Messages about the need for positivity and acts of kindness are spreading throughout Perry Township in Stark County following several incidents, many fatal and related to bullying, over the last few months.
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Perry Township police sent out a weekend challenge on Facebook, asking residents in the community to take a few extra seconds to be kind to one another. People are encouraged to smile, ask their families how they are doing, say hello to strangers and perform a random act of kindness.
Police put an emphasis on teaching children kindness through example.
"One of the most important things to consider is the influence each of you have on your families, and in the community daily just by what you do as adults," the Facebook post reads. "Your positivity will make a difference on how your family feels when you're together...Having our kids see us hold the door open for someone, help someone pick something up that they dropped, or just making the extra effort to be nice to others is important."
Perry students also started a positivity campaign by creating a Facebook support group called Anyone & Everyone. The goal of the page is to open a line of communication and create a safe space for anyone to speak openly about concerns, or to share anything that makes them happy.
So far, students have shared positive quotes, things they like, like Taco Bell's new nacho fries, and a gif of Betty White dancing to put a smile on everyone's face.