Cocoa & Kindness Delivers Warmth and Smiles in Coldest Months

Send a little brightness during the dreary days of winter with Cocoa & Kindness!

A fundraiser of Inside Out Club DuPage, Cocoa and Kindness offers the opportunity to send friends and loved ones gift boxes filled with a variety of goodies.

Inside Out Club DuPage (IOCD) is a local nonprofit that helps children ages 3 and older develop and practice character skills, including empathy, acceptance, perseverance and kindness. Activities are offered through after-school programs for elementary and junior high school students, one-time events for families and groups and online through a curated library.

Available through Valentine’s Day, Cocoa & Kindness is an ideal way for recipients and givers to think of and care for others, animals, the planet and even treat themselves, said Marion Ruthig, founder and CEO of Inside Out Club DuPage.

“With every Cocoa & Kindness box sold there is a ripple effect of kindness, something everyone can appreciate,” Ruthig said. “Cocoa & Kindness is not just a way to raise necessary funds for Inside Out Club — it is an amazing way to connect friends and neighbors through intentional acts of kindness.”

Ruthig said Inside Out has been overwhelmed by the response to Cocoa and Kindness. Since the fundraiser began in 2020, more than 1,200 gift boxes have been purchased. Boasting various treats to keep warm and cozy, this year’s gift boxes are themed “Hugs and Kindness.” Each box includes fuzzy socks, a tasty Stroopwafel, Ghirardelli milk chocolate, organic tea and honey and a variety of other goodies. One of the most popular items has been the Hug in a Mug cocoa and marshmallow combo, Ruthig said.

Cocoa & Kindness is made possible by the generous support of volunteers and sponsors such as Gerald Subaru of Naperville.

“Community partners like Gerald Subaru of Naperville not only help Inside Out Club reach more students through financial support, but provide those children with an example of kindness, generosity and the power of community,” Ruthig said. “It truly does take a village and we’re thankful to have Gerald Subaru in our community.”

Boxes can also be purchased as donations for veterans, first responders, hospital staff and teachers. This year’s goal is to donate 500 boxes. Among the programs Cocoa & Kindness benefits is an “All in Fund” that allows all children to participate in Inside Out’s vital programs regardless of whether families can afford minimal program fees.

“We’re proud to be part of such an excellent fundraiser that benefits so many children and makes such a positive impact,” said Donna Lawler of the Gerald Auto Group. “Cocoa & Kindness is a great way to lift someone’s spirits in the winter and spread kindness and joy in these colder months.”

Boxes can be purchased through Inside Out Club DuPage’s website at https://www.insideoutclub.org/cocoa-kindness.

To learn more about Inside Out Club DuPage, visit: https://www.insideoutclub.org. To learn more about Gerald Subaru of Naperville, visit https://www.geraldsubarunaperville.com.