ENID, OK - Random Acts Of Kindness aka World Kindness Day is in November. It is believed that the world will be a significantly better place if we all encourage the spread of kindness in schools, communities and homes—so many organizations and individuals try to enable that in whatever way they can.
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One of those people and organizations is Pam Ballard at United Way of Enid & NW Oklahoma. Ballard came up with the idea of driving around town doing random acts of kindness a few years ago. The first year she did it she asked Enid Buzz to come along and video the day. Since that time it has become an annual tradition that we both look forward to.
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Over the last several years we've followed Ballard and filmed her and her crew hand out donuts, buy gas for random strangers, pay for washing and drying at the laundry mat, provide coats for kids and even present a car to a hard working man that didn't have one. They've also delivered mattresses, TV's, bought groceries for random customers and provided a wheel chair to a special young lady.
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This years "Random Acts Of Kindness" were no different but there was an additional emphasis to honor Lavonn McKnight who passed away in a car accident only weeks ago. McKnight had volunteered and done so much for Enid over her lifetime. She was not only a long time educator but served as principal at Garber and Chisholm schools.
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McKnight was named a YWCA Woman of the Year and a Pillar of the Plains honoree. In her later years she was a big part of RSVP helping hundreds of our local senior citizens. She served on the board and was president during multiple terms. These were only a few of the things that made McKnight a valuable asset to our community.
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In honor of McKnight's memory, husband Dick and sister-in-law Mary rode along throughout the day and helped surprise both the young and the old. Chip and Christy Baker from Bennie's Barn and Enid RSVP contributed much to make the day special as well.
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RSVP volunteer Mark Woods, Carla Burdick, Carolina Seymour, Candace Hazlett and others were also a special part of the day. Many people, businesses and organizations helped make the day special and donated not only time but services as well.
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This years events included a trip to Garber Elementary for the dedication of a Buddy Bench and a visit to Chisholm Elementary where a special presentation was made to the McKnight family. Lavonn will be remembered with a memorial tile at the school.
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The United Way crew then traveled to Carver Early Childhood Education Center where they presented books for teachers and members of McKnight family read to students. There was a quick stop to donate to the CDSA Diaper Bank Project and a new bed was delivered to a senior citizen named James and a heater was delivered to another senior named Dorothy.
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A hearing aid was presented to another senior at Angel Delights and then lunch was served at the Senior Center while volunteers handed out gifts. Toiletry products were delivered to Loaves and Fishes and along with other random stops.
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The day ended with a new stove being delivered to a senior named Denise and the presentation of bicycles to twins at Garfield Elementary who's bicycles had been stolen.
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Another great year for World Kindness Day! We look forward to what could happen next year but also remind everyone to be kind every day and help spread random acts kindness whenever possible.
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United Way Spreads Day Of Kindness
What beautiful acts of kindness the United Way is showing. It’s so wonderful to see Mr. McKnight continuing Lavone’s great work. This all brought tears to my eyes. I have had the joy of her company seeing her at church and cleaning their beautiful home. I’m so proud to say they both hold a special place in my heart.
There is so much good happening in Enid! Thank You All