Kindness stories, handmade cards & community generosity

By JON BALDWIN
Clay Township Military Library & Museum

Thank you to everyone who supported our Acts of Kindness Day event. While turnout was lighter than we hoped, likely due to the event falling on a weekday, the day was full of meaningful moments that reflect exactly what our museum is about: honoring veterans through stories, connection, and gratitude.

Sharing stories, one conversation at a time

At our Story Capture station in the library, veterans and visitors sat down with our volunteers to talk through simple prompts: an act of kindness they received while serving, and one they experienced after coming home. Some chose to write their own story privately using our clipboard forms; others shared theirs in conversation.

A dozen handmade cards, headed to local veterans

Visitors also wrote nearly a dozen handmade thank-you cards to specific veterans, each one a small but meaningful Act of Kindness toward the community-wide goal of 1,976 acts set by the Kiwanis and Rotary clubs of Carmel. These cards are beautifully handmade by Cathy Zink, a longtime museum supporter who donates them as her own contribution to our revitalization effort.

One of those cards will be hand-delivered to Mr. Jules Goudy, a 101-year-old World War II veteran who recently recorded his service story with our museum volunteers – a fitting way to honor someone who has already given so generously of his own memories.

Photo provided

Welcoming new volunteer partners

We were glad to be joined by two volunteers from the City of Carmel Volunteer Program: Brittney Zhang, a local high school student, and Tina Mangos, a creative arts and dance teacher and member of the Carmel Arts Commission. Both greeted visitors warmly and added wonderful energy to the day’s conversations.

A generous surprise from a longtime supporter

One of the day’s true highlights was a $500 donation from Jessica Bricking, owner of Carmel Glass & Mirror. CG&M has been a steady, generous supporter of our museum for years, and as a nearby corporate neighbor, their continued belief in our mission means a great deal to our small, all-volunteer team.

A fitting coincidence

The event also coincided with the 236th birthday of the United States Coast Guard, adding an extra layer of remembrance to the day inside our museum’s main room.

Thank you for continuing to support our mission of preserving veterans’ stories for tomorrow. Days like this remind us why every story, every card, and every act of kindness matters.