This is Lucy, an angel taken from her family at the tender age of 1 1/2 by pediatric cancer. She has, however, lived on as great acts of kindness and love are performed in her memory, and in her name.

My children have participated in Lucy's Kids for Peace (a Kansas City chapter of Kids for Peace created in her honor) for several years. From book drives to multicultural fairs to planting gardens, Lucy's Kids for Peace touches upon all the things we want our children to be. Here is our pledge:

I pledge to use my words to speak in a kind way.

I pledge to help others as I go throughout my day.

I pledge to care for our earth with my healing heart and hands.

I pledge to respect people in each and every land.

I pledge to join together as we unite the big and small.

I pledge to do my part to create PEACE for one and all.

One of our family's favorite Lucy's Kids for Peace events just occurred, before Thanksgiving, and we were honored to participate once again. This event, "The Thanksgiving Project" has multiple sub-projects within it, including:

1. Drawing pictures and writing cards to send to military personnel, wishing them happy holidays and thanking them for their service.

2. Creating hand-made holiday centerpieces to adorn the tables at nursing homes and at a group home for adults with disabilities.

3. Assembling "giving plates" of cookies to share with those we love.

4. And, by the far the greatest task of the day: assembling donated food and supplies to prepare Thanksgiving meals for 35 local families (to be delivered by us, members of Lucy's Kids for Peace, in person).

This event defines kindness and generosity of spirit. Going to sleep that night, my 5-year old daughter said that her "heart felt full" after sharing kindness that day with our friends from Lucy's Kids for Peace.

Lucy's Kids for Peace teaches our children what kindness truly means, by helping them live it. And we can't wait for the next project—to take place in December—through which we will deliver toys, pajamas, and books to children in need. The best part about this upcoming event is that all of the kids—ours and the children receiving our gifts—play together for the day, in their pajamas, experiencing the joy and kindness that is most important for our children to experience. We thank Lucy's Kids for Peace for showing our children what kindness means, and we thank Lucy for allowing her spirit to guide us on our mission.

http://www.lucyskidsforpeace.com/