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As one or many, Kiwanis clubs enrich lives

A journey through northeastern United States reveals the cooperative spirit of service among Kiwanians

A grateful student autographs President Dave Curry’s notebook as an expression of appreciation to Pennsylvania Kiwanians for their support of her School for Blind Children.

It takes special people to enrich the lives of others. As Eva and I traveled through the northeast part of the United States, we met a number of these humanitarians. Whether they serve within individual clubs, collaborate among several clubs in a region, or join the efforts of an entire district, they all have one thing in common: They are members of Kiwanis clubs.

The Kiwanis Club of Eldorado, Altoona, Pennsylvania, was a driving force for building the Miracle League of Blair County baseball field. This field gives children who have disabilities the experience of playing baseball on a field created especially for them. It is a heartwarming achievement.

A group of Kiwanians created the Kiwanis Conference of Western Pennsylvania, which partnered with the Western Pennsylvania School for Blind Children in Pittsburgh. For decades these Kiwanis clubs have responded to the facility’s special needs so its staff can continue to educate an exceptional group of young girls and boys. Eva and I had the opportunity of meeting one family whose daughter has been helped by the school. Raising a special needs child is an enormous undertaking, and the mother expressed to us her gratitude for Kiwanis. Her daughter even wanted to give me her autograph in appreciation. (I love the spontaneity of children!)

In Boston, the New England District supports the Kiwanis Pediatric Trauma Institute at the Tufts-New England Medical Center. For more than 30 years, this Kiwanis partnership has delivered ongoing support so the institute’s staff can provide much needed trauma care for children throughout the New England region. Administrators acknowledge that over that time span, Kiwanians had raised more than US$7 million for this worthwhile effort on behalf of children.

Whether through an individual club, a regional collaboration among many clubs, or an entire district, Kiwanians are meeting children’s needs worldwide. As individuals, our time on this planet is short. But as an organization, our legacy of service leaves its mark on the children of the world for generations. As Eva and I travel, thank you for making us so proud to be Kiwanians, and keep sharing your story of service with others.