Local Facebook Group Unites Community in Doing Good

PUYALLUP, WA - It has long been said that, “wherever there is a human in need, there is an opportunity for kindness”, and “no act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.”

Aristotle, gives us further insight to kindness when he defined it as, “helpfulness towards someone in need, not in return for anything, nor for the advantage of the helper himself, but for that of the person helped.”

Shauna Mayfield, founder of the Facebook group “Kind Krew”, and her 5 friends Cindie, Stefanie, Leanne, Emily, and Chelsea, understand the difference a little kindness can make in our everyday lives, and set out on a mission to unite the community in doing good.

“I was on Facebook one day and saw a shared post from a woman, who I didn't know, taking her kids out and doing random acts of kindness”, Shauna said. “This post really inspired me. Within a week I was with my friends, and husband, hashing out ideas on how we can get people involved in spreading kindness.”

“We put together kindness bags for $5 that had 12 random acts of kindness in them. It would be an easy way for someone to have a bag on hand, and put out an item at a moments notice... there was everything you needed, even down to the tape!”

Cindie Batterman, who met Shauna through a dance class both their daughters attend, shared her thoughts, “I wanted to join Kind Krew not only to help my friend, but to somehow make a difference in my community. We gathered and made a plan. We have our children involved [to teach them] that we can be kind in simple ways; having them come up with ideas from their perspective is so rewarding.”

Studies have shown that lasting benefits can come from positive thoughts and actions. Expressions of kindness, not only decrease our stress, anxiety, depression, and pain, but also have healing abilities, increasing our energy, happiness, and even our lifespan.

These sincere, random acts of kindness, don’t need to be grand or complicated to have a lasting impact; small and simple efforts to reach out in love, more often than not, prove to be enough, for both the giver and the receiver.

“A few weeks ago, I was in the Starbucks drive-thru. I had a few extra bucks left on a gift card. I decided to make a purchase for the person behind me, and then asked the barista to give them one of the [Kind Krew] tags, with their drink. The barista was so inspired that she asked if I had an extra [tag]. About a week goes by, and I received a card in the mail - unmarked sender. I opened it to find a sweet note that said: "Shauna, your drink has been taken care of by the customer in front of you." It was signed with a heart, no name, and a Starbucks gift card. I was blown away.”

Shauna continues, “I hope the feeling I had, is the same feeling people get when they see an air freshner tied to their car door, or the Tide Pod taped to the washer in the laundromat. It seriously made my day, month, and year! I keep the card on my fridge to remind me that there is still kind out there.”

Since their humble September 2019 beginnings, the Kind Krew’s efforts have reached far and wide in the community, touching lives with gifts of love, simple acts of kindess, heartfelt messages, and encouraging words - and always with the invitation to “go and do likewise”; paying it forward to another stranger along their way.

“Redbox date night, at home with my hubby. Thank you, Kind Krew, for the movie treat. Put a big smile on our faces, and made our evening.” - Kolene

“I was blessed with kindness this morning! I will be paying it forward! #kindkrew #blessed Xoxoxo” - Megan

“A huge thank you to whoever dropped off the hand warmers!” - Joe

Whether it’s Shauna Mayfield and the fast growing 600 members of the Kind Krew community, or simply the kindness of strangers who cross our path, we can all do a little better by looking to the examples of those, who with generous hearts - knit together in unity and love, teach us of the unfailing power of charity and compassion, and in doing good to others.

*If you have a story of goodness that you would like to share, please reach out; connect with us on Facebook, or contact me directly.

“It doesn't take much to brighten someone’s day! For me, it's giving something that is priceless, a feeling inside that can't be replaced by anything else.” - Shauna