Minisink Valley Central School District -

The Otisville Elementary Kiwanis K-Kids Program’s commitment to community service and helping others in need was represented in the group’s recent “Cake Kits Project” which created over 70 “cake kits” later donated to Minisink Cares, which assists area families dealing with food insecurity and other needs.

 "We are all so proud of how hard the K-Kids worked on this service project," said Kiwanis Advisor Andrea Yager. "They proved that we are stronger together by including their peers at Otisville Elementary in this endeavor. They not only provided cake kits, but also joy to our community members."

 Their project entailed a school-wide competition to gather supplies to make a cake for any occasion.  In total, they collected 179 boxes of candles, 152 cake mixes, 141 pans, 101 cans of soda (used in place of eggs and oil) and 79 containers of icing.

 The more than 70 cake kits were supplemented with handmade cards created by the group.

 As there was a surplus of supplies, the balance of items was donated to Holy Cross, Holy Name of Jesus and the Otisville Presbyterian churches for their food pantry programs. 

 The group also didn’t forget to acknowledge their contributors who helped make this project possible. Bryon Imbarrato’s third-grade class collected 145 items, making them the class with the largest contribution.  To acknowledge their success, students received specially created “Sweet Treat" goodie bags that included gummy bears and a complimentary Dairy Queen ice cream cone.

  In second-place was Elisabeth Harrison’s kindergarteners, who collected 74 boxes of candles. Melissa Manganello’s first-graders followed in third-place, collecting 69 cake pans.

 “Amazing things happen when students learn, engage, serve and lead,” said Otisville Principal Julia Downey. “We see this in our Otisville K-Kids and we’re so proud of the group’s interest in helping others. They’re wonderful role models to our entire school.”   

 Kiwanis K-Kids, a student-led service leadership program for elementary school students, teaches valuable skills, character development, and the importance of service and leadership through community involvement.