Send cozy treats for a cause through Cocoa & Kindness

In an era when empowering children with critical social skills is more important than ever, one organization is spreading cheer to build connections among local youth.

Inside Out Club DuPage's

Cocoa & Kindness fundraiser offers the chance to send friends and loved ones some positivity and light in these darker winter months through gift boxes filled with a variety of cozy-themed goodies. The gifts boxes are $25 each and you can choose from several pickup or delivery options when you purchase them online at www.insideoutclub.org/cocoa-kindness. The fundraiser continues through Valentine's Day.

The fundraiser benefits Inside Out's efforts to help children as young as age 3 develop and practice skills such as empathy, acceptance, perseverance and kindness. The organization offers activities through after-school programs for elementary and junior high school students, weekend events for families and groups and other initiatives.

Made possible by the generous support of volunteers and sponsors such as Gerald Subaru of Naperville, Cocoa & Kindness gift boxes are purchased by individuals and companies for friends, family, co-workers and even strangers, creating a ripple effect of kindness throughout communities.

"With Gerald Subaru of Naperville's financial support and employee and customer enthusiasm for the mission of the Inside Out Club, thousands of kids and families benefit, making our community event stronger," said Marion Ruthig, founder and CEO of Inside Out Club DuPage. "Inside Out Club relies on individuals, grants and caring companies like Gerald to operate."

To date, 434 boxes have been purchased to be directly donated to veterans, first responders, hospital staff and teachers. This year, the goal is to donate 200 of the 500 boxes made.

"We are proud to support a wonderful cause that spreads joy and kindness to others while transforming lives of children in such a positive way," said Donna Lawler, Vice President of the Gerald Auto Group. "These gift boxes provide a nice boost in the winter and promote the message of caring for others and letting them know you're thinking about them this time of year."

Boasting a cheerful yellow bee and honeycomb look, the idea of this year's Cocoa & Kindness boxes is sharing kindness with others, animals and the planet. The boxes feature a lovely selection of items to warm spirits this winter, including organic tea, gourmet honey, Ghirardelli hot chocolate, Ferrero Rocher chocolates, Hershey kisses and even an adorable flower pot with wildflower seeds to remind recipients that spring is just around the corner. The most popular item so far has been the Stroopwafel tucked into each box, Ruthig said.

Cocoa & Kindness raises more than $25,000 for the Inside Out Club and helps to provide programming access to all children regardless of income.

"It's a win-win," Ruthig said. "When you buy a Cocoa & Kindness box to donate, it makes you feel good, the recipient feels appreciated and loved and it helps empower kids to live each day with good character."

To learn more about Inside Out Club DuPage, visit www.insideoutclub.org.

Visit Gerald Subaru of Naperville at www.geraldsubarunaperville.com.