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Toad Hollow Day of Encouragement – January 26, 2025

We celebrate Toad Hollow Day of Encouragement on January 26 every year. Ralph C. Morrison, the storyteller, inadvertently created this day by using the words ‘Toad Hollow’ in his stories after reading about the name of an old school called Toad Hollow Country School that one of his students previously attended. Toad Hollow fascinated him, and it became a frequent feature in his stories. Morrison believed that every day is a good day to spread kindness and do good in the world. The Toad Hollow Day of Encouragement was born out of an attempt to share kindness, resources, and skills.

History of Toad Hollow Day of Encouragement

Ralph C. Morrison, who taught at a local community college, had an elderly student named Eunice in his class. When Morrison read an article about her some time later, and discovered the name of Eunice’s old 1834 school, Toad Hollow Country School, that stood on Knox Street in Kalamazoo, something about the name stayed with him. It eventually inspired him to use the words ‘Toad Hollow’ in his fictional stories. He made Toad Hollow into a magical town. When his readers enquired about the town’s whereabouts, he said you can find it within your heart.

Due to the success of these stories, Kalamazoo County allowed Morrison to use a local park to tell his stories. The County acquired Scotts Mill County Park in 1973 and subsequently opened it to the public in 1976. In 1992, Morrison formed a non-profit society to help with the park. The group of volunteers selected was called ‘voluntoads,’ and they built a version of the town and called it Toad Hollow. They hosted blacksmithing, quilting, candle- and soap-making classes and had events like Renaissance Fairs and Civil War reenactments. Unfortunately, this lasted for only three years until the county repossessed the land.

After this, the voluntoads branched out and started teaching in nearby schools until 2003. They talked about arts, practiced storytelling, shared their knowledge of trades, and had writing classes. It was also during this time that the voluntoads came up with the Toad Hollow Day of Encouragement as a day to share kindness, what we know, and encouragement with each other.

Toad Hollow Day of Encouragement timeline

1834
Toad Hollow Country School

The schoolhouse is built.

1976
Scotts Mill County Park Open

Kalamazoo County acquires the park in 1973 and subsequently opens it to the public.

1992
Morrison’s Voluntoads

Morrison forms a non-profit society to help with the park and calls his volunteers ‘voluntoads.’

2003
Voluntoads Teach in Schools

After the County takes back the park, the voluntoads go to nearby schools and teach through storytelling and other activities.

Toad Hollow Day of Encouragement FAQs

What is Toad Hollow Day of Thank You?

Like the Toad Hollow Day of Encouragement, the voluntoads also created Toad Hollow Day of Thank You to show thanks to others.

Is there a National Day of Encouragement?

September 12 is celebrated as the National Day of Encouragement each year. This day is dedicated to helping those around us and making a positive impact.

Is Toad Hollow Day of Encouragement a bank holiday?

No, it is not. Banks and other offices will work as normal on this day.

Toad Hollow Day of Encouragement Activities

  1. Organize a workshop

    Workshops are one of the best ways to spread kindness and share your knowledge. If you think you can help people learn a specific skill, organize one.

  2. Donate to charities

    Many people require financial help to live. Help out by donating to causes you support.

  3. Volunteer anywhere

    This day is all about celebrating kindness and helping others. Volunteering is a great way to show up and be supportive.

5 Important Facts About Encouragement

  1. The word ‘encourage’ has biblical roots

    The biblical character Barnabas’ name means “the one who encourages.”

  2. Encouragement helps increase accomplishments

    Words of encouragement can help us achieve many difficult goals.

  3. Encouragement is a confidence booster

    Encouragement can do wonders for our self-confidence and self-esteem.

  4. It’s a character strength

    According to a study, having a genuine nature of encouragement towards others is a character strength.

  5. Encouragement empowers people

    Encouraging words can help uplift people from the darkest of pits.

Why We Love Toad Hollow Day of Encouragement

  1. It helps us practice kindness

    The world gets a lot better with a little kindness, and this day helps us remember the value of being kind to others.

  2. It helps build community support

    Communities need a lot of collective effort to thrive. Toad Hollow Day of Encouragement celebrates the importance of volunteering and helping to uplift a community.

  3. It celebrates positivity

    Today, people don’t discriminate against others, and they lend a helping hand to those in need. The day celebrates and spreads positivity.

Toad Hollow Day of Encouragement dates

YearDateDay
2025January 26Sunday
2026January 26Monday
2027January 26Tuesday
2028January 26Wednesday
2029January 26Friday

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