'Kidz Showing Kindness' gets Scott families involved in volunteering Published May 15, 2013 By Airman Megan Friedl 375th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. -- Scott children are helping surrounding communities while learning valuable skills that may last them a lifetime. "Kidz Showing Kindness" is a program founded by Christy Gilliland, a military spouse, aimed at getting children and their families more involved in volunteering. Gilliland said she wanted to create this organization in hopes to instill compassion, kindness, empathy and service to children. "I saw that there was a need in this area," Gilliland said. "Naturally, people want to help. However, people don't always have the time to find the various opportunities in the area." The program started in a neighborhood where parents wanted to get involved and volunteer with their children. "There are 57 families now involved with Kidz Showing Kindness, and about 75 percent of those are military families from Scott," said Angela Mayfield, program volunteer. Every volunteer opportunity is geared toward the children working with their parents to complete projects. Every month they have participated in an event. During their first event, Valentine's Day, they delivered baked goods to senior citizens at Terrace on the Park, a senior community living center. Recently, the group made comfort bags for families at the St. Louis Children's Hospital, and also assisted the O'Fallon City Garden Club, where food is grown and then donated to the City Food bank. Upcoming events include helping the Ronald McDonald House, and a car wash with proceeds going to charity organizations. The children are also slated to help with a Salute to Scott cleanup June 8. "We are doing this to show the kids that it's great to be out there giving back to the community," said Gilliland. "They have fun doing it, and they're happy with themselves for making a difference." For more information or to get involved email info@kidzshowingkindness.org.