Chaos and Kindness store acts as a safe and positive space for local youth
LACONIA – After more than a decade bringing their music and positive message to an international audience, the band Recycled Percussion has opened a home base store in the United States.
In deciding the location of the store, band members sought to find a place where their positive presence was needed the most and could have a significant impact on the community. After much consideration, they decided on Laconia, New Hampshire and began the renovations in Lakeport Square.
Since the stores opening, it has provided community members, especially local youth, with a safe place to reside within the city. In addition to selling band merchandise such as shirts and candles, the store features craft tables, board games, and other activities for kids of all ages.
Scroll through the following photo story to see how the Chaos and Kindness store has positively impacted the local community since its opening.
Lights shine within Recycled Percussion’s newly constructed store the evening before it’s official opening in Laconia, NH. The rock band chose Laconia as it’s location over Las Vegas, as it is the birthplace of band member Justin Spencer. Melissa Hayward, her son Jayden Garadey Hayward, and family camp outside of Chaos and Kindness waiting for the doors to open in the morning. Some individuals waiting had arrived up to 37-hours ahead of the 11 a.m. opening to ensure they would be first in line to enter the store. “I’m 60 and I’ve never been in line before, not even Black Friday. But I am out tonight because of all the good [Recycled Percussion] does and because they support mental health,” said Jessica Yeaton pictured with her daughter Lisa-Marie Descoteaux. A sidewalk sleeper proudly shows off his wrist band which secures spot as sixth in line for the grand opening, with VIP passes included. “I’ve loved it since I met them, they’re awesome” said Hayward, sporting a new Recycled Percussion shirt that he was gifted during the grand opening. The nationally acclaimed rock band had performed a show at Hayward’s elementary school, which kicked-off his love for the band. Jayden Hayward searches for the perfect piece of “Chaos Candy” available for free in the center of the store. Melissa Hayward’s stepson Aiden, plays an intense game of giant Jenga while his family explores the store. Families gather around the “Kindness Table” to do arts and crafts. The Chaos and Kindness store will also act as a community corner where kids can come to play games, do arts and crafts, and foster friendships in a safe and drug-free environment. One of the many pieces of artwork produced on Kindness Table. All activities in the Chaos and Kindness store aim to inspire young people to make their lives better by heeding their creativity, kindness and potential. Laconia Rocks group members Jerry and Melissa place painted rocks outside of the Chaos and Kindness store. “We paint rocks and leave them around the community, we’ve got over 80 members now,” Jerry said. “We just want people to feel good and spread a little love.”
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