On March 9, the four-year-olds in Debbie Daniels’ class kicked off a series of community service projects held at Wesley Learning Center by decorating “Kindness Coins.” The venture is in support of the Ben’s Bells Project, stationed locally in Bethel.

The tokens are flower shaped, and about the size of a dollar coin. They are sold by Ben’s Bells, and are intended to be distributed to individuals exhibiting kindness, who can then choose to pass the coins on to others, continuing the cycle.

The preschoolers and assisting adults were stationed side by side at tables in a big “U” shape, glazing their Kindness Coins with concentration.

“We did this because the kids like to paint,” Daniels said.

When there was conversation among the artists, it was quietly held. All focus seemed to be pouring into the project as the pairs of young children and adults completed their little flowers one by one.

“As a parent, you don’t get this time,” Daniels said of the adults sharing in the project, remarking also on the peaceful classical music playing in the background of the room.

Daniels said that she has been doing a community service project with her classroom for twelve years, and this is the first year she partnered with Ben’s Bells. This was also the first time that all of Wesley would be involved in the kindness tradition.

“It’s a whole school thing now,” Daniels said.

The school-wide program at Wesley is called “Key To Kindness.” Each child designed their own key, with a different medium per classroom — crayons, paint, or stuck jewels, according to Daniels. These will all be displayed together, celebrating each child’s ability to be kind.

There was one big Kindness Key hanging on the four-year-olds’ classroom door, granted by Diane Fuchs, director at Wesley. Daniels explained that since they were the first class to be presented with the key, they were the first to do their unique class service project.

“Every time they open the door, it makes a little chime so they remember the kindness,” she said.

Daniels detailed memories of when Ben’s Bells ornaments and art, often including a little bell and the words “Be Kind,” were left intentionally to be found following 12/14. She said they could be found in nature, and places in town, and expressed that they were a welcome surprise for those who found them.

“It makes you have a little happiness for a moment,” she said.

Once dried, the Kindness Coins will be returned to the Ben’s Bells Project to be fired in a kiln so that the glaze becomes smooth and shiny. Each flower will have a tag attached that requests the receiver “keep it as a reminder to practice kindness or share the kindness and pass it on,” in English and Spanish.

Reporter Noelle Veillette can be reached at noelle@thebee.com.