Saco Middle School students spent Oct. 3 spreading kindness as part of the school’s annual “Raise Craze” event organized by the Parent Teacher Organization.

Throughout the day, students completed nearly 1,000 acts of kindness, contributing to a month-long goal of 3,000 acts of service across the community.

“The goal was to get students out into the community and organizations to give back,” Principal Marie Soucy told the Courier.

Created by the PTO last year, “Raise Craze” encourages students to raise money by gathering sponsors and completing acts of service throughout Saco.

Throughout the day, groups of students worked on a variety of projects designed to make a difference in the lives of local residents.

Some students cleaned and weeded gardens, some visited the police and fire departments with “thank you” cards and treats, and some put together toiletry bags for Maine Needs, an organization that helps families in need meet their basic material needs.

These are just a few of the activities students participated in – others decorated City Hall, provided breakfast for the senior group at the Community Center, and cleaned up the beach.

“Some of the kids were really excited about what they did and they want to go back,” Soucy said.

A group of eighth grade students spent time at the Saco Veterans Clinic, and they already plan to return.

Last year, a student left kind notes on lockers throughout Saco Middle School. Acts like these show that Kindness Day has an impact on the students, Soucy said.

“It was great to see students out in the community getting involved with groups that they probably wouldn’t have had a chance to,” Soucy said. “It opens their eyes to what’s out there in the community.”

As a fundraising event for the PTO, “Raise Craze” will continue over the next few weeks, and the PTO hopes to raise at least $12,000.

Students and community members are also encouraged to continue performing acts of kindness throughout Saco.

Superintendent Jeremy Ray told the Courier that the enthusiasm and commitment from Saco students to reach the goal of 3,000 acts of kindness by the end of October shows that young people are not just excelling academically, but are also developing into compassionate, engaged citizens who understand the power of giving back to their community.

“I couldn’t be more proud of our Saco Middle School students and staff for their incredible efforts during our recent ‘Raise Craze’ event,” Ray said.