The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
La Harpe Family Starts "Friends In Quarantine" Acts of Kindness
Becky Smith, The Quill
What started out as a small gesture of kindness among friends turned into a widespread and contagious "act of kindness" event.
After a couple of friends had left packages on the doorstep for his mom, Brody Willdrick wanted to do that for his friends. A group of ladies, participating in a "wineawayquarantine", were leaving a favorite snack and drink with a note of inspiration on a friend's doorstep. This is what gave Brody the idea to start something similar for his friends in La Harpe.
When Brody asked his mom, Holly Willdrick, if he could do the same for his friends, she said "sure, I don't know why not". Holly knew how much her boys, and other kids, were missing their friends and decided this would be a good way to brighten a child's day during this time of quarantine. So Holly started a "Friends In Quarantine" Face Book page with instructions on how their "act of kindness" began and how to participate.
Looking to get others to join in, this is what Holly stated on the "Friends in Quarantine" Face book page: "Our kids are all missing their friends during this time. This group is a fun way to help them connect and share a smile and maybe a laugh. Have your kids get something small to drop off to their friends, their favorite snack and drink, bubbles or sidewalk chalk, puzzles and books, supplies to paint rocks to hide around town...the possibilities are endless. Write a nice note or make a card to add to your gift. Deliver this package to the doorstep of your friends. It is up to you if you want to be anonymous or make yourself know. When saying hello make sure you follow the social distancing rules. I know it will be hard to not hug or high five your friends. Take a picture showing us your best social distancing friends picture or a picture of your surprise drop off and post using the hashtag #friendsinquarantine! I can't wait to see them all!! Most importantly stay safe and share kindness!!"
Brody and, his older brother, Bobby have helped fill treat bags and have made numerous deliveries.
The Willdricks also had an anonymous donation for treat bags. Some of these bags have been used to give to families that cannot financially afford to "pay it forward" so their kids still have an opportunity to give to their friends.
The Willdricks had no idea this event would take off like it did, but they are very happy to see other communities taking part. Holly has had numerous volunteers to act as an administrator for their area which has helped tremendously to have an administrator for each school district. The administrator takes the role of gathering information on each child that would like a delivery. The administrator then gives names out to the same family to "pay it forward" to someone else. The administrator does their best to makes sure no child is left out.
To date, there are over 1600 members on the "Friends in Quarantine" face book page, 20 school districts from Illinois and Iowa, and close to 1,000 deliveries made so far.
Brody and, his older brother, Bobby have helped fill treat bags and have made numerous deliveries.
Willdrick brothers after making a delivery to brighten the day of friends.