MUSCATINE, Iowa–At the end of the school year, Haydee Avalos, owner of Carriage House Carpet One in downtown Muscatine, wanted to do something to remind sixth graders to treat others with kindness. Avalos shared her idea with her longtime friend Chris Boar, community outreach coordinator for Bayer, and together they made a plan to give kindness t-shirts to all Muscatine Community School District sixth graders. “I thought, what a great way for a small and large business to work together to make an impact on children in our community,” said Boar. “We thought, what a great way to remind the kids that it is important to be kind to each other.”

Together Carriage House Carpet One and Bayer funded having the shirts made. Each t-shirt had the Muscatine Community School District Logo and the phrase, “In a world where you can be anything, be kind.” Especially as the sixth graders prepared to leave elementary school and transition to junior high school, Boar thought the shirts would offer a timely message. “Kids can be anything they want to be these days, but we wanted to remind them that being kind is very important.”

On May 25, Avalos and Boar delivered the shirts to sixth graders at each of Muscatine’s six elementary schools. Alma Brunson, one of the founders of the M;caela’s Hope Foundation, accompanied them, giving a brief message. The M;caela’s Hope Foundation presents to regional schools to help prevent suicide.

Haydee Avalos (center left) and Chris Boar (center right) delivered “be kind” shirts to sixth graders in Muscatine. Photo courtesy Muscatine Community School District.

Boar reported that students enjoyed receiving the shirts. “The kids were thrilled!” she shared. Many others who saw the shirts liked them so much that they also wanted them. Avalos and Boar have plans to make more and sell them soon.

Reflecting on the donations, Boar felt good that she and her friend Avalos could give local students a tangible reminder of the importance of caring about others: “I feel a sense of pride in being part of this community, and helping kids is always great! Bayer has always supported communities in which their employees live and work,” she stated.

Boar wants to see kids wear their shirts throughout the summer and beyond to inspire positive mindsets and actions throughout the community. “Kids have a lot going on these days and especially at the sixth grade level–the simple act of kindness can make the world a better place for everyone,” observed Boar. “We all need reminded of that sometimes!”