SEASON OF GIVING - 2025 RECAP
“It isn’t how much we give, but how much love we put into giving.” Each year Kindness 911 has the joy of making a donation on behalf of each of our Kindness 911 agencies to a charity of their choice that will impact their community. It is also a way we honor all those that have received Kindness Citations throughout the year. The Season of Giving can only be done through your generous, private donations we receive over the course of the year, and we thank you so much for doing so. This week we will share the 19 charities that were selected! We are posting them separately because they are all doing incredible work so take a couple minutes each day and honor them with us and here is to an amazing 2026.
We had the honor of celebrating the following:
* Fish of Albany - Albany PD
* Neighbors Helping Neighbors - Clark-Cowlitz Fire and Rescue
* Kids Center - Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office
* The Salvation Army - Gresham PD
* American Legion Post 84 – Malin PD
* Meals On Wheels – Mid-Columbia Fire and Rescue
* Believe In Your Community - Mt. Angel PD
* Camp Rosenbaum - Port of Portland PD
* Camp Rosenbaum - Portland Airport Fire & Rescue
* Central Oregon Autism Movement - Redmond PD
* Pink Lemonade Project - Ridgefield PD
* Spokane Police Foundation – Spokane PD
* Willamette Valley First Responder Chaplains - Stayton PD
* Santiam Integration Team - Stayton PD
* Act In Kindness Project – Tillamook PD
* Camp Rosenbaum - Vancouver PD
* ReFuel - Washougal PD
* Autism Society of Oregon – West Linn PD
Thank you all for impacting your community one kind act at a time!
KINDNESS COPS & CREW OF THE YEAR
CLASS OF 2025
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Each year Kindness 911 is honored to celebrate our Kindness Cops & Crew of the Year for their incredible commitment to their community and the energy they bring to the Kindness 911 Family.
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It is truly my honor to introduce you to this years five incredible recipients. Congratulations to the 2025 Kindness Cops & Crew of the Year:
-Division Chief Chris Grant, Mid Columbia Fire
-Officer Ed Richardson, Spokane PD
-Chief Gwen Johns, Stayton PD
-Chief Nick Troxel, Tillamook PD
-Officer Holly Musser, Vancouver PD
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Thank you all for setting the bar so high, for being such a positive member of your agency and for being awesome Kindness Cops and Crew members. Keep impacting your community one kind act at a time!
2025 KINDNESS 911 AGENCY OF THE YEAR
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It is truly an honor to present the Kindness 911 Agency of the Year for our second year! This honor is bestowed on the agency that issues the most Kindness Citations, social media posts, attendance at events and number of members actively engaged in the program. This year was a race to the very finish.
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Congratulations to the Port of Portland Police Department who you will find at the Portland International Airport! Thank you for your incredible work while integrating Kindness 911 into your agencies daily culture.
Keep impacting your community one kind act at a time!
WELCOME MIRA!
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Through our work with Oregon law enforcement agencies and the OACP (Oregon Association of Chiefs of Police) Kindness 911 was introduced to Darin Campbell, Director of Working Dogs Oregon back in 2024. He was a vendor at the OACP Conference (along with Burton who is now a comfort dog for the Multnomah County Sheriff's Office) and received a Kindness Citation for his amazing program. Darin also recently received a second Kindness Citation, completely by chance, from the University of Oregon PD who also has one of his comfort dogs! Working Dogs Oregon (WDO) is an education, advocacy and dog training nonprofit dedicated to the advancement of all dogs with jobs. WDO fully trains and donates dogs (patrol, comfort, service) to police departments and veterans at no cost to the recipient.
In November 2025 I was meeting with Darin at a coffee shop and he brought Mira, a comfort dog in training, along completely by chance. Mira is a showline western bred German Shepard. It was during this meeting that I felt a special connection with Mira. Periodically since that meeting I had asked how Mira was doing not anticipating having the conversation we are having right now…she was just a good pup. We had talked hypothetically many times of how a comfort dog would allow Kindness 911 to serve law enforcement, firefighters, students and those with special needs among many other populations. Darin liked the idea because when they invest so much into the training of one of these dogs, they want their skills to be utilized regularly.
