The North Central Education Foundation has made a priority of offering grant opportunities for a variety of classroom activities. In 2022, the foundation awarded more than 160 grants totaling over $47,000! These grants are offered to teachers in Chelan, Douglas, Grant and Okanogan Counties. The North Central Education Foundation offers grant categories that are relevant to teachers’ needs and they can apply in five categories:  

•        Music/Arts (provided by the Woods Family Music & Arts Fund)

•        STEAM/STEM (science, technology, engineering, arts and math), Literacy

•        Wellness/Social Emotional/Health

•        Financial Education (funded by the Young Adult Consumer Education Trust)

•        Cultural Awareness/Social Studies/History (provided by Friends of Lower Grand Coulee)

•        9/11 Spirit of America Memorial (in the cultural awareness category)

– Eldene Wall 9/13/23

At the last minute, my speaker on how to perform CPR to my Delta Kappa Gamma group of teachers had to cancel. I had 25 ladies ready to learn this important skill, so I started calling every medical person I could think of to fill in for my planned speaker. All responded that they were sorry, but were not available on such short notice. Then the firemen at the Sunnyslope station thought they could get some qualified firemen to help.  They called back in an hour to tell me that Dustin and Kaden had volunteered to spend their time educating us on this important skill.  They rolled into the parking lot at the Methodist Church and spent the next 45 minutes with us sharing CPR success stories, answering questions and then the how of performing this potentially life saving technique. As we thanked them and commented on how kind they were to help us so quickly, they said that this is what they do! 

– Teri St. Jean 9/12/23

A group of 13 swimmers, most from the local Wild Wenatchee Swimmers group, swam around Turtle Island near Lincoln Rock State Park on Labor Day 2023. This 3.5-mile “swim at your own risk” event is made safer by having 10 or more paddleboarders and kayakers from Wild Wenatchee Paddlers there to watch over the swimmers. A big gift to this casually organized event is being accompanied by a pontoon boat skippered by Phil and Dan. The swim starts with a jump into the Columbia River from the boat and ends with the boat picking up any tired swimmers and following the last swimmer in. All are volunteers. Thanks for keeping folks safe!  

– Charlene Woodward 9/03/23

Last weekend my girls and I were at Pybus and looking at the book cart ‘mini library’. We we approached by a Pybus Volunteer who asked my girls if they enjoyed reading and if they knew what bookworms ate! This made them giggle, he then handed them a cute little knitted book worm! They were so excited to receive this cute little gift! Such a kind gesture 🙂

– Abbie G. 9/02/23

Today I finally took the time to do something I am always just to busy to do. We had a catering in Quincy this afternoon for 190 guests. Menu was a BBQ with pulled pork, BBQ chicken, coleslaw, pasta salad, baked beans and watermelon. We had a TON of food left over so we spent a couple hours driving around the valley and hit the homeless camps. Darlene Jones and Mia Bollinger hopped in the back of the van and loaded up bountiful plates as I encouraged people to come over and eat. We started out at the north end camp, then went to the locomotion park under the bridge and took what was left to the Lighthouse. People were so so very thankful and appreciative. The homeless population tugs at my heart strings so it was nice to be able to serve a nice plate of food to those in need. Very rewarding day. ❤

– Barb Andre-Van Lith 8/24/23

Wenatchee High School Random Acts of Kindness club did an awesome job drawing welcome back messages!💛

– Abbie G. 8/21/23

Every Wednesday lunchtime the Chef and kitchen staff at Highgate Senior Living cook lunches for the patrons of Our House - Cancer Care NCW. I get the privilege of collecting and delivering these meals to the residents. Often times I’m able to have a quick chat with them and they always express how grateful they are to not have to worry about fixing lunch for themselves. The residents are going through cancer treatments and are often tired after morning hospital visits. These lunches are a welcome treat! Thank you Highgate staff for your kindness in the community, it is greatly appreciated.

– Abbie Gundersen 8/17/23

The bike repair event this past Saturday was a huge success. All glory be to God, we were able to give away 50 bikes to families of the Wenatchee Valley!! And we have 30 more bikes that are currently spoken for and being repaired to give out to the community! 

