"Who is your neighbor?" Local kindergarteners learn about community volunteers

Sep. 17—On Friday morning the Madison Kindergarten Academy (MKA) parking lot was alive with the sound of children's laughter and flashing sirens.

Richmond police, the Madison County Sheriff's Department, the Richmond Fire Department, EMS, and more all made their way out to MKA to teach them about community volunteers.

MKA Principal Jennifer Martin explained "touch a truck" day stems from the school's curriculum.

"We have a social studies curriculum which is heavy in community helpers," Jennifer Martin, MKA principal, said when asked why the Academy hosts "touch a truck" day. "... They talk about who is in a community, who is your neighbor. WHo helps in the community. We just take the chance to bring it to life."

But the curriculum isn't the only reason the MKA brings community volunteers to meet their students.

"It teaches them all the different things they could be when they grow up," Michelle Dunaway, the family resource director, said. "... It also helps the students be able to see these guys in uniform and not be afraid."

"We enjoy doing stuff like this just interacting with our young people," Public Information Officer Corey Lewis said. "We want them to see us in a non-threatening and non-emergency environment."