27 Aug Ben’s Bells – a message of hope in Sandy Hook

A mission of kindness…..

In the wake of the Sandy Hook Elementary shooting on December 14, 2012, Sandy Hook became a permanent location for Ben’s Bells where spreading kindness is the mission.

After the tragic shooting of 20 elementary students and six educators at Sandy Hook elementary school, there was a request for Ben’s Bells that have become known for their unique way of spreading kindness. It was a way for people to reach out to the grieving families who’ve lost loved ones.

Ben’s Bells is known for its bright, hand-painted, ceramic bells that were hung randomly around public places in Newtown after the tragedy, with a note that tells the finder of the bell to take it home and remember to be kind. More than 1,000 bells were placed and found as a gesture of kindness in a town that would have a long road to healing.

Hand painted beads made by volunteers are combined to make a wind charm.

“There were many Ben’s Bells found throughout the town during the aftermath of the murders,” Sandy Hook resident Christine Crudo said. “I found my bell hanging in a tree on my way home from picking up my son at the local high school. The bells come with a message telling you to spread kindness.”

According to the Ben’s Bells website, their Kindness Education Programs are based on the belief that everyone can be kind, and that kindness can be cultivated through intentional practice. Kindness is a universal topic with opportunities for education, recognition, and celebration in a variety of venues, including schools, workplaces, neighbourhoods and communities. It was so welcomed in Newtown that the non-profit organisation opened up a chapter in Newtown a few years ago.

The project was inspired by the death of founder’s Jeannette Mare’s 2-year-old boy. When simple acts of kindness by strangers gave her the will to move on.

Ben’s Bells are beautiful, ceramic wind chimes, handmade by the community. By the time one Ben’s Bell is complete, at least ten people have been involved in its creation.

“People go into the store location with a friend or family member or even on their own to paint one of the beads or Ben’s flowers,” Crudo said. “They are then assembled. Together we spread kindness in the making of the bells as well as hanging them for others to find.”

Today there are more than 29,000 bells now hanging all over the United States, France, and even Australia.

To find out how you can help log onto: www.bensbells.org