SixDegrees.org builds 40,000 kits, reaches 50 states in campaign celebrating 40th anniversary of “Footloose”

FAIRFAX, Va. (March 4, 2025) – SixDegrees.org, a national nonprofit founded by Kevin Bacon, achieved its goal of building and distributing 40,000 essential resource kits across all 50 states through its Building Kits by Kevin Bacon (BKxKB) campaign celebrating the 40th anniversary of Bacon’s iconic film “Footloose.”

SixDegrees.org traveled across the country hosting BKxKB activations in partnership with communities, corporations, and festivals and has distributed over $1.5 million in resources tailored to recipients’ needs. Kits frequently included brand-new socks, personal hygiene products, certificates for free mental health resources, and handwritten notes of encouragement.

“We knew we wanted to do something big for the 40th anniversary of this film, and to see this campaign come together the way it has, where folks are getting out and getting excited about helping each other and recognizing their shared humanity, it’s been really really special,” said Kevin Bacon, founder of SixDegrees.org. “We really are all connected and we’re better when we work together.”

In fulfillment of their mission to amplify the work of grassroots organizations, SixDegrees.org connected with nonprofits in each community where they hosted a kit build to ensure the kits were distributed to local neighbors in need. BKxKB kits empower SixDegrees.org’s network partner organizations to divert resources to core programming while enabling them to meet clients’ immediate needs. Each network partner’s mission aligns with one or more of SixDegrees.org’s core pillars: youth empowerment, justice and equality, sustainable environments, and emergent issues. 

The network partner organizations receiving BKxKB kits throughout the campaign include: Andy Roddick Foundation, Anti Recidivism Coalition, Big Sky Community Food Bank, Bridges to Independence, Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Washington, Catholic Charities of Baltimore, Centro de la Familia, Churches United, Comfort Bears in a Catastrophe, Communities in Schools NOVA, Community of Hope, Encircle, Everybody Wins DC, Family Connections Center, Fernando Pullum Community Arts Center, Find Your Anchor, Food & Care Coalition, Health Care for the Homeless, Helping Up Mission, International Association of Fire Fighters, Journey On, Lasagna Love, Miriam’s Kitchen, Mozaic, Phoenix Family Resources, Salvation Army of Metro Phoenix, Second Story, ShareBaby, Shelter House, SMYAL, Sojourner Center, Spy Hop, Student Conservation Association, The Door, The Village Family Service Center, Virginia’s Kids Belong, Volunteers of America Northern Rockies, Y of Central Maryland, and YWCA Cass Clay.

“This initiative exemplifies our mission at SixDegrees.org: leveraging connection and community to make a direct, meaningful impact on someone in need,” said Stacy Huston, Executive Director of SixDegrees.org. “Every kit represents a moment of kindness and a tangible impact on two lives: the person building it and the person receiving it. We are incredibly grateful to everyone who helped make this vision a reality.”

SixDegrees.org extends a heartfelt thanks to its brand partners that came alongside the organization with in-kind donations: Bombas, Calm, Dr. Bronner’s, BetterHelp, Hachette Book Group, Flying Cloud Fulfillment, CORT, Elite Jumps, Costco of Salt Lake City, GoGo Squeeze, The Handmade Soap Company, Nu Skin, Dropps, Aunt Fannie’s, Express, Campbell’s Snacks, and Payson Fruit Growers.

This campaign was made possible by SixDegrees.org’s corporate partners Bell Bank, Calm, The International Monetary Fund, loanDepot, Gusto, and Bonfire.

Finally, SixDegrees.org thanks the sponsors that provided monetary or in-kind donations to this campaign: Spanish Peaks Community Foundation; Larry H. and Gail Miller Family Foundation; Paramount; Washington West Film Festival; Barrault + Associates, LLC; Forvis; Lehi Roller Mills; Silver, Golub & Teitell, LLP; Utah Film Commission; Utah Office of Tourism; The Wawa Foundation; Clear Scientific; City of Payson; Olson’s Garden Shoppe; Adcentives West; Central Bank; Chubby’s Cafe; Clarion Gardens; Convenience Kits; Meditac; MJG Signals; Payson Market; and LOOK Dine-In Cinemas Reston.

While this marks the culmination of SixDegrees.org’s celebration of the 40th anniversary of “Footloose,” the organization will continue building and distributing kits nationwide through corporate and community events. 

About SixDegrees.org
SixDegrees.org is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit born out of the small world phenomenon that we are all connected by six degrees or less. Dedicated to harnessing kindness and connection, SixDegrees.org unites communities for collective impact by cultivating relationships and amplifying stories to foster dialogue, understanding, and empathy around causes that matter most. Nationally recognized for innovation and impact, SixDegrees.org has won an impressive tally of six Webby Awards, four Anthem Awards, seven Shorty Awards, and one Telly Award. Learn more at SixDegrees.org.

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