Fourth and fifth grade students in the newest club at Stuart Place Elementary take time out of their day to learn that it’s never too early to start giving back to the community.
The campus organization is called the Kids Care Club, and its mission is to help their campus and community in any way they can. There is no job too small or big for the organization. They often show their kindness by picking up litter in their classrooms or helping out during campus functions.
“We helped out at the Veteran’s Day ceremony, and during the school’s mock election,” said Christina Luna, counselor at Stuart Place and sponsor of the organization. “ For Veteran’s day, we gave our guests a labels and a program. They were pretty much like little hosts.”
The goal is that the students who participate will develop a sense of pride in giving back to the community.
Their good deeds go beyond the classroom. Recently, the club paid a visit to the patients at Retama Manor Nursing Home on Dec. 7. Students shared holiday stories with residents, and presented them with crafts they made specifically for the occasion.
The Christmas themed crafts included ornaments and cards. Each craft was uniquely decorated, and allowed club members to use their creativity. To provide a more personal touch, each student also customized his or her card with a holiday greeting.
The holiday treats served as the perfect icebreaker for the next part of the visit. Students sang holiday carols as additional members, who are also in the school’s guitar club, played their instruments. The day of kindness came with a new learning experience for all that participated.
There are a total of 34 members in the club, and they meet once a month to discuss what their next service project will be.
It may be the clubs first year, but it is in no way their last. Their future plans include collecting dog and cat food for animal shelters. They also hope to return to the nursing home for Valentines Day.
