“The Chief Logan Lions are always looking for unique, engaging ways to support our community and potentially grow our club,” shared Jennifer Wingard. “The Kindness Meter was a simple, visible way to remind people that kindness–whether in the form of a smile, a kind word/thought, or a few coins–adds up and creates a stronger, more caring community.”

Since 1958, the Chief Logan Lions Club has been “grateful to exist in such a caring community” as Mifflin County. The club has attended community events with their french fry truck, with all sales being utilized in various community engagements such as scholarships, donations to local non-profit organizations, purchases of needed medical devices such as eyeglasses, and more.

The Kindness Meter is meant to be a “new symbol” of what can be achieved when the community comes together, reminding everyone that kindness does not have to be big or grand to make an impact and “even a little change can change a lot”

Earlier this year the club began brainstorming fresh ideas for fundraising, community engagement, and potential new member signup. According to Wingard, the idea for the Kindness Meter is credited to Lions Club members who wanted a fun and creative way to encourage acts of giving in the community.

The Kindness Meter will be traveling to local community events along with the Chief Logan Lion Club french fry truck. Pictured in the french fry truck before the opening of Mifflin COunty Youth Fair is Paige Miller (left), Lion Hunter Corbin, and Jennifer Wingard.

Around the same time the club was discussing new ideas, a child’s coin bank shaped like a parking meter was listed on a local Facebook auction page.

“A member of the Chief Logan Lions Club realized that by fortifying the structure and adding the signage, it could be transformed into a “Kindness Meter” where small change could make a big difference,” said Wingard.

Wingard shared that with Lion Gail Mayes’, Chief Logan Lions Club president, approval, Lion Brad Wingard, vice-president, purchased the necessary supplies to refurbish the bank following an idea that a Lions Club member had seen online which was done with actual retired metal parking meters permanently installed in those communities. However, the structurally improved child’s bank is more easily transported in the french fry trailer to events around Mifflin County.

All monies collected through the Kindness Meter will go directly back into the community. Funds will be used to support local community outreach such as the annual backpack giveaway, eyeglass assistance, and other community service projects.

Wingard shared that the goal of this fundraiser is twofold: to raise funds that directly benefit local service projects and to spark joy and awareness in the community.

“The Chief Logan Lions hope it reminds people that small acts of kindness truly make a difference. The simplicity of the Kindness Meter concept helps it spread through social media and word of mouth,” said Wingard. “For a lot of people, coins feel like they are not worth anything, but they do add up.”

Small change can be found almost anywhere, such as in jars, drawers, and pockets/pocketbooks. What seems like an insignificant donation to the Kindness Meter can add up to be more significant than some may realize.

“The community response has been overwhelmingly positive,” said Wingard. “People have shared smiles along with their spare change — which proves that it is not only about giving but also about the creative spirit behind the Kindness Meter.”

For the remainder of 2025, the Kindness Meter will be at Burnham Community Day on Aug. 30, Rothrock Fair on Sept. 11 through 13, A Day of Hope on Sept. 21, and Hartslog Day Heritage Festival Oct. 11, sitting outside the Lions Club french fry truck. There have been no plans made to set the meter at a permanent location.