The Smith family of Royersford spent Sept. 20 on a social media mission to remind followers of the importance of being courteous, decent, and gentle in daily interactions. A 6abc digital staff report covered the #BeeKindElla initiative.

The effort was made in honor of Ella Smith, a nine-year-old who passed away from a rare form of pancreatic cancer.

Karen Smith, Ella’s mother, described her daughter as having an extraordinary reservoir of bravery and grace that shined through her outgoing personality.

Even during her health issues, Karen said, Ella was on the lookout for ways to help others, focusing on a general sense of benevolence rather than her illness.

The family’s online effort asked the public to wear bright blue for the day (Ella’s favorite color) and identify their outreaches with #BeKindElla.

Facebook vignettes of benevolence in Ella’s name included:

• A Scoupe DeVille Ice Cream Parlor employee who distributed gift cards to her Limerick classmates
• A Skippack resident who treated a friend to a Starbucks gift card
• An upstate Pa. resident who donated large quantities of pet food to the SPCA

The “bee” distinction on the tag, according to Ella’s family, symbolizes her sense of community, brightness, and personal power, all traits associated with bees.

More on #BeeKindElla day is at 6abc.