MI K-Kids learn about leadership, community

Community service clubs in Mercer Island schools aim to make the world a better place.

A group of second through fifth graders at Lakeridge Elementary gather every other Thursday after school in Barb Tivnan’s classroom. They are members of K-Kids, and their aim is to improve the world.

K-Kids is a Kiwanis after-school club that prepares elementary students to become engaged community members, now and in the future, by learning about service leadership. Tivnan and parents Jenny King and Stephanie Parmenter help the students run the meetings. At one meeting, 15-20 excited young voices were heard brainstorming ways to help the homeless.

Mercer Island High School students involved in Kiwanis Key Club also support their young associates. Recently, several high school Key Club members visited Lakeridge, helping the K-Kids make fleece blankets for the Salvation Army Homeless Shelter.

Lakeridge K-Kids also helped organize the toiletry drive for clients of Youth and Family Services.

K-Kids service will help the students live well-rounded lives, demonstrating to children that the power of giving is greater than anything they could receive.