For seniors at Ludlow High School, overcoming challenges caused by the pandemic aren't the only obstacles they have had to face.

"As a class, we've had some pretty tough years in the past," said Danielle Smith, a senior at Ludlow High School.

Stephanie Fernandes, the senior class advisor and an English teacher at the school, agreed and said this year has been hard on the students. 

"They lost a classmate this year, they had to face it alone because of the pandemic," she said. "They weren't in the school with their teachers. They weren't in the school with their classmates."

In addition, activities the senior class would typically be doing this year have also been halted.

"Everything they have been looking forward to throughout their whole high school careers basically just evaporated overnight," said Ben Bovee, a member of the Advisory Board for Ludlow Cares Coalition.

The Ludlow Cares Coalition started a campaign to encourage people to do random acts of kindness, and when the community hits 2,021 submissions of care, they will donate $2,021 to the senior class.

"We wanted to do something that would bring some positivity to the community, also try and help out those seniors," said Bovee.

Seniors, like Smith, appreciate the support.

"It is really nice to see the community helping us out," Smith said.

Anyone can participate. When you do a random act of kindness, post a photo on social media (Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter) with #ShareTheCare2021, and tag the Ludlow Cares Coalition.

"We do sticky notes of kindness and positive messages throughout the school. I'll leave one for the next classmate who will be in my seat the next period," said Smith. "A lot of times, classmates will get each other coffee and that’s all excellent examples of spreading positivity and sharing the care."

Not only is this initiative raising money for the senior class, but it's also encouraging students, and others in the community, to do something nice for someone else, especially during a time where kindness is needed the most.

"It's the hope as a teacher that every lesson you teach is a life lesson they will use eventually and maybe this one will be the one that gets them, you know?" said Fernandes.

More information about the campaign can be read here.