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Ken-Ton Elementary Librarians Gifted "Kindness Suitcases"

 Librarians pose with suitcases and Paddington Bears

Earlier this month, the Holocaust Education Resource Organization (HERO) met with administrators and Ken-Ton elementary librarians to train them in the use of their newest initiative, The Kindness Suitcase. This interactive resource was specially designed for Gr. K-3 to focus on learning from the past in an age-appropriate manner, to promote kindness, mutual respect, tolerance, and empathy in our youngest learners.

HERO’s inspiration for the project stemmed from Sir Nicholas Winton who rescued 669 Czechoslovakian Jewish children during the Holocaust through the Kindertransport. Michael Bond, an author, was deeply moved by seeing these refugees enter Reading Station in England. Two decades later, Bond created Paddington Bear as an embodiment of the precious Kindertransport children. Paddington is a symbol of the refugee, and HERO’s ambassador of kindness.

Two librarians look through the resources in the Kindness Suitcase

Each specially packed suitcase contains 15 carefully curated books, 30 meaningfully relevant resources, and a Paddington Bear. Along with HERO staff, the elementary librarians brainstormed innovative ways that they could use The Kindness Suitcase to help empower their students to take positive action that will make a difference in their lives and in their community. The session ended with each elementary librarian leaving with a Kindness Suitcase that was gifted to them by the Buffalo Jewish Federation to be housed in their school library!