Kindness at the Capitol
Press Release
Submission Date: February 14, 2012
Release Date: For Immediate Release
Contact: J.D. Hardin, 770-957-7189 ext. 840, john.hardin@henry.k12.ga.us
(Release # 0053-2-12)
Kindness at the Capitol
House of Representatives designates 2nd week of November as “Kindness Week” in Georgia
HENRY COUNTY, GA – Kindness found its way to the Capitol in Atlanta last week, as Representative Andy Welch and the Georgia House of Representatives issued a resolution making the 2nd week of November “Kindness Week” in Georgia.
House Resolution 1302, ceremoniously presented by Representative Welch on Wednesday, February 8, was formally adopted on February 3. The resolution extends to the state what Henry County has been promoting since 2004 – Kindness Works – Pass it on!
The Kindness Week efforts developed in honor and memory of Hunter Welch, son of Kit and Buddy Welch, and brother of Representative Welch. Through partnerships with the Henry County Schools, local churches and numerous community members, Hunter’s legacy of selfless giving and passionate spirit started locally but will now reach all corners of the state.
As Kit Welch explains, this local movement and this week started with Hunter in mind, but it served to recognize those in the community that meant so much to the Welch family.
“We started this week as a gesture to give back to the community that cared and supported our special needs son,” said Kit Welch. “They gave to Hunter and we wanted to give back to them.”
The schools in the Henry County School system currently mark “Kindness Week” with an array of events and collections for charity. Additionally, signs can be seen year-round throughout the county sharing the message that kindness works.
School counselors have noticed a heightened sense of awareness when it comes to being kind these days. They know their efforts are paying off.
“We tell our kids that kindness starts with them,” said Counselor Tracey Glenn, Ola Elementary School. “Kindness isn’t just this week. It’s something they can do every day.”
Kit Welch added, “Our dream is that we expose as many children as possible to the meaning of the word and the symbolism of this week, because there are lots of kids today who have never experienced the power of kindness.”
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