Kiwanis’ K-Kids Program empowers the leaders of tomorrow
LUMBERTON — Squeals of excitement peeled through the air Wednesday as Kiwanis of Robeson Lumberton members celebrated Tanglewood Elementary students in the K-Kids Program.
The celebration took place Wednesday at the Kiwanis Centennial Project All Inclusive Playground at the Dr. Raymond B. Pennington Complex in Lumberton.
“Our students have been looking forward to this event and talking about it for a little while,” said Tanglewood Elementary Principal Dr. Jessica Floyd. “They’ve had a great time being a part of K-Kids this year.”
The nearly 20 children in attendance are part of an inaugural group called K-Kids, which is a powerful initiative that helps children make lasting friendships, develop important skills, and grow as leaders. Through K-Kids, students are given the opportunity to work together, serve their community, and connect with the world around them in meaningful ways.
The program focuses on service-learning, where children not only contribute to various projects but also build the leadership skills that will serve them throughout their lives. By starting with service, K-Kids students learn how to plan and execute projects, all while making a positive impact on their school and local community.
Students have made cards for local residents of assisted living facilities through the program among other service projects, the principal said.
“I think it’s very important for us to help our elementary-aged students develop and foster leadership skills,” said Erika Nolley, the President of Kiwanis Robeson Lumberton.
"K-Kids allows children to make friends, build skills, contribute through service, and learn how to be leaders. It’s a remarkable way to make an early connection to the world around them, giving kids the tools to succeed both academically and socially,” Nolley added.
Multiple Public Schools of Robeson County officials also attended the event and shared words of gratitude for Kiwanis of Robeson Lumberton’s service to local students and communities.
“We are so grateful for such a state-of-the-art inclusive playground that our students can enjoy. We also would like to give a heartfelt thank you to the wonderful Kiwanians whose support helps enhance our school communities. Your commitment to providing such an outstanding program for our students means the world to us. We look forward to continued success and a lasting partnership in the years to come,” said PSRC Chief Communications Officer Jessica Sealey.
Several Kiwanians could be seen working to ensure the event was an enjoyable one for students.
“I would like to thank everyone for helping make today possible,” said Carmin Russ, Chair of the Service Learning Program (SLP) of Kiwanis of Robeson Lumberton.
“It’s truly a team effort, and we’re so grateful for the support from the Kiwanis members and the community,” Russ said.
The Kiwanis Robeson Lumberton and the K-Kids program continue to shape future leaders, one project at a time, fostering a generation of engaged, compassionate, and resilient individuals ready to make a difference.