On January 12th Working Dogs Oregon asked if Kindness 911 would be Mira’s new home and we were thrilled! She visits first responders on the regular, attends events and goes to work with me at my school where she gets to interact with middle schoolers all day and attends my Special Olympics Unified PE class also. Mira is truly performing MIRAcles!
KINDNESS CROSSROADS
Kindness Citation VPD-00793
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If you've been in the SW WA area for any length of time, you might have heard about this Italian pastor from New Jersey who wears dreadlocks and jams out on the bass at his church. That is Pastor Daniel Fusco of Crossroads Church. He's a dad and husband first before he puts on the pastor hat. Vancouver Police Officer Musser saw him before service at Crossroads and got to see him interacting with some other people before she had a chance to speak to him.
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Officer Musser shared, “It's so fun to watch as he is super down to earth and easy to talk to. Daniel is living proof that you can overcome a rocky start to life and make a difference. Every time Daniel speaks to someone, whether it's an old friend or someone completely new, he makes you feel as if you are the most important person. He genuinely cares about others and is generous with his time.”
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When Officer Musser issued him his Kindness Citation, he hilariously joked it was the first time he ever got cited for something positive. At Kindness 911, that’s what we love doing! Pastor Daniel is someone who loves people and can make them smile. Thank you Pastor Daniel, for making church fun and for being a bright spot in our community!
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Keep impacting your community one kind act at a time!
SERVING OTHERS
Kindness Citation APD-00929
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Chaplain Dean Aithwaite is the lead chaplain at the Willamette Valley First Responder Chaplains. While battling back from having the flu and feeling unwell, Chaplain Dean came in after Albany PD experienced two critical incidents in a 90 min time span. It was clear Dean did not feel well, but mustered the strength to care for first responders in need. APD is so grateful for Dean and his heart for put others needs before his own! His non-profit is all about caring for the first responders and the community. Dean rarely has a day off and often doesn't even take sick days when he needs to. Dean was built to serve!
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It was Chief Harnden’s honor to issue Dean a Kindness Citation for all he does. Willamette Valley First Responder Chaplains is usch a great organization. They depend on donations, support, and partnerships so that they can fully support others. Kindness 911 has had the privledge of supporting them over the years. Your thoughtful donations would mean a lot.
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Keep impacting your community one kind act at a time!
DRIVE THRU
Kindness Citation TPD-00155
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Have you ever met one of those people that just makes your day? Lacey with the Tillamook Police Department has. We are excited to introduce you to Mike! Lacey only knows Mike through the window of the Tillamook McDonald's drive thru but the light in his smile, every single day, touches everyone's heart that he serves on his shifts. It came to Lacey one day when she overheard two city employees talking about “the guy that always has the best attitude.” She immediately knew exactly who they were talking about! Not only is it his great customer service but it is also his above and beyond attitude will truly make your day. Mike is a man who takes pride in his job and changes people’s lives daily with just a smile and a greeting. Pretty amazing!
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It was the honor of Lacey, Officer Moreland and Jason Hattrick to issue Mike a Kindness Citation! This was truly a magical moment! After being issued his citation Mike shared, “It was an awesome experience to be given this citation. I owe everything to my community, my mother, my children, and my customers. This means everything to me, knowing that kindness matters and doing right by others goes a long way. It's just the right thing to do. Thank you again. I feel honored and proud. It’s been a privilege to receive this.”
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Keep impacting your community one kind act at a time!
SPECIAL TEACHER
Kindness Citation SPKPD-00851
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“Some see disabilities, but special education teachers see the possibilities.” Meet Darby, a local high school Special Education teacher. Teaching runs in her family as her mother is an elementary school teacher. From a young age, Darby knew she wanted to become a teacher, and while still in high school, she realized her passion was working with students who simply needed a little extra support and encouragement.
Spokane Police Officer Richardson has had the pleasure of seeing Darby’s care and dedication to her students. She treats them as if they were her own children, always showing patience, understanding, and genuine concern for their success and well-being. Darby’s energy is unmatched, she is constantly high-fiving students, dancing, cooking, and creating a positive and welcoming classroom.
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Darby teaches important life skills to students transitioning from high school into the adult world. She goes beyond academics by preparing her students for real-life responsibilities and independence.
Darby brings light, energy, and joy into everything she does. When students walk into her classroom, she instantly brightens their day. Her passion for teaching and her heart for students is make a lasting impact, not only on their education but on their lives.
