Batches of freshly baked banana bread, cookies and muffins are handed over to volunteers from Carevan and Anglicare for distribution to the homeless and vulnerable.

It's a lesson in nutrition, co-operation, and kindness, and a way for Ms McKenzie to teach the youngsters life lessons that will have a lasting impact.

IN OTHER NEWS:

"We have started cooking classes fortnightly and that's to educate children on the importance of nutrition, but also the importance of giving back to the community," she said.

"We do something like muffins, or banana bread and they learn how to crack eggs, measure ingredients and we work on fine motor skills by putting the batter into the tins.

"We have also had people from Anglicare come in and talk to the children about who the food is going to."

The kitchen kindness program is just one of many community initiatives that Ms McKenzie has introduced at Community Kids Lake Albert.

The work has earned her the title of National Standout Educator for Community Engagement, at G8 Education's Annual Awards, selected from more than 10,000 educators around Australia.

Centre manager Joanie Van Der Plaat said said children at the centre had gained enormously through greater involvement with the community.

"We have also had volunteers from Anglicare come and talk about the work they do to help the homeless and vulnerable, explaining that it doesn't matter how little it is, those little things all contribute," she said.

"When the children hand over their food packages they are so proud and excited. You can see their little faces just lighting up.

"Gemma has made that happen and we are so thankful to have her as part of our Community Kids team."

Wagga Carevan's Lynne Graham said the organisation provides frozen meals to those who need it most in the community.

"Anytime I can supplement that food with something that is a little bit of a treat is a wonderful thing," she said.

While you're with us, did you know that you can now receive updates straight to your inbox each day at 6am from the Daily Advertiser? To make sure you're up to date with all the Wagga news, sign up here.

.