Othello to celebrate Kindness Week October 13-20

Othello — Throughout the week of Oct. 13-20, Othello residents will be going out of their way to show kindness to others.

The week of kindness is being spurred on by the memory Kyle Lutey, a 10-year-old who passed away unexpectedly last year on Oct. 13. Kyle was known as an outgoing, generous young man who spread kindness wherever he went.

“He never knew a stranger,” said Lisa Lutey, Kyle’s mom. “If you were a stranger, you’d become a friend. He had a charming, outgoing personality that drew people to him.”

After Kyle’s passing, his family heard story after story of how their son had impacted those around him. The year he died, Kyle, a homeschool student, had started attending his local elementary school for one class period a day. The school’s counselor told Kyle’s dad that everyone in the school knew Kyle, including the kindergartners.

Another time, Kyle saw a teacher out his car window and insisted on yelling hello. That teacher was having a bad day. Kyle’s act brightened their day.

“We’ve heard story after story of where he would do that to people,” Lutey said.

After Kyle’s death, his parents started the Smile for Kyle Fund which helps the children of Othello have opportunities that Kyle never had a chance to experience.

“It is something that we decided to do,” Lutey said. “Kyle got a bassoon strap from his music teacher. He never got to use it. We are giving kids opportunities. All the money goes directly to the children of Othello.”

The family also created a Facebook page where people could record their memories of Kyle and tell how he had impacted their lives.

In preparing for the one-year anniversary of Kyle’s passing, Lutey decided to do something positive to remember her son. She invited friends and Kyle’s fellow students over to the family’s home to discuss what they could do. The result was Kindness Week.

“We want to saturate Othello with acts of kindness,” Lutey said. “We want to share love with our neighbors. Kindness can bring people together and can transform the community.”

The theme for the week is “superheroes.”

“Kyle was all boy,” Lutey said. “He was always doing tricks and stunts. He loved Avengers. We chose the superhero theme. Use your super power — be kind. It is something we can do and make a difference.”

The members of the group of Lutey’s house have taken the idea and spread it to their schools. McFarland Middle School and Othello High School have plans to do food, coat and blanket drives. Scootney Elementary School has assigned kindness activities, such as writing a thank you note, to each day of the week. All three schools will be doing spirit activities, such as wearing various colors to bring awareness to causes such as breast cancer.

Other people throughout the community are coming up with their own ways to show kindness. One person is doing a drive for the Adams County Pet Rescue. Another is baking bread for the neighbors on their street. Others are doing art activities, flash music mobs and a dance. There will also be a community worship service on Sunday, Oct. 20.

“Everyone can think of something,” Lutey said.

Lutey mentioned that a few people in Moses Lake who knew Kyle are getting involved. She would love to see what other ideas people have and to see how far Kindness Week spreads. Lutey is working on compiling a schedule of activities that will be happening throughout the week so others can participate.

More information on Kindness Week can be found on the Kindness Week event section of the Facebook page “In Loving Memory of William Kyle Lutey~Your Bright Light will Shine Forever” or on the “Othello Yard Sale Online” Facebook page.

Rachal Pinkerton may be reached via email at rpinkerton@suntribunenews.com.