Pen pals share a day at Littleton Elementary
There is a quote by Anne Frank that sums up the experience. “We are all different, but the same.”
That was the sentiment both children and adults expressed at a recent luncheon sponsored by Dr. Carrie D. Robinson Littleton Elementary School, when students hosted senior pen pals from Calusa Harbor retirement village.
It was part of a program called K-Kids, sponsored by Kiwanis International.
It all started with a holiday visit in December of last year by students to the Calusa Harbour retirement community, to spread some holiday cheer. Since then, many students have kept up pen pal relationships with residents there, trading cards and letters.
Last week, students invited the residents they have become so fond of to a luncheon at the school.
Eleanor Ford of Calusa Harbour has enjoyed the pen pal relationship. “I got a card with nice wishes that said, ‘See You Soon!’ I thought it was so nice.”
Student Ronnie Calderon sat with her at the luncheon.
“It makes you feel happy,” he said of the program. “I never knew I could be friends with an older person, but I do now.”
School Principal Monica Broughton said, “I think it is a wonderful opportunity for our students to interact with the residents of Calusa.”
The qualities of K-Kids are spelled out in a brochure given to kids. What makes K-Kids special?
“It is the way they act and the things they do,” said Guidance Counselor Nancy Beatty.
It is all about acceptance, she continued.
“When you are kind to everyone, even if they are different than you, you show acceptance,” she said, quoting from the published information.
Jane Beck of Calusa Harbour enjoyed spending time with her student pen pal and now friend, Sierra Jackson.
“It is so nice. They came and we got acquainted. Sierra is a dear girl who is going to do very well in life. She is a fine young lady.”
“This is about meeting a fantastic person. I now know a lot about her, and getting to know her has been great. I learned about a real-life person, and in real life, that someone can care about you,” Jackson said.
There was more than a mutual admiration society for the day. Student Kaitlan Horton said of pen pal Evelyn Monday, “I think she is wonderful, I like all the stories she tells me.”
Student Savannah Small said she enjoys her relationship with the Harbour’s Mary Francis Graham.
“I liked meeting new people, and making new friends, especially her.”
“She is a doll,” Graham said of the student.
“One of the things we do here at the school is community service,” Beatty said. The students have done a phenomenal job with Pennies For Patients, she reported, raising more than $1,750 in change and they will now go to the Ronald McDonald House with more than 5,000 pull tabs that will raise funds for that charity.
“This type of program gets children involved at an early age with their community,” said Kiwanis representative Beth Countryman. “We hope it sticks.”