Minot Forest Elementary students recently found that collecting pennies, nickels and dimes can bring about positive change.

The kids collected $278 over the course of six weeks during a loose change drive coordinated by the school’s Kiwanis K-Kids Club. The club is open to third and fourth graders, preparing students to eventually join the middle school’s Builders Club and the Key Club at the high school. The service-orientated Kiwanis Club of Bourne-Wareham sponsors those after school groups.

Funds were donated to Turning Point Day Resource Center, which offers an array of services for the homeless and near-homeless, on Wednesday afternoon.

Pastor David Shaw of the Emmanuel Church of the Nazarene, who is also Turning Point’s Board of Directors Chair, gratefully accepted the donation.

“I love the fact that this is such a generous town, and it’s easy to see that spirit is instilled in kids at a young age,” said Shaw.

He noted that the money will go toward Turning Point programs that provide fuel, utility and rental assistance.

“We help those who already are homeless and those who are in danger of becoming homeless,” said Shaw.

K-Kids Club advisor and Minot Forest teacher Michael Houdlette said when they were presented with the change drive idea, the K-Kids enthusiastically took up the challenge. They even turned the drive into a competition among the different grades, seeing who could collect the most cash.

“They’re a great group of kids,” said Houdlette, adding “we’re thankful to their families who raised them to think about others who are less fortunate.”

Joining Houdlette for the check presentation were Kiwanis International’s Lisa Simmons, who is lieutenant governor of district 13, and Wareham High School Key Club advisor Matthew Stanton.

As for the kids themselves, they were excited to present Shaw with the check.

Student Addison Dion happily told Shaw exactly how much was raised and then listed off a few other drives the group was looking forward to.

“We’ve been raising money and collecting items for people in Haiti and soon we’re going to start 'Happy Hope Bags' for kids in hospitals!” said Addison.

So, whether its collecting loose change for the homeless or something to brighten a sick child’s day, count on the K-Kids.