Feeling down? Call this hotline for some kid-created joy.

Are you not up to date with the harsh realities of the world right now? A group of eager elementary school children will give you words of wisdom, encouragement, and life advice. It is a small dose of joy.

A child recites to you when you call the number from the public art project. The kid-led menu has a few pick-me-up options. Press 2 if you need words of encouragement. Press 3 if you need a pep talk. Press 4 if you need to hear kids laughing. Press 6 if you would like to make a donation. For encouragement in Spanish, press 5.

Two teachers and students at West Side Elementary in Healdsburg, California created a public art project calledPeptoc. Jessica Martin and Asherah Weiss wanted to give callers a break from using inspiring words from their students. The hotline was set up in February and quickly reached hundreds of callers every hour. The hotline has reached thousands of people since then, and Martin explained in an email thatPeptoc currently averages 3000 callers a day. The uplifting service is needed.

Martin said that it was important for the kids to see that they have power.

Martin told NPR that she hoped others could follow in the footsteps of her students, who are constantly finding joy despite their daily struggles.

If the words of your friends or internet strangers are not enough, usePeptoc. The hotline is full of gems, thanks to callers in the wholesome voices of small children.

If you are feeling unbalanced, think of groundhogs.

If you are nervous, go get your wallet and spend it on ice cream and shoes.

We already like you!

You are OK, when you just need something simple.

Martin explained that the free service is currently using up one million minutes donated from their hotline provider, Telzio, but with the thousands of callers visiting every day those minutes will quickly run out. Donations can be made to keep the project going. Donate to the West Side School Parent Organization by calling the hotline or by donating online. We are determined to keep it running for all, even after 75% of their funding was lost after the Pandemic.