Kindness Week

Celebrate the act of being kind Nov. 9 - 13 at the Kraft Family Y. Catch someone being kind and add their name and observed behavior to our Kindness Board. Find lucky lockers, compliment cards, kindness bingo for families, a thank you card station and donation and packing station for unhoused personal hygiene kits. Thank you for being part of our commitment to kindness.

How can you participate?

EVERYDAY

• "Caught Being Kind" board – Whenever you see someone helping, encouraging, including or showing respect, write the person's name and act of kindness on a post it note and put it on the board near Studio B. 

MONDAY: Kind Words

• Give a Compliment Card to someone who brightened your day. 
• Kindness Family Bingo – Get your Bingo card from the Kid Zone desk and challenge your family members to earn Bingo through kind actions such as "held a door open," "helped clean up," "included someone new" or "said thank you."

TUESDAY: Helping Hands

• Unhoused Kit Packing – Make a kit of personal care items in our lobby to give out from your car including Band-Aids, Trail Mix, Granola Bars, Wet Wipes, Toothbrush/Toothpaste, Deodorant, Chapstick, Socks, etc.
• Family Service Night - Assemble care kits, make blankets, or pack meals together. Grab a flyer with ideas and resources from our Kid Zone desk. 

WEDNESDAY: Gratitude – Veterans Day

• Thank-You Card Station - Create cards for Veterans thanking them for their service. 
• Kindness Chain - Every act of kindness earns a paper link; connect them into one giant chain of kindness. Chain materials are available for families at the desk. 

THURSDAY: Respect

• Secret Kindness Challenge - Help someone carry equipment, introduce yourself to a new member or offer encouragement to another member.  Respect is kindness in action.
• Family Book Time – Learn about kindness through stories. Grab a flyer from Kid Zone with a link to “The Crayon Box That Talked” on YouTube and a discussion guide for parents. 

FRIDAY: Positivity

• Smile Challenge – Smile and greet everyone you meet.
• Sidewalk Chalk Messages – Write uplifting messages on our sidewalks to greet other members. 
• Family Chat – Create cards to use around the dinner table to talk about your day, how you have helped others, been kind to someone or been kind to yourself. Families can pick up a kit at the Kid Zone desk. 

Kraft Family YMCA Kindness Code 

At the Y, we are committed to creating a welcoming, safe, respectful and kind community for all. As a Y member, I will:

• Treat Everyone with Respect: Be kind, inclusive and considerate of all people—regardless of age, background or ability. Demonstrate courtesy, good manners and consideration in all interactions. Members are expected to resolve disagreements respectfully and avoid confrontational, rude or hostile behavior.
• Use Positive Words and Actions: Encourage others, avoid harmful language and handle conflicts calmly and respectfully.
• Share Spaces Thoughtfully: Be mindful of others by following guidelines, taking turns and using equipment responsibly.
• Respect the Facility: Help keep the YMCA clean, safe and enjoyable by respecting equipment and shared spaces.
• Support a Safe Environment: Follow all YMCA rules and report concerns when needed. Engage with YMCA staff respectfully, listen to guidance and collaborate to maintain a positive, supportive environment for all members.
• Lead by Example: Model kindness, patience and good sportsmanship in all activities and spaces.