Imagine spending just 30 minutes once a week to brighten a child’s life. Join me as a mentor—become a Lunch Pal—at Lakewood Elementary School in St. Petersburg and make a lasting difference.
Eight years ago, I started mentoring at Mount Vernon Elementary, where I met Tommy, a young boy living in a group home with his brother. With his home life in turmoil, he lacked the support that many of us take for granted. I often wondered what it felt like for him to go home each day without his mom there.
Our weekly sessions were simple—often just reading I Spy books together. But little by little, things changed. Tommy, who started out sitting across the table, soon moved closer, and before long, he’d greet me with a huge smile and skip to our meetings. He even began putting his arm around me.
Seeing that change in Tommy was incredible, knowing that my presence alone made such an impact. Eventually, he was reunited with his family, and since then, I’ve mentored other boys, including a fantastic fourth-grader I meet with today.
Lakewood Elementary is filled with bright, resilient kids facing tough situations. Every child there receives free lunch; some even receive food to take home for the weekend. Many live in group homes, motels, or don’t have a stable place to call home. Others just need a positive role model—someone to encourage them, listen to them, and help them stay on track.
Mentoring is simple. It doesn’t require special skills—just a willingness to show up, listen, and care. The leadership team at Lakewood is there to guide and support you, making it easy and rewarding to connect with your student. You’ll leave each session feeling like you made a difference—and you will have.
Want to be remembered for the lives you’ve changed? Want to feel the reward of giving back in a powerful way?
Lakewood Elementary has achieved an A rating thanks to the dedication of its staff and mentors. Let’s help keep it that way. Become a mentor, and be the person a child can count on to show up, to listen, and to inspire.
Be the difference. Be a friend. Be inspired
Learn more about Lunch Pals HERE
