LEWISTON — At Saint Dominic Academy, students are taught to take an active role in the community with the hope that the lessons learned through giving back to those less fortunate will lead to a lifetime of helping neighbors in need.

Acts of benevolence do not have an age requirement, a fact proven by the kindergarten class at the school this year.

Starting last November, the kindergarten students began a yearlong commitment to assisting recipients of the Meals on Wheels program, which delivers a nutritious meal, a warm smile and a safety check to millions of seniors living independently in their homes across the U.S.

Each month, the Saint Dominic Academy kindergarteners created over 160 special art projects, which were attached to a meal that was on its way to an elderly Meals on Wheels participant.

On May 19, the entire kindergarten class took a field trip to the Meals on Wheels kitchen in Lewiston to meet the crew preparing the meals. The children learned how their projects were included in the process and received their own special “Volunteer” pins in recognition of their contributions.

“Jesus asks us to love for others. The kindergarten Meals on Wheels project teaches students how to care for others who need their help,” said Donald Bilodeau, assistant principal at Saint Dominic Academy.

Saint Dominic Academy’s commitment to instilling a call to serving the community in their students extends through each grade with a variety of annual projects that aim to aid countless local groups and organizations.

“All of the service projects lead to bringing smiles to people in need,” said Donald Fournier, principal of Saint Dominic Academy. “From the kindergarteners to the seniors, they truly discover the importance of living out our call to minister to others.”