U.S. Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-8) looked overwhelmed Saturday as he wandered through Piney Branch Elementary School talking and shaking hands with the hundreds of people who brought donations of all kinds in honor of his son, Tommy, who died by suicide.
Kindness Day has become an annual event begun by Raskin’s family to keep his son’s memory and good deeds alive.
Led by Small Things Matter, volunteers of all ages sorted the donated food, toiletries, cleaning supplies, blankets, dog toys and Legos to hand out to the many grateful residents.
Wellpoint, which offers low-cost health insurance, donated 150 boxes with about 10 pounds worth of produce in each box to give away to anyone who wanted.
Clarksburg High School student Morgan Quarles gave away lots of masks that she began making during the pandemic. She worked at a table helping children decorate their masks.
She estimated that she has made between 300 and 400 masks.
Boy and girls scouts from Rockville, high school students throughout the county and many area nonprofits participated.
There were plenty of craft tables where youngsters decorated lunch bags, created beaded key chains and painted stones.
All participants were asked to write a short message of a kindness act they have performed or a memory they have of Tommy. Those messages are being turned into a book for the Raskin family.
The community was out in force today for Kindness Day in Honor of Tommy Raskin. Thanks to Small Things Matter and all the groups supporting acts of kindness for today and every day. @STMdotorg pic.twitter.com/F1GizTsJVc
— Lorig Charkoudian (@LCharkoudian) January 27, 2024
Thanks to everyone who came out to Kindness Day in Honor of Tommy Raskin! pic.twitter.com/3gBgBM3ZhK
— Small Things Matter (@STMdotorg) January 27, 2024
Photo courtesy @LCharkoudian on X
