Waseca, MN – The Waseca Rotary Club, in partnership with the Greater Mankato Area United Way (GMAUW), recently distributed copies of the book The Kindness Booth to every first-grade student in Waseca Schools, Sacred Heart, TEAM Academy, and Hartley Elementary. This initiative reflects the Rotary Club’s ongoing commitment to promoting education and literacy in the community.
"Supporting education and literacy is one of the core causes of what we do," said Amy Potter, Co-President of the Waseca Rotary Club. "We believe that fostering a love for reading at an early age can have a lasting impact on a child's future, and The Kindness Booth is a wonderful story that promotes empathy, understanding, and kindness."
The book, authored and illustrated by Lizzy McGregor, delivers a powerful message about the importance of kindness and community—values closely aligned with Rotary’s mission of “Service Above Self.” The distribution event included a special reading of the book at Hartley Elementary by Ann Fitch, further engaging students in the joy of storytelling.
This is the second year the Waseca Rotary Club has carried out a large-scale book distribution. Last year, every fourth-grade student received a copy of Where the Sidewalk Ends by Shel Silverstein, sparking excitement and enthusiasm for reading among older elementary students.
"We are incredibly proud of this partnership with the Greater Mankato Area United Way," said Potter. "By working together, we are helping to create a culture of learning and kindness in our schools." Karli Swearinger, the Office and Program Manager and Sarah Buesing, the Community Impact Director for GMAUW were on-hand to help explain what United Way does and how it serves our area.
The Waseca Rotary Club’s dedication to education is rooted in its long-standing tradition of serving the community. The club continues to engage in numerous initiatives aimed at empowering youth and fostering leadership skills. Their efforts reflect Rotary International’s broader goals of supporting education, promoting peace, and building strong communities.
For more information about the Waseca Rotary Club and its community projects, please visit www.wasecarotary.com to learn more about The Kindness Booth and its partnership with the Greater Mankato Area United Way, visit [https://www.mankatounitedway.org/book].