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Officer Richardson was honored to present Darby with a Kindness Citation in recognition of her outstanding dedication, compassion, and commitment to students. After being cited Darby shared, “It made me feel really special and seen. THANK YOU!!” Keep impacting your community one kind act at a time!
GOOD MEDICINE
Kindness Citation MALIN-00002/3
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Eric and Dulce volunteer with Tayas Yawks. Tayas Yawks in the Klamath language translates to ‘medicine bag,’ and good medicine is exactly what they bring to the community. They bring the medicine trailer to Malin and offer services to the community that desperately need them.
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Tayas Yawks offer peer support, job resources and culturally specific services to people struggling with addiction and people returning from incarceration or addiction treatment. They focus on family values, culture and community.
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After being issued a Kindness Citation Eric shared, “To be honest it felt rather good going out and trying to better the communities every day can be exhausting. Being noticed and recognized by others in the community reminds me why it's important to be active and observant of what's going on and help where you can.”
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Keep impacting your community one kind act at a time!
NEIGHBORS
Kindness Citation SYPD-00102
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Victory and her family have been amazing neighbors to the Stayton Police Department.
They share a fence line and while the Police Department is part of a business district, they treat them as if they were any other neighbor in the neighborhood.
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They stop by at the holidays with treats and well wishes. They are thoughtful and kind and always warm and friendly to the staff. Victory is always quick with a smile and a wave, which can easily light up your day.
It was Chief Johns honor to issue this wonderful family a Kindness Citation. Keep impacting your community one kind act at a time!
FIRE SAFETY
Kindness Citations MCFR-00351 thru 00354
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Mid-Columbia Fire and Rescue is proud to recognize the Firefighters and Fire Prevention Specialists of the Columbia Gorge. Their participation in Team Teaching to share fire safety strategies with first and second-grade students in our region is amazing. Members of the US Forest Service, Oregon Department of Forestry, and local fire agencies team up each Spring to educate students on a multitude of fire safety topics. From outdoor fire safety to not touching lighters and matches. Teaching how to ensure a campfire is extinguished before leaving camp to calling 911 and reporting an emergency. Plus having a home escape plan, knowing two ways out of your home and having a family meeting spot.
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This is a true team effort that is endorsed by Smokey Bear and Sparky the Fire Dog! Keep impacting your community one kind act at a time!
DISPATCH TIME!
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National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week is super important as all first responders rely on their dispatchers and they do so much. Last night, Kindness 911 and Mira wanted to celebrate these amazing people with a visit to CRESA, the 911 Dispatch Center. Mira got to visit all the dispatchers and got lots of love (and a snack). In return they all got yellow line wristbands and the brand new Mira sticker!
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To top it off Mira grabbed a station, dawned her headset, and took all the calls regarding barking dogs and cats in the tree! Thank you all for what you do.
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Keep impacting your community one kind act (and call) at a time!
P.A.L.
Kindness Citations VPD-00797 thru 800
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If you've ever had kids, come home and start talking about "PAL," you might be wondering what it is. Vancouver Police Officer Musser has been in policing for over 20 years and has seen up close, the difference the PAL team can make. PAL is the Police Activities League and their mission is: "To foster and facilitate positive relationships between law enforcement and youth."
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The PAL team connects police with kids from all over our County and provides an environment where positive relationships grow. The PAL team includes Jesse Jimenez, Eli Shreves, Matthew Cruz, and Amanda Vey. Whether it's leading a CSI night, reading books to kids, providing sport teams opportunities, mentoring a classroom with cops, the PAL team is exceptional at what they do. They work countless hours to make sure every kid is seen and heard and come away with a positive interaction with police.
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Officer Musser shared, “I feel like a superstar as the PAL team hypes us up and kids are asking for OUR autographs! How cool is that? Have a teen? PAL hosts a teen late night as an option for teens to gather in a safe place and have fun with police. The PAL team is always looking for a good adventure and new ways to help police and kids work together. It's so much fun to be a part of their team and their kindness citations are way overdue!”
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Keep impacting your community one kind act at a time!
