The Grinch better not come near Pleasant Valley Middle School. Just walking down its hallways makes your heart swell at least a couple of sizes.

Throughout the fall semester, students have taken part in programs designed to make kindness top of mind. And to put those lessons into action. Miss Kansas Lauren Werhan and I recently addressed the student body to explain Greteman Group’s Do the Deed initiative. (Miss Kansas has adopted Do the Deed as part of her platform.) The kids are about to tackle it next. Look out, world.

Learning by Example

As I watched the students listening to Lauren and asking questions, it was clear they were eager to put the plan into action. They were obviously inspired by Lauren’s personal experiences with serving the homeless and those less fortunate. We ran out of Do the Deed cards to hand out, which I considered a really good problem. (Don’t worry, I dropped off more later) You’ll want to check out the deed suggestions from Miss Kansas. “Remember, pretty is as pretty does.” “Donate clothes, and not just yesterday’s fashion disasters.” Flash those pearly whites and light up a room – and a life.” Lauren proves that you don’t have to be stuffy to be a good Samaritan. You can download the one-sheet yourself here.

Check out deed suggestions – or post your own – at DoTheDeed.org