Celebrate Kindness Day In Bolingbrook On Saturday

BOLINGBROOK, IL — Kindness Day Bolingbrook will return Saturday, featuring a day of free family-friendly activities celebrating compassion, community and service, the Village of Bolingbrook shared in a news release.

The annual event will feature a special Make-A-Wish pre-celebration, free Kindness Bags, complimentary ice cream and popsicles, kindness-themed Storytimes, opportunities to contribute to the second edition of the Kindness Storybook and more.

“We’ve celebrated Kindness Day since the Village of Bolingbrook first introduced the proclamation in 2018 in honor of the incredible community that supported our daughter, Super Sammy, during her difficult medical journey,” said Marissa Yelenosky, co-founder of Kindness Day Bolingbrook. “The kindness, care and encouragement Sammy received from students, teachers, community leaders, friends and family helped her regain the ability to walk again and accomplish so much in her life. That’s why we continue sharing our story and reminding others of the powerful impact kindness can have.”

Sammy’s story is also shared in the children’s book Super Sammy, written by her brother and sister to encourage kindness and resilience, Marissa shared. The book is available in public and school libraries throughout Bolingbrook and Aurora.

In addition, there are three Kindness Murals throughout Bolingbrook — at Pioneer Elementary School, Central Park Pavilion and Bolingbrook High School. Stories highlighting acts of kindness throughout the community are featured in the first edition of the Kindness Storybook, also available at the Fountaindale Public Library. Community members from Kindergarten to High School can submit stories for the second edition, and selected contributors will receive a complimentary copy of the book, according to a news release.

This year’s celebration will also include a special Make-A-Wish pre-celebration for a young boy, Leland, who has been diagnosed with Sanfilippo Syndrome Type A. Leland and his family will enjoy a day of activities and community recognition throughout Bolingbrook, including breakfast at Charlie’s Restaurant, gaming at Prince Arcades, a special ceremony at Fountaindale Public Library with the Mayor of Bolingbrook, lunch at Ashbury’s at Boughton Ridge and a Storytime at Barnes & Noble Bolingbrook. The family will also enjoy a private session at Big Time Ninja Gym on a separate day, a news release shares.

Kindness Day Bolingbrook 2026 Activities

9 a.m. – 6 p.m. | Fountaindale Public Library (300 W. Briarcliff Road)

A full day of Kindness Day activities, including free Kindness Bags while supplies last. Activities include:

• Kindness letter and card making
• “Write Your Kindness Story” stations and Kindness kits
• Kindness Day Storytime: 10:30 – 11 a.m.
• Love on a Leash visit: 11 – 11:45 a.m.
• Kindness Ambassador & Make-A-Wish Family Recognition Ceremony: Noon – 12:30 p.m.
• More information: www.fountaindale.org/kindness-day-2026/

10 a.m. – 9 p.m. | Taco Dale Bolingbrook & Ilda’s Ice Cream and Pastries (1196 W. Boughton Road)
Show your Kindness Bag or Kindness Coupon and receive one free ice cream cup or paleta/ popsicle. If you don’t have a Kindness Bag or coupon you can get a free treat with the purchase of an entrée.

8 a.m. – 11 a.m. and 2 – 5 p.m. | Dog Dayze Doggie Daycare & Boarding (570 W. Boughton Road)
Visitors will receive a complimentary pup cup for their dogs.

3 – 4 p.m. | Barnes & Noble Bolingbrook (631 E. Boughton Road)
Kindness Storytime in English and Spanish. The first 20 children will receive a kindness gift from Spanish Ladder.