The Kindness Crew
Submitted by Shannon Regan
Many individuals and groups throughout Warren Township have risen to the occasion to help assist their community and those around them during the COVID-19 crisis. During the month of December, a small group of Angelo L. Tomaso (ALT) students, their younger siblings, and parents formed a group called The Kindness Crew.
According to Anne E. Isedeh, the mother of crew members Leisel, Lailah, Adaline, and Malia, “The creation of the group was meant to empower children to see that they matter in their community and that they can make a difference, even if it is just a smile on someone’s face and lastly, that being kind does not have to be difficult, it may take work, but it’s good and rewarding work.”
The Kindness Crew successfully delivered lots of smiles and joy to the residents of the Chelsea Assisted Living Facility in Warren during the holiday season. As the crew picks up steam, it has caught the attention of local media and township officials. On February 3, the Kindness Crew met over Zoom with Warren Township Police Officer and PBA President, Jeffrey Sohler.
According to Sohler, the Warren PBA is planning to support four local Warren restaurants by donating $1,000 to each eatery which will help the restaurants to create a buy one entree get one at half price promotion.
Sohler challenged the Kindness Crew members to collaborate with the PBA by visiting Alfies, Saly G’s, Prezzo Italian Restaurant, and Bruno’s Bistro to interview the head chefs of each location to learn about the restaurants’ signature dishes. Sohler also asked the Crew to find out what makes each restaurant special.
During the Zoom session, Crew member Stella Ferreiro told Officer Sohler that The Kindness Crew was excited to help the local PBA. Sohler will be meeting with The Kindness Crew again to debrief their restaurant visits and to hear about what the children learned.
In addition to The Kindness Crew’s growing local notoriety, and with help from the power of social media, the Kindness Crew has expanded into New York, California, and Canada. Although the challenges for each Kindness Crew branch might vary by region, the mission will remain the same – empower children to make a difference in their community.
ALT Principal Ms. Christine Smith added, “We are so proud of these children and their families! We have the pleasure of seeing their kindness in action at school each day. I’m so glad to know that the entire community is now able to witness their hearts and feel added joy because of them! As adults, we often express empathy for others, but we don’t always take action. It is inspiring to watch these young people use all of their skills to see a need and do the work necessary to make the world a better place. They are wonderful examples of how anything can be done when we remain positive and work together!”
To learn more about The Kindness Crew and their journey, and how you can get involved, please visit their Facebook Page.
Photos by Anne E. Isedeh
