Buckets of Kindness: Sharing Positivity with Young Readers at Storybook Village

Shoutout to Nathalie Oquendo and the Kaiser University team for their heartwarming project with STUDENTS Speak Up for Kids

At this year’s Storybook Village, Nathalie Oquendo brought the uplifting message of Have You Filled a Bucket Today? to life through a thoughtful and engaging activity focused on kindness, empathy, and emotional connection. The booth welcomed over 200 children who explored how small acts of caring can help fill someone else’s “bucket” while also filling their own.

Through colorful visuals, hands-on activities, and friendly conversation, young visitors learned the importance of showing kindness to others. Children left with a greater understanding of how words and actions can make a positive difference in someone’s day.

Why This Matters

Many children, especially those in foster care, benefit deeply from being reminded that they are valued and capable of kindness. This project created a safe and positive environment where every child was encouraged to reflect on how they can build others up and recognize their own self-worth.

Nathalie and the team created an experience that blended emotional learning with fun, leaving a lasting impression on everyone who participated.

Get Involved

Projects like this show that even the simplest lessons can carry the biggest impact. Whether it’s through story-themed activities, volunteering, or emotional support, STUDENTS Speak Up for Kids gives students and community members the opportunity to spread kindness and create meaningful connections.

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