ROCHELLE — Providing students opportunities to help their schools, community, environment, and the world is the idea behind the newest service club in Rochelle.

Through a partnership with the Kiwanis Golden K of Rochelle, about 20 fourth and fifth grade students in the HUB Project are discovering their heart to serve at a young age.

Elisa Rubeck, Reading Specialist at Lincoln School, is the club’s advisor. New to the school district this year, Rubeck was involved with K-Kids in Sycamore during the last two years and knowing how successful it has been, worked to bring the service club to Rochelle.

Along with Rubeck, Dennis Swinton with the Rochelle Kiwanis Golden K will be on hand at the monthly meetings to help facilitate when needed, and to provide any supplies. The Kiwanis Golden K also sponsors the Builder’s Club at Rochelle Middle School and the Key Club at Rochelle Township High School. There is also Circle K at the college level.

“It is a student-led club, we are here to supervise,” Rubeck explained. “For today I typed up the agenda, but for the next meeting, the members will be responsible for that.”

Some of the projects involved at the school level could be cleaning up litter, helping in the lunchroom, or being a leader as they walk the hallways. Community projects could involve making and distributing Christmas cards at senior residence homes.

Special guest Rochelle Mayor Chet Olson explained the election process they were about to go through is similar to electing the mayor and city council positions, complete with giving speeches. Mayor Olson also talked to the students about the meeting process, having an agenda, and working on projects.

Key Club member Jason McQuillian was also at Tuesday’s meeting, discussing some of the ways the service club is involved in the community.

On Tuesday, members of K-Kids elected Damaris Macias as president, Jennifer Gonzalez as vice president, Maura Kelly as secretary, Brisa Zepeda as treasurer, and sargent-of-arms Jasmine Taylor.

“I want to give a special recognition to Xitlali Brezeka for giving a speech and running for the offices of president, vice president, secretary, treasurer, and sargent-of-arms,” Rubeck said.

Jodee Craven, HUB Project Grant Manager, explained K-Kids is a great opportunity for the students in the HUB Project.

“Oftentimes our at-risk students lack opportunities to help other through service. Many of our students, because of circumstances beyond their control, are on the receiving end of projects that service organizations in our community organize,” Craven said. “As anyone who has participated in giving back to the community knows, when you give to someone your sense of compassion and ability to effect change grows. Through K-Kids we will provide our at-risk students opportunities to develop leadership skills and a sense of pride in participating in a service project for our community.”