By Dom Fimiano
Kiwanis Club is an international organization making a difference in communities by serving children through school programs and clubs for students ages six to eighteen. Recently, the Long Beach Kiwanis and Long Beach High School Key Club participated in an adopt-a-road cleanup project on Klondyke Road from Cleveland Avenue to Commission Road. Organizers say it was a successful community service activity, and plans are to continue the event as needed.
Kiwanis have multiple service leadership programs that help children and improve communities. One of the most common is the high school Key Club. Kiwanis programs offer children, teens, and adults with disabilities opportunities to develop leadership skills through school and community service activities. Some mentorship programs focus on goal-setting skills, developing positive character traits and improving academic performance. Key Clubs are one of the oldest and largest high school student-led service programs in the world. Students promote and manage activities at their schools and in their communities. The activities vary depending on the needs of the community.
Long Beach Kiwanis sponsor four to five activities annually involving the Key Club. These events are in addition to their student-led activities. Kiwanis have regular pancake breakfasts, host school supplies programs and attempt monthly community projects. Kiwanis are member-driven clubs that make an impact through local hands-on service activities.
The Long Beach Kiwanis meet weekly at 6 p.m. on Monday evenings. To learn more about joining the Long Beach Kiwanis Club, email officer Howard Lock at mrhe@cableone.net.
Students who would like to join a high school Key Club are encouraged to look for information when they return to school in August.
