Many individuals join Kiwanis clubs specifically because we are an international
organization with a global mission-that lofty goal of changing
the world one child and one community at a time. To this
point, with a few notable exceptions, our Capital District
clubs seem to have focused on local efforts directed toward
helping our own children and communities. This is commendable,
but it does not address the incredible needs of children
worldwide...Accordingly,
our District Committee on International Understanding has
decided to pursue a new approach
to achieving our global mission. We have selected Africa because its needs are great and most of us know extremely
little about this part of the world...Smithfield
Club Prepares to Benefit Children in Need
by Karen Foster
The Kiwanis Club of Smithfield
in Smithfield, VA is currently preparing for its annual
Holiday Toy Store to benefit local children in need.
The club works with local Social Services organizations
and the Christian Outreach Program to identify families
in Isle of Wight County who may need some help putting
goodies under their tree this holiday season. Families
are sent a letter for each child asking them to identify
specific toys, games, or sporting equipment that the
child would like for Christmas. Then, with the help
of the local Target store Kiwanis members indulge in
a shopping spree to provide approximately $15,000 worth
of toys and books to the families. The parents are
given a scheduled time prior to the holidays to pick
up the toys so they can be given to the children during
the family holiday celebration. Donations for this
project come from community businesses, individuals
and club members. For more information on this annual
project or to make a contribution contact this year's
chairperson, Gloria Seitz at Seitz2@verizon.net. Pictured: Kiwanis Club of Smithfield members Billie
Cook and Jim Blesse distribute toys, games and books
at the Holiday Toy Store.
