The Lunch Buddy Program gives working adults a chance to make a difference in Kirkland's future by volunteering at a local school and getting to know the children of our community.

The Lunch Buddy Program also brings another caring person into the life of a child and offers children the opportunity to have adult friends.

What Do Lunch Buddies Do?
Lunch Buddies spend one lunch hour a week with their students, first eating lunch together and then spending the rest of the time in a variety of activities such as reading together, playing games or talking.

How Do Kids Benefit?
The students benefit in a lot of ways. They get to have a special, healthy relationship with an adult friend ... someone who will listen to them, talk with them, laugh with them. A positive relationship can greatly enhance a child's self-esteem.

When children's self-esteem is positive, they are more successful in school. So, having a Lunch Buddy - a very special privilege - can mean that participating children will achieve more in school.

What Will I Gain From the Experience?
A lot. You will have a relationship with a child who considers you a friend. You'll gain the satisfaction of knowing you have made a difference for a child.

Being a Lunch Buddy will also give you the opportunity to learn more about the problems and challenges faced by schools and kids today.

Not only will you know that you've made a positive contribution to your community now and for the future, but you'll have fun too!

What Are the Qualifications for Being a Lunch Buddy?
You must be willing to make a commitment to come to lunch once a week on a regular basis and have the ability and desire to talk to children. You should have an appreciation of the problems faced by many children today and be willing to respect the confidentiality of your relationship with the child.

For More Information
Please write to:

Chrys Buringrud, Coordinator
Rose Hill Elementary School
8044 128th Avenue NE
Kirkland, WA 98033

Call or email:

Chrys Buringrud, Coordinator
(425) 822-9578
cburingrud@lkwash.wednet.edu

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