‘Spreading Kindness Card Campaign’ seeking 1,000 cards for Roanoke kids

by: Aaron Farrar

Posted: Jul 14, 2020 / 05:43 AM EDT / Updated: Jul 15, 2020 / 05:41 AM EDT

ROANOKE, Va. (WFXR) — Roanoke Valley health officials want the public to help put a smile on a child’s face by becoming part of the “Spreading Kindness Card Campaign.”

The Suicide Prevention Council of Roanoke Valley and Blue Ridge Behavioral Healthcare launched the campaign and are looking for people to make 1,000 cards for kids in the Star City. The cards should have simple but encouraging messages.

Prevention and wellness specialist Sheila Lythgoe says the campaign is a way to show children in Roanoke they are loved.

“With everything going on with COVID-19 and people feeling disconnected and isolated, especially with kids. They don’t get to see their friends as much,” she said. “We’re just trying to let the kids know that they’re important and people care about them.”

The cards will be distributed to the children with the lunches they are served through Feeding America Southwest Virginia.

Lythgoe believes this small act can have an enormous effect for both the sender and receiver.

“When we give back to the community, that’s really important,” Lythgoe said. “When we volunteer and we’re helping other people, that helps improve our mood as well. I hope we’ll reach a lot of kids and put a smile on their face.”

Guidelines for Spreading Kindness Card Campaign:

Share short, simple, and positive messages
Keep them 4 x 6 in size
Do not use envelopes
Use bright colors and stickers
Avoid anything that can be considered controversial, including religion, inappropriate language, or personal information

The deadline to submit the cards is Tuesday, July 21.

If you plan to make a card, contact Sheila Lythgoe via email at slythgoe@brbh, or call (540) 982-1427. The public can also drop cards off at Blue Ridge Behavioral Healthcare located at 2720 Liberty Road NW.