Thank you Cashmere Middle School Bike Repair Club for helping to make this event possible! They were so helpful and they even gave safety lessons, bike repair lessons, and lessons for first-time riders! It was truly a blessing! 

If you would like to donate to support future events like this one, please use the donation link below! 

– Lighthouse Christian Ministries 8/14/23

Kindness was evident at the enjoyable, well-attended, family-oriented Art Cart at the Rotary Water Park. The energy and connection coming from the event could be felt as I approached the children and families.  The location was certainly ready-made for the event.  The balloons and Art Cart added such beauty to the event. It was sure fun for me to witness the smiles, happiness, and enthusiastic engagement of everyone!

– Gene Sharratt 8/11/23

Tuesday August 1st was National Night Out and I had the privilege of working alongside the Wenatchee Police Department to help promote their Citizens Crime Academy. The event was held at CAFE on S. Mission and is done yearly to help promote good relationships between the community and law enforcement. It was a fantastic evening and was supported by many local businesses. I witnessed many acts of kindness throughout the evening, everyone was friendly. There was much fun, laughter and dancing. Food, prizes and services were donated and put many smiles on many faces. It truly was a wonderful evening and I can’t wait for next year. It made me proud of our community. 

– Abbie G. 8/1/23

A HUGE shout out to the park ranger that was on duty yesterday at Confluence Park, the firefighters (I’m assuming they were from the Sunnyslope station) and to the EMTs that showed up at the boat dock to help my husband and kids after a little accident yesterday. My 8-year-old son's hand got smashed between the boat and the dock. He ended up breaking the tip of his thumb, splitting it open requiring 10 stitches. The firefighters helped my husband get the boat out of the water and then they stayed with our older 2 kids until I got there so my husband could ride with our son to the ER. There are also a of couple people who helped, giving my son a towel and offering drinks to help calm him down. Grateful for the community!

– Erin Nelson 7/31/23

My friend Christie is an amazing baker and she is constantly sharing her gift with others. She bakes cookies and cakes constantly for friends, family, work colleagues, medical staff, the list goes on! Giving goodies is definitely her love language.

This past weekend I got to spend some time with her after not seeing her for a couple of months and she gave me with so many yummy treats including my most favourite cheesecake!! It made my day!

I’m so thankful to have such kind-hearted friends.

– Abbie G. 7/29/23

I was food shopping with my girls in East Wenatchee at Grocery Outlet. When we had bought our food we were leaving the store and saw this sign on the fruit basket. My girls were so excited to get a free sticker and they chose an orange.

I was touched by the thoughtfulness of the store manager or staff member who came up with this idea. I know there are many families who are struggling in this economic climate who are greatly benefiting from kind acts like these. Great job Grocery Outlet!

– Abbie G. 7/17/23

An assisted living for low-income people in our community gave me this thoughtful note after I’d done a few things for residents. It put a smile on my face and encouraged me to continue helping them in any way I can. I loved that last comment “Thank you for being a good human.” I think we can all be good humans by looking for big and small opportunities to help others. 

– Charlene Woodward, 7/15/2023

We're getting much needed new household linens for our guestrooms and bathrooms thanks to the Rotary Club of Wenatchee's $800 grant we received in June. Thank you Wenatchee Rotary!

– Cancer Care NCW, 7/7/2023

The Women's Resource Center is honored to have received a $5000 grant from the Women's Service League. We are so grateful for this philanthropic organization who serves our community. Thank you WSL! 💝 Pictured is Scooter Harter, WRC Executive Director and Sue Epoch, member of the WSL.

– Women's Resource Center, 6/26/2023

Motorcycle enthusiast David McCarter will embark on a long-distance motorcycle ride called “The Narrow Way Around” from the parking lot of the Wenatchee YMCA on July 6, shortly after 9 am. McCarter is riding to honor his late father, Dave Sr., and to support one of their favorite organizations, the YMCA. Folks can follow his ride on social media and pledge a donation to support his ride here. And please join us July 6 to help see Dave off! 

