Ben's Bells

What's not to love. Ben's Bells is has been such a positive influence on promoting kindness throughout our communities it is just amazing! I always love to stop by their gift shop and get something fun to brighten someone else's day.

This is one of the best non profit's in Tucson which shares Kindness. I give the bells and coins as gifts to people I work with and to my clients. It's a little gift which means so much to the person who receives it. The studio is open to whoever wants to stop by and volunteer. I've been many times with my boys. It's always fun. It's a wonderful cause.

I first heard about Ben's Bells a couple of years ago. My mother-in-law cut out an article about the organization and I was extremely touched by their mission. (Read the "about us" section on their website and you will be too. You may want to have some kleenex ready also). I knew at that time that I would eventually make it a priority to support them somehow, and that opportunity came just last week during a quick trip to Tucson. My husband's birthday was this past weekend, and when I asked him what he wanted for his birthday, he told me he wanted to do some random acts of kindness. Of course, we try to "be kind" every day, but this tied in extremely well to the Ben's Bells organization, so I knew I had to go by to support them when I was in Tucson. I did just that. I didn't have time to stay and paint, but I did make a donation and purchased some bells, charms, wind chimes, bags, and bumper stickers to share with friends, family, and strangers here in Phoenix... Of course, I love the "Be Kind" logo and messaging and just wish that everyone in this crazy world we live in, would really take the time to do so.I know that since Ben passed away in 2002, his memory and family have touched the lives of many, and I only hope that this fabulous organization will continue to grow and make our world a better place in the years to come. If you're reading this review, please take a moment to be kind to someone and perhaps support Ben's Bells by donating, painting, stopping by, or passing along their story. We can make a difference together!

Ben's Bells is a great service organization. I'm attaching a link to the website for folks who want the full details. (http://www.bensbells.org) For everyone else...think a fun day painting in a beautiful courtyard in Geronimo Plaza at the U of A chatting with friends while helping to spread kindness. I took my nephew a last week when he was down for a visit and we had a great time decorating Kindness Coins which are used in the school programs similar to the "Pay It Forward" idea..That pretty sums up the Ben's Bells experience. So, if you want something new to do, try Ben's Bells on for sizeIt's Free! It's Fun! It's For Tucson!

Ben's Bells really is one of the most touching organizations in Tucson. I volunteered to paint bells for the first time recently and I can't wait to sign up again. Everything about the organization is inspiring as they have not only setup bens bells campaigns locally but nationally too. The Sandy Hook shooting is a recent example. Their mission is to spread kindness and impact others life's by simple and intentional acts of kindness. Something we can easily forget about as we live our day to day lives is that that every action counts and we don't know who we may affect unintentionally. I love that each bell that is made is a compilation of the volunteer work of at least ten people from the bead making to several rounds of painting and assembly. Sitting with a nice group of people for a few hours and sharing an afternoon painting bells is a wonderful way to spend your time. It's peaceful and fun! It's basically free to volunteer your time to paint bells, but of course a suggested dollar donation is always welcome! They have several items for purchase too- bead bracelets, bags, bumper stickers, tshirts and even license plate frames.If you're lucky, You'll find Ben's bells placed randomly around town. You're free to take the bell and gift it to someone or place somewhere else for another person to find! its all about giving back and paying it forward through kindness. It's a beautiful movement that's been started and I encourage everyone to experience at least one day at Ben's Bells. Truly, this family took an incredibly tragic experience and harnessed all their energy and the kindness of others to start this organization.

I heard this was a wonderful volunteer event, today I went check this out and was sadden that it wasn't as wonderful as everyone had been talking about. We told the staff on hand that this was our first time volunteering and that we would love to help make some Ben's Bells, instead they said today they need adults to paint the Ben Coins and that they normally only have children paint the Ben Bells.They put us in the back room where they told us we needed to paint gorgeous dioramas on the Ben coins so they can sell them. And if they looked crappy they would be giving them to the school children for free. After we finished up our volunteer service for the past 2 hrs, we looked at some there products that they had for sale, when two other adults came in saying they had a large group of children that they wanted set up a event where they could assist in making Ben Bell's. The two staff members that were no where to be seen for most of the day ran up and assisted the both them instead of help us with our purchase.I feel sad to have to write a poor review for such a great organization, however today I felt the staff at the location didn't really care about the volunteers.Maybe today was one the off days for the staff. We may go back and try again in the future and hopefully I will be able to write a nicer review.

I went with a friend who has been to Ben's Bells many times. I found this to be a great experience. The staff asked if we could punch out coins for a while, which we did gladly. After about an hour we asked it was OK to switch to painting coins. We had a great time being creative. The staff was extremely friendly and helpful. Several other groups came in after us and everyone seemed to enjoy their time painting. I found this to be a fun and relaxing experience. I definitely plan to return to volunteer again in the future.

Went to Ben's Bells again shortly after having our Yelp event. My daughter wanted to give it a try, so I took her and my son to paint some of Ben's Bells. We had so much fun! Painting the little charms is not only enjoyable & rewarding, but sort of calming. Great place to hang out too! (Right in the hustle and bustle of University Ave.) The volunteers here are awesome and friendly. Makes me want to come back over and over again! We may end up being regulars! The story behind Ben's Bells is very inspiring, and their motto is simple and sweet..."Be Kind" everyone... =)

Ben's Bells is such a unique and wonderful non-profit organization about spreading kindness in Tucson. If you want to read the full story I'd encourage it, but have a box of tissues nearby. www.bensbells.org I volunteered here via the Junior League of Tucson, but the staff are happy to give you paints and beads to finish if you just walk up and ask. They also sell ornaments ($12) and mini-Ben's Bells ($25). If you need to give someone a small reminder of the kindess in the world they also sell Ben's Coins ($1) a small hand painted flower coin. The mission behind this place is touching and you can't help but want to spread kindness after volunteering.

I visited the downtown shop while in Tucson. I spoke with a young man named Alec who was knowledgeable and helpful. I like the backstory of this business. I purchased several items for myself and some friends back home. I would definitely recommend this business to others.