This summer, North Star Credit Union is spreading kindness with help from a familiar face, Star the Yeti, North Star’s friendly mascot.

Star has released her second children’s book titled “Star Chose Kindness” and it has kicked off a regionwide kindness campaign.

The idea for the book came after Cook residents pulled together during the 2024 flood. Witnessing how neighbors helped each other inspired Star to share the message that kindness matters—and that it can start with each of us.

“It was amazing to see how the community responded to others in need, and we hope the book showcases how helping can make a real impact in the lives of others,” said Jennifer Stedt, CEO for the credit union. “We hope the story will encourage readers to be kind in their everyday choices, no matter how small, such as helping a neighbor, picking up litter, or saying a kind word to someone.”

The book debuted in February during I Love to Read Month at seven Iron Range schools. In the spring, these same schools were given an opportunity to write about how they would or have helped community for their chance to win the farm at their school or a pizza party with Star. 

“Seeing the ways the students helped and wanted to help others was meaningful,” said Rachel Indihar, who coordinated the classroom reading. “We are so grateful for the support from the teachers who promoted kindness in their classrooms.”

The next chapter is the kindness campaign and Community Day of Kindness at the Farm: A free community event taking place Sunday, August 10, from 1 to 3 p.m. at Cook’s Country Connection (1953 Vermilion Dr., Cook, MN). Everyone is welcome to attend. 

The kindness campaign will give people a chance to be rewarded for being kind. Acts of kindness through August 10th earn an entry into a $1,000 giveaway in the Cash Cube during the Community Day of Kindness. 

Participants can earn entries to win by completing simple kindness acts this summer—like helping a neighbor, picking up litter, or sharing kind words. Up to 10 entries can be submitted via online kindness form, which can be found on the credit union website, and by tagging the credit union on social media when you or someone has shown kindness. Plus, there’s one bonus entry for adding an animal to the Kindness Wall at the Community Day of Kindness at the Farm event. 

The campaign also features billboards with messages like “Pay it Forward” “Lend a Helping Hand” and “Go the Extra Mile” with members of the credit union staff.

“We see how community members, organizations, and businesses help one another during times of need and we wanted to give back,” said Stedt. “Our philosophy is people helping people and we try to live that message every day in our work.”

Event Highlights:

• Star Book Reading & Signing at 1:30 p.m.
• Cash Cube Giveaway at 2:30 p.m. — one lucky attendee will win up to $1,000!
• Sugarlicious Food Truck on site from 12–3:30 p.m. (at attendees’ expense)
• Farm Animals

All are welcome to attend. Admission to get into the farm is free during the event time. 

“Even if you can’t make it to the farm, you can still join in by spreading kindness in your own community,” said Melissa Cox, book author and marketing manager for the credit union. “North Star will also be giving away Kindness Baskets later this summer as part of the campaign.”

Copies of Star’s new book can be found on Amazon. A link is available on North Star Credit Union’s website. 

North Star Credit Union has four branches across the region including Cook, Duluth, Mountain Iron, and Nashwauk.