– Wenatchee Valley YMCA, 6/26/23 

Margie Kerr who awakened the Wenatchee Valley to Make a Difference Day and won National acclaim for the Valley many years is a seasoned pro in helping folks figure out how they can make a difference.  After receive a card from her, I expressed how I wished I was the kind of person who sent cards.  I just never have been. The next time I saw her, she gave me the box of cards. Now I have become a person who at least occasionally sends cards. I just finished writing one to her. Margie is one of the best examples of a fun, giving, creative, kind and kindness-promoting person I know. 

– June Darling, 6/22/2023

Yesterday we took our kids to the YWCA's Juneteenth celebration at Walla Walla Point Park and it was a great time. It's a fairly new holiday, and only became a Federal holiday two years ago, so it's nice to be able to attend events like these and learn more about the history behind what could be considered our second Independence Day, since it was the day the last enslaved people in the US were freed. I interviewed YWCA Programs Manager Dusti Mahoney about the event and why the day is important and you can see that here. 

– Dominick Bonny, 6/20/2023

I went to my mum's local supermarket, Morrison’s, this morning in Lincoln UK to pick up some groceries. As I walked through the front door I saw a girl walking on a treadmill so I went over to see what she was doing.  The staff are doing a fundraiser to raise money for the charity ‘Together for Short Lives’ which helps seriously ill children and their families treasure every moment together. Their goal is to walk 99,000 steps! I made a donation and bought these cute butterfly pins as a keepsake 🦋

Great job Morrison’s Staff, keep stepping!!!

– Abbie G., 6/20/2023

Our Lower Sleepy Hollow Weed Warriors have been so effective, we are adding two more work parties for next week. Our targets include mullein growing inside planted enclosures and knapweeds. CDLT provides snacks, tools, mosquito coats, and a walk to the riverside.

– Chelan Douglas Land Trust, 6/12/2023

Our Hope Squad partnered with Happy Letters to organize all of our Hygiene Drive items to take to the Women’s Resource Center. We were able to organize over 50 individual care bags and still had leftover items for them to have on hand for those in need. Thank you to all the Sterling Families that donated to the drive!!

– Sterling Junior High School staff, 6/12/2023

Gene Sharratt and John Darling returned June 9 from a highly successful, enjoyable, and meaningful Himalayan Mountain climb/trekking experience.  Gene shared, "Words cannot describe the joy of experiencing the Himalayan mountains, the challenging trekking, mountain climbing, and spectacular scenery.  As importantly, the people were welcoming, kind, and highly engaging throughout the trip. We spent 10 days sleeping on rocks, navigating dangerous high mountain trails (made mostly by Yaks, mules, and high mountain villagers), and enjoying the Himalayan mountains."

– Eldene Wall, 6/9/2023

My only7seconds team mates and I painted rocks with positive messages on them and hid them along the Sage Hills Trail. We did this for our SHARE day activity which stands for ‘spread hope and remind everyone’ that they matter. On the 7th of each month we do something positive in our community to let people know they are loved and cared for. We hope that whoever finds these rocks they will have a positive impact and put a smile on their face.

– Abbie G., 6/7/2023

I was riding my bike down 1st Street when two loose dogs came charging at me. I stopped because I knew they could outrun my bike and I was trapped as this one lunged and barked at me. There’s very little traffic on that street so when a white truck rolled up I flagged down the driver and he put his truck between me and  the snapping dog—while slowly driving backward— to protect me. He did this for two blocks while I called 911 and animal control. When the dogs ran off in a different direction I was able to ride away. Thank you man in the shiny white truck—you are a hero to me and very Kind! I wasn’t alone when threatened by a barking dog. I felt protected by a stranger who took his time to help out. 

– Charlene W., 6/2/2023

There was an opportunity to spread kindness when we recently visited Lake Wallowa, staying in a cabin along with my sister and her husband. A kind lady from our church had given me a couple of bags of jewelry that I could share with my granddaughters or take apart and make other jewelry. My sister loves to make jewelry and has a huge supply of beads and jewelry-making supplies. We made a great team as we settled down to create bracelets from our supplies while our husbands went fishing. My son’s church supports an orphanage in Sierra Leone, so my sister suggested we make bracelets for the children in the orphanage.  That was a great incentive for us to ramp up our efforts!  We ended up making over 40 bracelets, most of them designated for the orphanage children!  We felt like this was a good use of our vacation time ~ doing something productive while we were visiting and shopping!

