RotaKids of Three Oaks Elementary Package Meals for Needy





Students from Three Oaks Elementary, Rota Kids MacKenzie and Shannon, scoop beans into bags at the “Rotary Has Heart” event.

Students from Three Oaks Elementary, Rota Kids MacKenzie and Shannon, scoop beans into bags at the “Rotary Has Heart” event.

Estero On a recent Tuesday morning, 41 eager students from Three Oaks Elementary School were bussed to Bonita Springs- Estero Elks Lodge to participate in the Rotary Club of Estero’s project “Rotary Has Heart”. All the students were RotaKids, the Rotary Club’s service program for the younger set.

Rota Kids help bag rice and beans for local distribution. Left to right, Ripley, Breana, Autumn and Catie.

Rota Kids help bag rice and beans for local distribution. Left to right, Ripley, Breana, Autumn and Catie.

“Rotary Has Heart” is the latest of several projects the Rotary Club of Estero has supported to put food on empty plates and to bring hope to children in need.

As several Rotarians poured 20 pound bags of rice and beans into pans, the RotaKids scooped the food into one pound baggies. The bags were then loaded onto the bed of a pick up for transportation to Interfaith Charities of South Lee County.

After 30 minutes of concentrated effort, the RotaKids and Rotarians had successfully bagged 1,200 pounds of rice and beans. To thank them for their help, the Rotarians treated the children to lunch.

“I want to help people who don’t have money to put food on the table,” said Michael, a RotaKid.

MacKenzie, another student, explained the project “would help other families who are poor.”

The RotaKid program at Three Oaks is for third through fifth graders.

“We teach service above self, the importance of truth telling and leadership,” said Rotarian Dr. Larry Byrnes. “We’re teaching a new generation to continue to assist and serve others.”


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