KOKOMO, Ind. — What the world needs now is love, sweet love.
Celebrate Valentine’s Day with kind words at Indiana University Kokomo, with a program focused on love letters — and then share a positive message through painting.
Hannah Brencher will share the story of The World Needs More Love Letters, the not-for-profit she founded in 2011, to provide community service through the written word. She will speak at 11:30 a.m. in Kresge Auditorium. The event is free and open to the public.
It’s inspiring to see someone so young be so successful, by taking a good idea and rolling with it,” said Brooke Runyon, graduate assistant for student life and campus diversity. She added that because Brencher is close in age to college students, they will be able to relate to her story.
The campus and community are also invited to take action, by painting a kindness rock in Alumni Hall between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Students will hide the rocks on campus and around Kokomo after the event, to share the words of encouragement.
Runyon is excited to offer an opportunity to not only hear an uplifting speaker, but to immediately follow her example with the kindness rocks project.
Hannah offers powerful insight to how depression, the need for connection, and the power of the written word changed her world, and the role belongingness plays in our lives,” she said. “These are all issues that impact college students, and we are glad to address the mental health aspect of it.”
Brencher began her mission after moving to New York City shortly after graduating from college. As a means to cope with depression, she began leaving letters around the city for residents, visitors, and commuters to find, writing “If you find this letter, it’s for you,” on the front.
The simple act of leaving a handwritten note grew into The World Needs More Love Letters which has reached all 50 states, more than 73 countries and 100 college campuses, and delivered more than 250,000 love letters to people in need.
For more information, go to moreloveletters.com
Indiana University Kokomo serves north central Indiana.