Pelletier’s Karate Academy in Lewiston kicked off a new community service program called “Kids Helping Kids” in December. Rich Pelletier, owner and head instructor at Pelletier’s Karate Academy said, “Character building is an important part of any martial arts program. ‘Kids Helping Kids’ takes our fundamental principles a step further.” This innovative program combines self-improvement, relationship building and community service. In the next few months, the program will expand, free of charge, to include schools and daycare centers in the community. Participants receive weekly education sessions on how to help others by using mentoring skills and peer support techniques. They learn to accept and appreciate differences in others. Respect, compassion, goal setting, self-esteem, taking pride in the success of others and anti-bullying skills are all facets of the program. Participants are required to maintain good grades and to be respectful and helpful in all aspects of their lives. To learn more, contact Pelletier’s Karate Academy at 786-3731. Participating students are, front row from left, Dawson Archer, Amber Landry, Fiona Landry, Allison Deditch and Carlo Cabrera; second row, Annie Giroux, Zachary Gutshall, Jordan Withee, Rocco Landry and Cecilia Landry; third row, Jacob Cote, Alexis Downs, Gabrielle Ames, Connor Francis, Alexander Deditch, Gabe Withee and Wyatt Giroux; back, Shihan Richard Pelletier, Sensei Ferdinand Torres, Sensei Sadie Landry, Senpai Aaron Bardier and Senpai Mykul Rojas