The Be Kind People Project has received a $50,000 grant from Thunderbirds Charities that will benefit their The BE KIND MAKE a DIFFERENCE May Community Initiative. The initiative will serve thousands of low-income students throughout Maricopa County. Included in the initiative is: The BE KIND MAKE a DIFFERENCE May Essay Contest (including student and teacher prizes as well as all-school prizes of school assemblies), volunteer opportunities for youth and their families hosted at The BE KIND Community Education Center, distribution of 2500 BE KIND Care Packs for individuals experiencing homelessness throughout Maricopa County, and outstanding youth and community recognition during the RISE and SHINE event on May 6, 2025.

“We are beyond grateful to the Thunderbirds for their generous contribution to the community and to The Be Kind People Project and our upcoming May Community Initiative,” said Be Kind People Project CEO Marcia Meyer. “This is a comprehensive and far-reaching initiative that we expect to permeate deep within Maricopa County communities, and it couldn’t have been possible without this gift.”

In addition to the initiative in May, The Be Kind People Project will be distributing 25,000 MAKE a DIFFERENCE and May Essay Contest posters to schools around the Valley in February 2025. The Essay contest is one of The Be Kind People Project’s most popular programs, with thousands of essays being submitted every year. Contests are broken up into four age groups: Kindergarten, 1st-2nd grade, 3rd-5th grade and 6th-8th grade.

“The Thunderbirds are always looking for new ways to give back to our community and give to organizations who we know will use the funds in a positive way, The Be Kind People Project do just that,” said George Thimsen, President Thunderbirds Charities. “We are really looking forward to seeing the results and impact of this important MAKE a DIFFERENCE May Community Initiative.”