By TODD CLEVENGER
Cicero Kiwanis Member
“Come on, it’ll be fun. You’ll have a good time, I promise.”
How many times have you heard that? And how many times has it turned out to be true?
But we think there’s some benefit to stepping outside your comfort zone, trying something new and meeting new people. Everyone is busy. There are family obligations, kids need a ride to soccer or ballet practice. There’s work, church, household chores. Sometimes there are not enough hours in the day to do everything that needs to be done.
And then a friend or colleague says, “Hey, my Kiwanis club is doing a service project this weekend. Why don’t you join us? We had a food drive a couple of weeks ago, and we’re putting all the stuff we collected in backpacks to give to kids who won’t get meals over the upcoming holiday weekend.” Or, they suggest, “My Kiwanis club is having a pancake breakfast this weekend to earn money for scholarships. We need some more volunteers to serve coffee and juice.” Or, “If you’re not too busy on Saturday, the Cicero Kiwanis is staging roadblocks collecting money for our King’s Treasure Christmas Party. Another set of hands would be so helpful.”
On the surface, the projects don’t sound too exciting. Some even sound like work. But the one thing they have in common is that eventually kids benefit. Every Cicero Kiwanis club project does something to help a kid. Why? Because too many kids don’t have the opportunity to thrive, prosper and grow. That’s why kids need Kiwanis.
The Cicero Kiwanis Club membership represents a cross section of the community – all working toward a common goal – building a better community one child at a time. Pictured are this year’s club officers (from left) Emily Pearson (President-elect), Jan Unger (Past President), Karen Stout (Secretary), Dr. Derek Arrowood (President), and Rhonda Gary (Treasurer). For more information about getting involved and being part of growing this organization’s impact in size and scope, email cicerokiwanis@gmail.com. (Photo provided)
And the Cicero Kiwanis Club needs you. Over the years, Cicero Kiwanis has stepped in to fill gaps that exist because of funding cuts in schools and communities. Sometimes it’s with playgrounds; other times it’s with books. It all depends on what our community needs. Sometimes we do projects and events just because they’re fun, and the kids enjoy them.
We’re not asking you to volunteer every day or even every week. We’re asking you to invest your skills in this community by helping kids who most need your guidance, mentoring, and friendship. Volunteering will give you the ability to solve problems, strengthen communities, improve the lives of others, connect to others, and transform your own life in the process. And it provides the kids an opportunity to grow up in a community where they are happy, healthy, safe, and loved.
How can you say no to something that will help others and help you, too? The Cicero Kiwanis Club hopes you won’t. And, the kids need you. The more members we have, the more kids we can help. Kids need Kiwanis – and the kids need you. Who knows? You might benefit as much, or more, than them.
Find out more at our next Kiwanis club meeting. We meet at 7:30 a.m. Saturday mornings at Red Bridge Park Community Building. We would love to have you join us. You can also email cicerokiwanis@gmail.com for more information.