One group that often comes to mind when the Kiwanis Club of Transfer thinks of “service” is residents at local assisted living facilities. Over the years, our club as well at the K-Family groups at Reynolds schools have worked with these facilities. Whether it’s doing crafts, playing bingo, or simply visiting with residents, we like to participate in activities with these folks as often as possible.
These residents have been on our mind even more since social distancing, as we know many of them are facing loneliness. It is understandable that these facilities cannot accept visitors at this time, but this leaves many residents feeling isolated. Our club wanted to do something to spread some cheer to a group of local residents.
We had to come up with a way to put smiles on residents’ faces from a distance, keeping them safe. We decided to send some bright cheery flowers to each resident at Greystone Country Estates. We put each flower in its own pot and attached a note to let the residents know we were thinking of them.
This also seemed like the perfect time to thank the staff of Greystone for all their hard work, and we put together flowers to send to them as well.
The flowers were dropped off at Greystone to be distributed by the staff. Said the staff, “We thank you so much for the smiles you put on residents’ faces.” Mission accomplished!
Each time our country experiences a catastrophe, people step forward to offer aid and heroes are discovered. Depending on the circumstances, these heroes come from different places with varied talents that aid in making the current conditions more bearable. In our current pandemic we have heard songs of praise for our health care workers, food service and retail employees, and mask makers among others. But in the background, often unacknowledged or unnoticed, are the many volunteers that give of their time and talents to help others in need, most of whom are strangers to them. Volunteers and volunteer organizations find ways to meet needs, soothe fears, and show appreciation to those on the front lines. I am proud, as a Transfer Kiwanis member, to be a part of a wonderful group of volunteers, many of whom have dedicated years to our club through the service of their community and its residents. So today I am singing my song of praise for this amazing club and its members. We proudly serve, even when no one else sees.
Our club recently was looking for opportunities to continue serving our community through the COVID-19 pandemic while maintaining social distancing. Our minds immediately went to our local essential employees that are going to work everyday and keeping our community moving. “Delivering a small token of our gratitude allowed us Kiwanians to make essential workers feel appreciated,” said James Rust Jr. We decided to distribute goody bags to these workers to show our appreciation for their hard work and to provide a bit of cheer during their surely tiring days.
While we would have loved to get together and put together these goody bags in person, we had to take a more cautious approach to this project. The items were purchased, and then Jeff and Brenda Long tackled packing all 197 bags. “It felt very satisfying to be involved in such a positive and encouraging club project.”
Once packed, the bags were divided up into larger bags for easier distribution. Numbers had been collected so we knew how many good bags each business needed. On Friday, April 17 the bags were distributed by Sharon Rust, James Rust Jr., and LeRoy Cotton to local essential businesses, fire departments, and township buildings. Sharon said, “Seeing the appreciation in everyone’s face was a ray of sunshine during this dark time.” Each delivery was met with a smiling face.
Our club continues to think about how we can continue community service during this time. Have you or your Kiwanis Club participated in social distancing service recently? Do you have ideas for service projects? We want to hear them! Comment below!
Each year the Kiwanis Club of Transfer purchases dictionaries to distribute to third graders in the Reynolds School District. This service project is part of a larger, nationwide effort called The Dictionary Project, which aims to “assist all students in becoming good writers, active readers, creative thinkers, and resourceful learners by providing them with their own personal dictionary.”
“Reading makes a country great,” said Dan Resinger, club secretary. ” This program allows each of our students to have a dictionary with them all day long.” The students are able to use these dictionaries in class, for their homework, and when they discover new words while reading.
Transfer Kiwanians have been participating in the project for nine years and have distributed 840 dictionaries. 2019 was the first year that they also distributed thesaurusi to fifth graders, and they passed out 96. Many fifth graders commented that they still had and used the dictionaries that they had received two years prior.
This project has proven to be a success year after year. “The platform for all knowledge is online, the internet,” said Dan, “But the bedrock of knowledge is in books and in print.” One teacher noted that not only did her students appreciate the dictionaries but they found the extra information in the back very interesting. Each dictionary comes with a large reference section in the back with information on things like the states and the presidents.
This year’s Pennsylvania District Convention was held in Williamsport, PA. The weekend included workshops, educational sessions and fellowship opportunities as well as time to explore Williamsport. The Kiwanis Club of Transfer was able to send three of its members to this weekend event at the Genetti Hotel.
Our club representatives Sharon, Karen, and Erin (say that three times fast) snap a quick selfie before Thursday evening’s activity.
The weekend began on Thursday evening with a trip to the Little League International Headquarters and Museum. Kiwanians sat in the stands and learned more about the Little League Organization, the ball park, and the World Series, which would begin the following week. After a look in the museum there was a picnic dinner on the grounds. Then our three members turned in early for a good night’s rest before a weekend filled with service!
Erin, our public relations director, was eager to get started. “Having been to Key Club convention in the past, I knew I would come away from this weekend with a lot of ideas and energy,” she said. The next day was full of opportunities to learn more about increasing membership, engaging members, and unique service opportunities. Erin learned more about using social media to the club’s advantage while Sharon, incoming president, and Karen, membership chairperson, learned more about the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
That afternoon the three participated in a service project for Caitlin Smile’s where they crafted and signed cards for kids in local children’s hospitals. This project highlighted what Kiwanis is all about – the kids. “Karing for Kids is what Kiwanis is all about! Kiwanis PA District Convention reminded me why I joined Kiwanis. I hope everyone takes the opportunity to go learn and get energized about Kiwanis,” said Sharon.
Friday evening’s entertainment was a short walk down the street from the convention center to the beautiful local theater. There The Midtown Men performed hits from the sixties.
Saturday was another busy day. Our club’s trio attended general session and thought forward to what they would like the future of Kiwanis to look like. After a business session in the afternoon, Kiwanians headed to the Governor’s Banquet. This event honored clubs and members who have performed outstanding service in their communities.
While Sunday was the last day of the event, the Kiwanians said “it’s not over yet” and used it to their advantage! The morning’s kickoff breakfast was spend getting excited for the year to come. Karen said of the event, “Attending Kiwanis DCON was a great experience – lots of great information, meeting new friends and reconnecting with Kiwanis friends. One of the best PA District conventions that I have attended.” The 2019 Pennsylvania District Convention sent Kiwanians home with fresh ideas, invigorated spirits, and lots of energy to serve their communities. We can’t wait to get the new Kiwanis year started!