– Eldene Wall, 6/1/2023

I was out running errands near JC Penny when I saw a lady interacting with a young kid, she was showing them how to play her fiddle. At first I thought it was a mum and her child. I watched how she was showing the child how to hold it properly and play it a little, it was a cute scene. After a few moments the child ran off to another adult (who turned out to be the actual parent) this kid had the biggest smile on their face. I approached the fiddle player and struck up a conversation with her. She told me her name was Ellie and had been playing the fiddle for over 27 years! She loves to play it and teach others. She said that her main goal in life is just to make others smile and be happy. She certainly put a smile on my face and the face of that child. 🙂

– Abbie Gundersen, 5/31/2023

The NCESD School Nurse Corps booth promoted the Kindness Counts NCW initiative, providing games, activities and tools for students, families, and school staff that focused on kindness along with health and safety information. A great opportunity to interact with students, families and school staff about this initiative and to share resources.   

– Cathy Meuret, 5/26/2023

I was on a morning walk with my friend Kristi along the Loop Trail when we saw a man pushing his dog in a cart. I’m a huge animal lover and wanted to ask him all about his cute dog! The dog owner, Mark, explained to me that his sweet dog, Roxy (8-years-old) has hip dysplasia and also when she was a puppy someone stomped on her front paws so she can’t walk at all. Mark takes Roxy for a walk in her cart every day. She was the happiest friendliest dog and it made my morning interacting with her. I’m so grateful for people who show such love and kindness to animals! Thank you Mark for taking the time to chat with me this morning and letting me pet sweet Roxy, you made my day! It warmed my heart so much seeing genuine love and kindness being displayed towards animals 

– Abbie Gundersen, 5/19/2023

My friend, Bryn Arnell Struhs, told me about an act of kindness that happened to her at work. Bryn is a flight attendant and was starting back to work after being on a years break for maternity leave. She was a little apprehensive to go back to work after being away for so long and she was also a little sad to be leaving her young baby at home. As she was boarding her passengers that morning one of them handed her a bag of M&Ms and wished her a nice day. This simple act of kindness meant so much to her and made her first day back at work much better than she was expecting! It’s these simple acts of kindness that make such a big difference. My friend was so grateful to receive this act of kindness and she was excited to share it with me!

– Abbie Gundersen, 5/17/2023

My girls had set up their first-ever lemonade stand on a very hot Saturday afternoon by the Sage Hills Trail. They were a little shy to begin with but soon built up their confidence because everyone was so friendly to them regardless if they bought lemonade or not. I want to highlight a particular group of female hikers who were exceptionally kind to my girls! They were not local residents and had been on a very long hike and practically ran towards my girls when they saw the ice cold lemonade for sale!! They spoke to my daughters in such a friendly way and ended up giving them a $20 tip!!!!! I was blown away by their generosity and genuine act of kindness. I want to thank them and everyone who showed such kindness to my girls and gave them such positive interactions and encouragement! They are excited to do it again. It warmed my heart to see adults encouraging and supporting my young girls in their efforts to earn their own money.

– Abbie Gundersen, 5/13/2023

Every Spring our volunteers get together to do ‘Spring Planting’ in the gardens of Our House, which is a home where people from out of town can stay during cancer treatments. This year Donna Newell from Shady Creek Gardens & Ponds generously donated a wide variety of plants for our volunteers to plants. Having such bright and cheery flowers around the grounds of Our House makes it really feel like a home away from home for our residents who are going through such a challenging time in life. We are so grateful for the kindness of Donna and the beautiful donations that she gave. The volunteers had a wonderful time planting and the residents are loving looking at the flowers. 

– Abbie Gundersen, 5/12/2023

My father in law is currently the full-time caregiver for my mother in law, who has terminal cancer.  He is a wonderful person and constantly shows love and kindness even during this very difficult time. A few weeks ago I was a little nervous to ask him if he would be able to attend my daughter’s ‘Grandparents Day’ at her school. This is a really special day for the students and I knew it would mean the world to my daughter to have her Grandpa there. I wasn’t sure how he would feel attending the event without ‘Grandma’ but without any hesitation he said yes straight away. He always makes my children feel so loved. When the special day arrived my daughter had the biggest smile on her face at school! I’m so grateful that my children have wonderful grandparents and will make the time for them.

