In addition to freshly brewed internationally grown coffee, Link's Sweet Bean in Wilmette now also serves handy kits for spreading smiles and kindness to its youngest clientele.   Starting November 18, Kindness Connection Kits(TM)–small charitable projects that children can create–will be a new addition to the Link's menu.

Developed by The Kindness Connection, a Wilmette-based nonprofit dedicated to service learning and inspiring the next generation of volunteers, the kits will retail at Link's for $10 each.

Owner Lourdes Link was intrigued by the notion that parents could engage with their children in a meaningful, charitable activity while enjoying lunch or a snack at Link's.

The first kit available at Link's Sweet Bean will feature craft items to create a notebook and flower pen set for lonely elders served by non-profit Little Brothers-Friends of the Elderly. The project is for children ages 4 and up and includes information on the recipient charity as well as facts about the overall importance of kindness.

The Kindness Connection's Executive Director, Eva Lu-Bonn, said, "It is our hope that through these kits, parents and their elementary school children will enter a dialogue and reflect on the value of giving while they create something kind for someone in need."

Link's Sweet Bean will be a drop-off location for completed kits, which are then delivered by The Kindness Connection to recipient charities.

Since 2006, The Kindness Connection has brought meaningful service learning programs to elementary schools, businesses and individuals on The North Shore and beyond.