Belmont County Chief Deputy James Zusack helps 3-year-old Kane Nelson fill out his kindness pledge during the Random Acts of Kindness initiative kickoff at the Ohio Valley Mall on Wednesday. T-L Photo/CARRI GRAHAM

ST. CLAIRSVILLE — The Ohio Valley Mall, along with its partners Trinity Health System and the Belmont County Sheriff’s Office, is helping to spread kindness this month through the annual Explore Kindness Campaign.

Representatives from each of the partners gathered around as the first child took the pledge for this year’s Random Acts of Kindness initiative on Wednesday inside the mall. Chief Deputy James Zusack administered the kindness pledge to 3-year-old Kane Nelson, who had a smile on his face as he raised his right hand and listened to the pledge’s words promising to be kind to others. Nelson then signed the pledge and his name was added to the kindness poster that hangs inside the center court area of the mall.

Candi Noble-Greathouse, marketing director for the mall, said the initiative, which first began in 2012, encourages children to treat each other with respect and perform acts of kindness for one another.

“It’s going to run all month long right here at the mall center court. We’re asking the children to take the kindness pledge to not be a bully and always be kind and to share their toys, and we’re going to be doing that straight through Oct. 31,” she said.

Noble-Greathouse said teaching children to be kind at a young age is important to prevent bullying early on and keep it out of the schools.

“For years we have been promoting anti-bullying and this year, as well as the last few years, we are doing kindness. Studies show that bullies need to learn kindness and if it’s started at a young age, maybe we’ll have less bullies. Everyone learns how to handle different situations, and with this pledge … children at a young age can learn — picking up toys, opening the door for somebody — and of course that will help them become more kind individuals,” she said.

Noble-Greathouse said all are invited to take the pledge and sign up for random acts of kindness.

Jessica Kelley, community outreach specialist at Trinity Health System, said its motto is “Kindness Begins with a Smile.” She said the system will be providing games, prizes and giveaways for the events this month.

“It really aligns with our core values and what we’re doing. … It’s been really great every year,” she said of the initiative.

The campaign is held amid Bully Prevention Month and Kindness Month in October. A variety of games and activities on the calendar at the mall to help promote kindness. Noble-Greathouse said a Halloween costume party will be held at noon Oct. 22 with a friendship march set for 2 p.m.

“We’ll have Captain McFin leading the way and children will pledge to be kind and along the way they will find some treats,” she said.

Details about all the upcoming events can be found on the mall’s website.