– Abbie Gundersen, 5/5/2023

Trained volunteers with NAMI Chelan Douglas (National Alliance on Mental Illness) lead free mental health education classes and support groups both in-person and via Zoom in our community. Volunteers lead support groups and multi-week education classes to help those who have mental health issues and their loved ones understand and cope with these issues. We have more than 12 people from all backgrounds leading our programs. People impacted by mental health issues in themselves or a loved one start to understand that mental illnesses are common, not moral failings and that others have wisdom to share about how to live better with these complex medical conditions. Our volunteers are "ordinary people" helping others cope with some of life's most challenging health situations. They get many hours of training and then devote additional time throughout the year to helping others. All our programs are created by professionals in the medical and mental health profession and are taught by people who have "been there" and want to help others.

– Charlene Woodward, 5/4/2023

As a retired Police Detective I’m teaching my girls to love and respect Law Enforcement officers, they get so excited when we see a Police car or an Officer. 

We were at my girls soccer game and they saw an Officer from the Sheriffs Dept. My youngest said to me ‘look mamma there’s a police officer, can I go say hi?’. We walked over to the officer who was only too happy to talk with my girls and take a picture with them. Thanks Officer Faulconer for being kind to my girls, it made their day! I was grateful the Officer took the time to be kind to my girls and have a positive interaction with them.

– Abbie G., 5/1/2023

The Wenatchee High School Golden Apple Marching Band, cheerleaders, and flag team helped celebrate Wenatchee veteran Sergeant Fred Holsonbake's 100th birthday with his own personal parade. This act of kindness honored Sergeant Holsonsbacke's military service and contributions to our community. 

– Wenatchee School District, 4/22/2023

The Wenatchee High School Random Acts of Kindness (RAK) Club spread kindness through chalk art and encouraging messages yesterday. RAK members quickly transformed the gray cement sidewalks in front of WHS into a colorful canvas. Associate Principal Ricardo Íñiguez joined in creating a kindness masterpiece of his own. The event was a joy for all that participated and the people passing through the front entrance of WHS.

– Wenatchee School District, 3/13/2023

Team Kyle from the nonprofit organization only7seconds served breakfast at The Lighthouse for their SHARE day activity. only7seconds are on a mission to end loneliness by encouraging people to make intentional connections with others. Loneliness can have serious consequences in people’s lives but being the recipient of a kind act can be life changing. Team Kyle get together on the 7th of each month to do an act of kindness in the community 💛

Serving others always warms our hearts.

– Abbie G., 4/7/2023

My girls and I decided to clean up the parking lot at the Sage Hill Trailhead for ‘Spring into Kindness Community Clean Up Day’! The girls were excited to fill up their garbage bags and help take care of our beautiful Trail. We all felt good being able to make a difference in our community 🙂

– Abbie G., 4/1/2023

A group of volunteers work with a neurodiverse children's swim team. Children who have special needs join with other children to learn competitive swimming skills, how to be friends to one another and how to work together as a team. Children encourage one another to become better and stronger swimmers by participating in get-to-know-you activities, working out together and leaning competitive swimming skills together. Eastmont Parks has welcomed this program called "The Swim Team Experience" and given our program pool time to work with water-safe children (this means they can pass with pool's swimming test) on swim team skills. The volunteers have a variety of backgrounds including past collegiate competitive swimming, some are school teachers, one is a childrne's Physical Therapist and others are parents of kids in the program. Because of these volunteers our swimmers get personal attention, swimming instruction and comfortable with one another's differences. Some of them will go on to participate in other competitive swimming programs including school teams and summer or year-round programs. 

– Charlene Woodward, 3/25/2023

Josh, one of the Project Search Stemilt interns, on the job. Photo by Rufus Woods. 

We're getting much needed new household linens for our guestrooms and bathrooms thanks to the Rotary Club of Wenatchee's $800 grant we received in June. Thank you Wenatchee Rotary!

– Cancer Care NCW, 7/7/2023