WASHOUGAL CREATIVE
Kindness Citation WPD-00600
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Meet Corinthia (right) who is new to the City of Washougal! She works as the Parks and Recreation program manager. She set-up an amazing community pop-up event, with tons of volunteers, to invite community members to come down and do arts and crafts. Participants could also paint rocks and bricks that will eventually become a walkway at the new Beaver Park.
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Thank you for impacting your community one kind act (and piece of art) at a time!
LIVE, WORK, PLAY
Albany PD Kindness Citation
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“Gratitude sweetens even the smallest moments.” The Albany Oregon Police Department is proud to serve such a compassionate and supportive community.
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On this day, Chief Harnden presented Northside Church and Good Grounds Coffee with Kindness Citations for going above and beyond to show first responders that they are appreciated. This is another reminder of why APD care for the community they live, work and play in.
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Keep impacting your community one kind act at a time!
DO GOOD. BE KIND.
Kindness Citation K911-01530
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I have attended several events with my Kindness Cops in Central Oregon and there is a food truck that seems to always be there supporting their amazing work. The Corndog Company of Central Oregon has literally the best corndogs ever!!! When I arrived at the Special Olympics Polar Plunge in Bend yesterday, I am not gonna lie, when I saw their truck, I was excited!
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I have had their food but today was extra special. I got to mee Lunch (yes, you heard me right) their owner. Not only did he serve me an amazing meal but he and I got to chat and discover the similarities in life experiences that we have revolving around kindness. I truly could have sat and chatted with him all day long but I know that we will connect again soon.
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To my new friend, it was an honor to issue you a Kindness Citation for your service and care for your community. Thank you for blessing everyone you get to serve. Keep impacting your community one kind act at a time!
FURRY FRIENDS
DCSO Kindness Citation
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Greyhound Pet Adoption Northwest is a non-profit all-volunteer, foster-based greyhound adoption organization, dedicated to placing greyhounds bred to race in loving homes throughout Oregon and S.W. Washington. Why adopt a Greyhound? Most Greyhounds are quiet, clean, laid-back, easygoing and loving dogs. They reward their adopters with affection and a sense of trusting, deep companionship.
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Carol helps run Greyhound Pet Adoption Northwest. Sergeant Graham with the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office and his wife just adopted their second greyhound through the organization. Carol has been rescuing greyhounds since 1993. She always is willing to answer any questions they have. For their most recent adoption, Carol handpicked their newest furbaby out of a rescue group knowing what worked best for them.
It was Deputy Graham’s pleasure to issue a Carol a well deserved Kindness Citation. Carol and GPA NW are a blessing for the greyhound community. Keep impacting your community one kind act at a time!
SCAN HERE
Kindness Citation RDMPD-00339/340
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Redmond Oregon Police Chief Lewis had the privledge of issuing Kindness CItation to Amanda and Alan from FIXBend. THey are a local nonprofit who work with adopting pets. On this day they installed a lost pet microchip reader at the Redmond Police Department. Now, anyone who picks up a lost pet can bring them to the PD and scan them to see if they have a chip and then follow instructions to reunite the pet back with their family. This is all done free of charge!
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After being issued their Kindness Citaitons Amanda shared, “Receiving the Kindness Citation was unexpected and really meaningful. Installing the microchip reader station was simply about helping lost pets get home faster while giving our community another tool to reunite families with their animals. It was incredibly kind of the Redmond Police Department to recognize that effort. Moments like this are a reminder of how much good can happen when communities work together to help both people and pets.“
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Keep impacting your community one kind act (and furry friend) at a time!
TRACTOR PUP
Kindness Citation K911-01618
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Mira issued her first Kindness Citation yesterday! Tractor Supply in Ridgefield, WA truly cares for those in their community. I had recently gone in to drop off some paperwork in regards to a donation. That’s when we met Morgan! Morgan is a manager at the store and you can just tell she loves what she does. We told her what we do and about Mira’s story and she offered us a big discount on Mira’s food on the spot.
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As I pondered our interaction it kept reoccurring to me that she didn’t have to but she wanted to. That is a true gift! We stopped by again yesterday to give Mira a bath at their self wash and as we entered Morgan popped around the counter and gave Mira the best welcome. Then, on our way out, Justin offered her a yummy treat (Mira liked the meatball treats)!
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Morgan, thank you for caring for your community. Thank you for your kindness and generosity. Thank you for impacting your community one kind act (and pup) at a time!