Ben’s Bells

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.

Talk about an amazing place with an amazing mission! Words can not describe the beauty, love, and kindness that comes out of this place. Both locations are great and everyone is friendly and helpful. I have ordered items online and everything is shipped and delivered carefully with love. We are inspired by the message of Ben’s Bells and are incorporating kind coins in our wedding. I can’t wait to take kind coins back to our home in Houston and continue to spread the kindness!

OUTSTANDING! We painted a bell last week at Frances. I had been wanting to do this for two years. I can’t wait until they open up shop in Phx. Until then I will be happy that they will be back in Phoenix next week at the Newton. Changing Hands, Southern Rail restaurant and Ben’s Bells, a trio made in Heaven!

I loved volunteering here. If you enjoy giving your time and art talent (any will do) this place is accepting of all creative and non-​creative people. Depending on the task, you may be assigned to make clay beads, paint dried beads, string them or help clean up. What is fun about the charity is that they place bells on the ceramic beads into a chime then place the chimes all over town for the community to find and claim. If you cannot claim a chime, they have small ones for sale. I bought a «be kind» one and display it proudly and a small bead that I strung on a long necklace cord!

Take your kids or go alone, paint some Bens Bells. Started by a woman who was grieving when her son Ben died. Thru her grieving process, she started making Bens Bells. They «appear» throughout the city and it’s said you find a Ben Bell when you need it the most. I spent a day there painting flowers to get glazed for Santa to give to the kids to remind them to «Be Kind», which is the company’s motto. Stop by, paint some bells, and grab a sticker to put on your car to remind everyone to «Be Kind».

Just love Ben’s Bells it really is one of the most touching organizations in Tucson. My wife and I volunteered to paint bells for the first time recently and we 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. May it long continue! The best!

Jeannette Mare, who started Ben’s Bells when her son passed away, was my lab partner in high school chemistry. so this charity has special meaning for me.
Even though I can’t imagine the sadness she and her family went through, I’m always impressed when I consider how she turned that sadness into a source of light and hope for Tucson and the whole world.
I’m glad Ben’s Bells has become such a source of inspiration for the Tucson community and even places such as Newtown, MA after the tragic shootings there. I’m thrilled when I see a Ben’s Bells sticker on a car here in Phoenix and I’m happy when I see stories about the difference finding a bell has made in people’s lives.
Ben’s Bells is a great organization and I’m glad to see that it continues to grow and get more support from the public.

Went to Ben’s Bells again shortly after having our Unilocal 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 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.

One of the most beautiful and moving organizations out there. You make Tucson a better place.

I absolutely LOVE Ben’s Bells! This is such a wonderful organization and I was extremely touched when they were completely there for the poor victims of the Newtown shootings. We showed up to help paint and there was hardly space! The indoor studio and several tables outside were packed with people wanting to help. An organization that can bring together so many Arizonans (we met people from Mesa and Flagstaff!) wanting to do good is fantastic. My sister and I occasionally go to the University studio to help out otherwise I try to contribute any time I see people helping Ben’s Bells. Scott & Co has donated certain drink sales to them and Falora has a pizza that benefits them. Great place: D

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!

We could take care of so many of the larger issues of the world with more acts of kindness. Ben’s Bells is a truly phenomenal organization, turning the worst tragedy into a beautiful, simple and necessary life changer.

I love everything about Ben’s Bells– the people, the location, the painting, the mission, and the message. I painted bells with my whole family a couple weeks ago, we had a blast and I love sitting in the sun at MainGate.
On the anniversary of the Jan 8^th shooting, we went to Ben’s Bells for a very motivating and heart felt speech then on to distribute bells. I must say it was one of the Best Days I Have Had In Tucson in the 4 years I have lived here. I love Tucson, and Ben’s Bells is a big part of Tucson’s Kindness.

The mission of Ben’s Bells is a perfect mojo uplifter!
I am so grateful that a loving family came together around this bright idea of healing and this amazing way of spreading kindness.
If I could hand pick one thing that imo would make our world a better place Kindness would be it. I am so touched by the story of this organization and very impressed by the work of everyone who joins their work through volunteerism.
Great events big and small of people gathering to celebrate being a caring community.
I am inspired to be involved with Ben’s Bells and I am quite certain you will be too!

One of the best community based organizations in Arizona. Jeannette and all staff make our world in Tucson better. This is an organization that is full of integrity, love and of course KINDNESS!!!

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.

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 LOVE BEN’S BELLS! I love EVERYTHING about Ben’s Bells! Like Kirstin says, go to
for the history of this wonderful organization.
This place has in my mind, become a staple of University! I love going to Ben’s just to relax and spend time doing something that will benefit others. Ironically enough, when you end up doing something for others, you end up benefiting as well! Show up and help paint some adorable ceramic flowers, coins, etc and you’ll end up in the most beautiful patio area on University, covered with vines, trees and beautiful flowers; surrounded by some great restaurants including Pasco Kitchen, which recently partnered with Ben’s to help them raise money… eat while you’re painting or having some cocktails, with a part of the proceeds going to Ben’s! What a great partnership!
You’ll find Ben’s bells placed randomly around town by the organization themselves, given to people or organizations that have made a difference. You can also purchase a bell for someone you know who has portrayed random acts of kindness. I recently bought one and placed it at a certain someone’s house without them knowing who or why! Best thing EVER! My son has also received Ben’s coins at his school for his random acts of kindness, which they must be nominated for.
R.I.P. Ben. Out of something so horrible has come something so amazing! My prayer is that it changes Tucson, one random act of kindness at a time!

Ben’s Bells is a great service organization. I’m attaching a link to the website for folks who want the full details. (
)
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 size
It’s Free! It’s Fun! It’s For Tucson!