Barnegat Students Spread Kindness Across Ocean County

BARNEGAT, NJ — Barnegat Township School District students demonstrated community spirit during National Random Acts of Kindness Week, observed from February 14-20.

Pre-K students at Lillian M. Dunfee School created more than 250 uplifting "pocket hearts" that were distributed to several locations across Ocean County. These hearts featured encouraging messages and bright designs.

The "Take One" baskets containing the hearts were placed in the school's main office, the Ocean County Library-Barnegat Branch, and the Oasis Family Success Center in Manahawkin.

“We hope students learn that even small acts can make a big impact, and that they continue to practice empathy, inclusion, and kindness with others,” said Danielle Welte, the elementary school’s community parent involvement specialist and social worker. “Through small actions, such as helping, sharing, and using kind words, students strengthen empathy and friendship skills, boost confidence, and help create a more connected classroom community that carries beyond the school setting.”

Denise McCallum, volunteer and community partnership coordinator for the Oasis Family Success Center, expressed gratitude for the "Take One – Pocket Hearts."

“We are incredibly grateful to the students and staff at the Lillian M. Dunfee School for sharing their ‘Take One – Pocket Hearts’ with our families at Oasis Family Success Center,” said Denise McCallum, the center’s volunteer and community partnership coordinator. “Each heart, filled with encouraging words and affirmations, became a small but powerful reminder that our children and parents are supported and valued. Seeing families add these messages to our Oasis Community Celebration Tree transformed them into lasting symbols of unity, kindness, and connection - allowing our community to celebrate special moments, seasonal traditions, and everyday acts of compassion throughout the year.”

Other schools in the district, including Barnegat High School, Russell O. Brackman Middle School, Robert L. Horbelt School, Joseph T. Donahue School, and Cecil S. Collins School, also participated. These schools held various activities, such as showcasing family kindness, writing encouragement notes, and dressing in themed attire. Students in the Academic, Community and Essential Skills (ACES) program at Russell O. Brackman Middle School decorated large paper hearts for display and presented thank-you cards to members of the Barnegat Township Police and Fire Departments. Students explored a fire truck and received fire hats from the firefighters.

“Barnegat Township School District looks forward to the yearly Random Acts of Kindness Week,” said Brian Latwis, Superintendent of Schools. “Our students are excited to do good deeds and spread joy and encouragement to people throughout the community.”