In a town of about 2,000 people it’s a small gesture that is getting a big response. In eight months, Maceyko started a nonprofit, Love Will Heal, where she sells hats, signs, stickers, shirts ...

This week, Unity is handing out free bumper stickers with the phrase “Respond with Love” as a way to counteract the recent rise in hate crimes and bullying and the harsh tone of modern politics.

One recipient was Natasha Sexton, who flipped over the sticker that read “THANK YOU I LOVE YOU." She paused, surprised by Hernandez’s stern presence and asked if they could hug. “Hey man, I ...