Community service starts early through K-Kids Clubs

MARTIN COUNTY — Elementary school students in Martin County are gaining valuable experiences in friendship, leadership, and service through K-Kids clubs, the largest Kiwanis service organization for primary and elementary school students.

Supported by the Kiwanis Club of Stuart, the K-Kids program is active at Palm City Elementary (PCE) and Crystal Lake Elementary (CLE), with more than 50 students participating — 40 at Palm City Elementary and 11 at Crystal Lake Elementary.

Each school’s club is guided by a dedicated teacher sponsor and offers a range of community-focused projects. Highlights from the 2024–2025 school year include:

Crystal Lake Elementary

• Book Drive for Literacy: Students collected 700 books from local families for “Read Across America Week.” Roughly 300 students selected books to take home, teachers refreshed their classroom libraries, and remaining books were donated to local Free Little Libraries, including the one at Kiwanis Park.
• Thanksgiving Food Drive: The club organized a food drive to support Elevate Hope, assembling Thanksgiving baskets for four families in need.
• Holiday Cheer for Troops: Students created and mailed Christmas cards to 25 service members stationed overseas.

“Even though this was the first year Crystal Lake has had a K-Kids in a while, I was proud of our group for all that they accomplished,” said Crystal Lake Elementary sponsor Kendra Cameron. “I am really looking forward to watching our group grow next year.”

Palm City Elementary

• Butterfly Garden Project: With the help of a $750 grant from Kiwanis International, PCE students expanded the school’s butterfly garden.
• Book Donations: Students collected hundreds of books for the Kiwanis Club of Stuart to distribute to children at community events and through Free Little Libraries.
• Clothing Drive: K-Kids gathered clothing to donate to the 4 C’s (Caring Children, Clothing Children), which offers gently used clothing to underprivileged children in Martin County free of charge.

“I’ve seen firsthand the joy and energy students bring to community service,” said Mrs. Saum, the teacher sponsor of Palm City Elementary’s K-Kids. “My hope is that this spirit of giving continues as they grow.”

Kiwanis Club of Stuart President Nancy Johnson said, “K-Kids help develop character and leadership skills, and we’re proud of the impact these young students have.”

For more information about the Kiwanis Club of Stuart, visit www.kiwanisclubofstuart.org.