Push for literacy continues

Ideally, Key Clubs already have been busy with their Winter Season of Service, Read & Lead, which is a perfect precursor to Kiwanis International’s observance of Read Around the World, February 1 through March 3.

For the occasion, Kiwanis-family clubs around the world plan projects that promote and encourage literacy. That’s a broad range, which includes everything from reading to children to helping out at a library.

This past year, for example, the Key Club of Wetumka, Oklahoma, co-hosted its school’s annual book fair.

“There was something for everyone to help out with,” says Key Club member Naomi Bremer. “Artsy-crafty types got to figure out how to arrange all the materials. Members who like to work with their hands set up the displays. Others hung posters. Almost all of Wetumka’s 29 members participated with gusto, pitching in and helping out whenever and wherever they could.

“Many of them made special plans to help for most of the afternoon during ‘family night.’ They especially enjoyed showing the kids and parents which books they might be interested in, which books were more educational, and which come with whoopie cushions.

“During the week of service, our Key Clubbers learned one of the most valuable lessons in life: how to have fun while fulfilling the needs of others—and helping others to have as much fun as possible along the way too.”