Union Middle School turned generosity into action with a unique PTA fundraiser which encouraged students to perform acts of kindness to support school programs.

The program allows students to create lists of “acts of kindness” they want to complete, ranging from simple gestures such as holding a door open or giving a high-five to helping neighbors, leaving snacks for delivery drivers or cleaning up the community. Donors support the fundraiser via email, and when students complete an act of kindness, the donor receives a message acknowledging it.

“I was searching for a no-fuss fundraiser online when I came across Raise Craze’s fundraising through kindness,” said PTSA President Ashley Backman. “Kindness has always been a big thing for me. When I was PTA president at Silver Mesa, my theme for two years was ‘Kindness begins with me.’ When I pitched it to administration, they said it went right along with their service kindness theme this year, so it was a perfect fit.”

Backman said her primary focus is fostering a culture of kindness as well as raising money. 

“Yes, fundraising is necessary for the school, but the kindness aspect is what we focus on,” she said. “Even if someone can’t donate, we encourage them to track their acts of kindness so we can celebrate them as a school community. We’re wanting to create a culture where kindness and community thrive.”

As part of the fundraiser, Union Middle School PTA held a community night where students and families contributed to several community initiatives, including creating learning kits for Help Me Grow Utah, writing kind cards for neighbors and families, donating to the school pantry and painting rocks for a “kindness garden.” 

Seventh-grader Amelia Hernandez attends Bennion Junior High, but she came to Union with her cousin to participate in community night.

“I wanted to help show kindness and spend time with my cousin,” she said.

Union sixth-grader Samantha Fish was making a card to make a friend feel better.

“I donated some food for our pantry and I’ve contributed other ways to our community,” she said. “I care about our community and this is a way I can make a difference.”

School Community Facilitator Dinitri Jackson said it’s important students are making connections with the community.

“It’s important they learn their actions make a positive impact and their kind acts for each other are important to our school and mission,” said Jackson, who oversees the school pantry that has supplies, backpacks, food and other items available to students.

Backman said there are many ways they can make an impact: “It doesn’t have to be a huge gesture. A smile, helping a friend, or noticing someone can make a difference.”

In the 19-day campaign, students accomplished 423 acts of kindness, which were tracked on a “kindness wall.”

Of the $4,343 net funds raised, 95% of the proceeds will support the PTSA student leadership group, which focuses on character building, student advocacy and planning events. 

“Middle school is the sweet spot for teaching kindness,” Backman said. “It’s the foundation for life, community and paying it forward. If everyone practiced kindness, imagine the world we could build.”