Sometimes a sign is all someone needs to change the world. For two sisters, the yard signs they spotted sparked an idea that transformed their entire hometown. The simple message, “Just Be Kind,” struck a nerve – after all, they had two other siblings who had Down Syndrome. “We have siblings with special needs,” Raegan Richins, 13, said.
And we both felt that people sometimes weren’t as kind to them as they should be.”
When Raegan and Rylyn Richins, 10, got back to their house, they immediately came up with a plan. The two would make their own colorful signs that said, “Be Kind.” That simple message touched the hearts of the residents in their town of La Grange. And soon, throughout their entire state of Kentucky.
From left, Leena, Liam, Rylyn and Raegan Richins pose for a picture in their Be Kind shirts. Photo by Scott Utterback
The girls used spray paint and wooden block letters to make their multi-colored signs, and then sold them for $10 each, donating all the proceeds to local charities. It started out small, they said, with a goal of selling 65 signs. Now, they have sold more than 3,000 signs and have raised more than $40,000 for the Humane Society, local food pantries and other organizations. Their signs cover their town, in shop windows and front yards.
“Kindness just makes the world a better place,” Rylyn said. The girls said they are still in shock over the recent move by their local city council and mayor to make their hometown “Kentucky’s kindness capital.” Helping others is something they have learned from their parents, Rhonda and Ryan.
The couple adopted two girls with Down syndrome after their son Kallen, who also had the disorder, died not long after birth. They also have a brother, Liam, and a sister, Lenna, who have Down syndrome. Another sister, Kendall, also had Down syndrome and sadly died in 2020. The sisters said making signs helped them during their grief.
It always lifted our mood,” Raegan said, “when Kendall was sick.”
Now, the yards around them are full of the signs they have made.
Rylyn and Raegan Richins. Photo courtesy of the Richins family
“I can’t tell you how many of our signs we see each day,” Raegan said. “But every time we see one, it makes us happy because we know we’re spreading kindness.” Their kindness even got them featured in an episode of “Home Town Kickstart Presented by People” hosted by HGTV stars Ben and Erin Napier. The show honors people who have made differences in their small-town communities.
They even got to see their message on a billboard over Times Square in New York City. “That,” Rylyn said, “was mind-blowing.” Now both sisters are working on making more signs, along with T-shirts and cards, as well as a book that they are both writing.
“An act of kindness doesn’t have to be something big. It can be as simple as holding the door open for someone, which is what I do at school all the time and it always makes me happy,” Raegan said. For a look at these two amazing girls, watch below!
Sources: People | Courier-Journal
