RANCHO CORDOVA, CA (MPG) - As we find ourselves in the midst of a global pandemic, it seems as if now more than ever, kindness matters. To create a culture of kindness, compassion and acceptance, students throughout the Folsom Cordova Unified School District (FCUSD) in Rancho Cordova celebrated Kindness Week.

The Black Student Union (BSU) at Cordova High School (CHS) celebrated Kindness Week by organizing a coloring book drive to benefit Shriners Hospitals for Children—Northern California. Just before the holidays, the group delivered 90 coloring books to the hospital and children in its care. J’Nia Gomez, a sophomore at CHS, helped deliver the books in person.

“Being able to be a part of something so wholesome brings me immense joy. BSU decided to give the children at Shriners Hospital coloring books because we thought this would be a nice gesture to brighten up their day. We hope they know that we care and appreciate them,” said Gomez.

The BSU plans to continue spreading kindness throughout the community with two upcoming community service projects. This month, they plan to bring greeting cards to Casa Coloma Health Care Center for Valentine’s Day. In May, the students will be celebrating Mother’s Day by compiling toiletry packages for Travelers Aid Transitional Living Shelter for Women.

At W.E. Mitchell Middle School, the Student Council organized a virtual spirit week. Throughout Kindness Week, students were encouraged to wear different colors and complete challenges, such as giving someone a compliment to demonstrate kindness, gratitude and encouragement.

“Here at Mitchell we find it important to teach and foster a community of care and kindness. As an International Baccalaureate World School, we strive to embody what we call the learner profile, and caring is one of our 10 core attributes. We also believe kindness builds the foundation for building positive relationships. If our students rely on kindness as a core guiding principle, then they will be able to navigate anything that comes their way,” said Principal Amy Strawn.

“Our Rancho Cordova students have demonstrated kindness that is empowering and uplifting.  Their actions inspire others to be kind and encourage our community to have compassion all year long,” remarked Mayor Garrett Gatewood.

Learn more about Kindness Week at TheGreatKindnessChallenge.com. For the latest Rancho Cordova news, sign up for our e-newsletter at CityofRanchoCordova.org/ENews.