered through strength of character and volunteerism, and we're excited to be part of the organization's growth."
Inside Out Club of DuPage is a nonprofit that helps children ages 3-12 develop and practice character skills through fun activities, books and volunteer service projects that empowers them to thrive in their lives, community and later in their careers. Through helping children build character skills and teaching them to engage in volunteerism, IOCD believes children will grow into young adults with a strong sense of self and who set positive examples and create positive change for future generations. Last year, the club positively impacted 3,396 children. Events like Cocoa & Kindness allow the club to continue serving these individuals and grow their reach to help even more children. To learn more about Inside Out Club of DuPage, visit www.insideoutclub.org.