RotaKids in Fort Myers is showing local families that children do not have to wait until they are grown to make a difference. At Three Oaks Elementary School, more than 60 students joined the RotaKids club this year, spending time each week doing good deeds for people, animals, teachers, military members, and the community around them.
For third grader Elsie MacLaughlin, the lesson is simple.
“Even if you are small, you can make a big difference,” Elsie said. “I like that we can help with donations for the animal shelter and for people. It is really nice because we can help people that need help.”
What Is RotaKids in Fort Myers?
RotaKids is a service club sponsored by Rotary. The program works with schools to motivate children to help others in their community.
The Three Oaks Elementary School club is sponsored by the Rotary Club of Estero. Rotarian Carmelita Singh-Mayer said the goal is to build a habit of service early.
“It is training them from a young age to give back to the community,” Singh-Mayer said.
At Three Oaks Elementary, that mission has become part of the school culture. Principal Candace Allevato said she is proud of the 63 students who chose to participate.
“I am so proud of all of the work and leadership this group has done this year,” Allevato said. “It makes me a very proud principal.”
How Are Three Oaks Elementary Students Helping?
Students in the RotaKids in Fort Myers club took on several hands-on service projects during the school year. Each project gave children a clear way to help someone else.
- They packed 2,000 pounds of rice and beans for Interfaith Charities.
- They collected pet food, toys, and bedding for Gulf Coast Humane Society.
- They performed cleanups around Three Oaks Elementary.
- They made cards and ornaments for military members.
- They wrote letters of appreciation to teachers.
For fifth grader Ryleigh-Anne Laine, the club offered something she had been looking for.
“Before RotaKids, I loved helping, but I didn’t really have a way to do that,” Ryleigh-Anne said. “RotaKids helped me have a way to do that and to help my community.”
Can Kids Really Make A Difference?
The students at Three Oaks Elementary say yes. Many of them talked about how small actions add up when children work together.
Fifth grader Maci Fitzsimmons said there is power in children helping as a group.
“Kids have the power to make a difference right now, not just when we grow up,” Maci stressed. “Picking up trash might seem small, but [it] can help.”
Fourth grader Ethan Schafe said helping others leaves him with a good feeling.
“It makes me feel like I did a good thing when I helped the community and other people,” Ethan said.
That is the message Lori Wallace, the school guidance counselor, wants students to understand.
“I want them to know that no act of kindness is too small to make a difference in someone’s life,” Wallace said.
Sarah Gonzalez, a kindergarten teacher who oversees the club, said she wants children to notice needs around them instead of walking past them.
“Don’t just walk by the garbage, don’t just walk by the child crying,” Gonzalez said. “One kid could not do the rice and beans project, but together they can make an impact. I hope that other schools read about this and want to start something like this.”
What Are Students Learning About Kindness?
The students were eager to explain how helping makes them feel. Their answers were direct, thoughtful, and full of pride.
“I like all the activities we do to help people,” said fourth grader Emma Gonzalez. “It makes me feel happy.”
Fifth grader Quinn Holy said, “I enjoy helping people that don’t have a lot of stuff.”
Fifth grader Myla Albert said helping the planet matters, too.
“It makes me feel happy because we are helping the earth,” Myla said.
Classmate Peter Hage said the food projects helped him think about people who need support.
“You get to help unfortunate people that can’t buy food,” Peter said.
Fifth grader Mateus Mussalem summed up the club’s purpose in one sentence: “We can make the world even better.”
Does A Child Need Special Skills To Serve?
Students say no. The RotaKids in Fort Myers club is built on kindness, teamwork, and a willingness to help.
Fifth grader Payton Kuhn said children do not have to be athletic or strong to take part.
“You can just help each other, and you can have fun,” Payton said. “Everyone can take a part in helping. It is just incredible how you can help so much in such a little bit of time.”
Fifth grader Ava Diaz agreed.
“It is a great club and a great experience knowing you are helping others without being recognized,” Ava said. “You don’t need any special ability; you just need a kind heart.”
How Can Collier and Lee County Families Encourage Service?
Families in Collier and Lee Counties can use the example from Three Oaks Elementary to start simple conversations about kindness. Children often understand service best when they can see, touch, and do the work themselves.
- Let your child help choose items for a food or pet supply donation.
- Write thank-you notes together for teachers, neighbors, first responders, or military members.
- Pick up litter during a family walk.
- Look for family events in Collier and Lee Counties that include volunteer opportunities.
- Encourage your child to invite friends or classmates to help, too.
RotaKids in Fort Myers shows that service does not have to be complicated. A kind heart, a willing group, and one small project can help children see that they already have the power to make their community better.