Sara Casey, Powell Elementary student in Mrs. Wymer’s first grade class, wanted to do something kind with her classmates to honor one of the children lost in the Sandy Hook tragedy last December.


Sara Casey prepares to draw her quilt picture

The child's name was Charlotte Bacon. She was six years old, loved animals and the color pink, just like Sara. A website, http://www.newtownkindness.org/, and a kindness contest have been established in her memory. It is administered by a family friend of the Bacons, and is supported by Charlotte’s family as well. The purpose is to encourage acts of kindness in children; no act is too small!

Mrs. Wymer and students discuss "kindness"

Sara gave a speech to her class this week about Charlotte and how important it is to be kind to others. She shared with them her idea of a kindness quilt,which originated from an idea from her Aunt Libby (Julien) Nannini. With the help of her mom and grandma, Sharon Casey, the idea was brought to life.


Sharon Casey, grandmother of Sara Casey, explains the project to the first graders

This Friday the students in Sara’s class designed and colored a quilting square of what the word kindness means to each of them. It is hoped that the activity will be a positive experience for the children while teaching them a very valuable life skill – kindness. Now that the squares are complete, Sara’s grandma will assemble the “Kindness Quilt” that will be presented and displayed in the school for all to see. It will serve as reminder to the students at Powell Elementary how important kindness is in our world. The quilt should be completed by mid-February.


More than words


The classroom works on their individual contributions to the group project

These acts of kindness are being encouraged in the hopes of preventing any such future tragedies like that of Sandy Hook. Following is a quote from the newtownkindness website: It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men. -Fredrick Douglass


Ready for Quilting

Sara is the daughter of Jim & Mary Casey and the granddaughter of Mike & Diane Julien and Ned & Sharon Casey, all of North Baltimore.

Editor's note: Thank you to Mrs. Mary Casey for submitting this information.