In September of 2015, Plymouth Keys For Kindness became a Terryville Lions Club project. Plymouth Keys For Kindness fits into the Terryville Lions Club mission to help where there is a need, empower volunteers, encourage peace and improve our community. Please be sure to check our website and Facebook page for updates on upcoming awareness/outreach projects and fundraisers.

​

The mission of Plymouth Keys For Kindness is to promote kindness, inspire people to recognize its contagious benefits and power to make a difference in people’s lives, and to strengthen our community in a positive way.

​

Kindness can be defined in many ways. Webster defines it as an act of kindness, the capacity for feeling for another’s unhappiness or misfortune, or sympathetic concern for the well-being of others. WordNet defines it as the quality of being warm-hearted and considerate and humane and sympathetic. Research shows that kindness has a positive effect not only on the recipient and the giver, but also on the observer.

​

The campaign was inspired by the Plymouth's history. Plymouth Connecticut is the former location of the Eagle Lock Co and home to The Lock Museum of America, the only one of its kind in the country. What better way to unite the community than with keys?

​

The motto of Plymouth Keys For Kindness is “You Hold The Key!" Keys were acquired in a number of ways and made into necklaces to be given out to individuals showing kindness. If an individual receives a key they then “pay it forward” when they notice another being kind.

 

A wonderful kickoff event was held in April of 2015 where the mayor of Plymouth handed out the first key. Necklaces were then distributed to schools, churches and many town organizations and clubs. The community embraced the idea. They became part of the school's program and were used by several local churches, youth groups and bible schools. In addition, Plymouth’s Parks and Recreations summer camp handed out several keys on a weekly basis to children who were chosen by others for showing kindness.

​

Be sure to check out the Plymouth Keys for Kindness Facebook Page for the latest news! Here people can also post photos of key recipients and share their stories.

​