The Kiwanis family in fiction

The Kiwanis family in fiction

Feb 29, 2024 | General interest | 0 comments

Five popular movies and TV shows that have name-checked Kiwanis and Key Club over the years.

By Erin Chandler

Kiwanis International has been serving the children of the world for over a century — and in that time, it has permeated popular culture as well. In movies, TV and written fiction, the presence of a Kiwanis club succinctly tells the audience that the setting is a community that helps out its less fortunate members. Characters might say they are Kiwanians to indicate a dedication to service or a thriving social life. Or they might mention an affiliation with Key Club to indicate that they are high achievers involved in their schools and communities. 

Below are five examples of movies and TV shows from the past 40 years that have referenced the Kiwanis family. What is your favorite mention of Kiwanis, Key Club or another Service Leadership Program in popular media? 

“Back to the Future” (1985) and “Back to the Future Part II” (1989)
When Marty McFly (Michael J. Fox) travels back to 1955 in the classic film “Back to the Future,” he wanders past a sign welcoming visitors to the fictional town of Hill Valley, California, U.S. — “a nice place to live.” Part of what makes it nice, no doubt, is the plethora of service organizations advertised on the sign, including Rotary International, Lions International, Optimist International and, yes, Kiwanis International. While the Kiwanis logo is absent from the town sign in 1985, it is back when Marty travels forward to 2015 in “Back to the Future Part II.” In a timeline with flying cars, Kiwanis is still serving the children of the world. 

“Frasier” (1993-2004)
In season six, episode 19, Niles Crane (David Hyde Pierce) mentions that he was a member of Key Club at his fictional alma mater, Bryce Academy. Niles admits that he initially joined Key Club — along with chess club and drama club — out of a sense of competitiveness with his older brother, Frasier (Kelsey Grammer). However, its principles may have benefited him in the long run — he went on to help others in his profession as a psychiatrist. 

“The King of Queens” (1998-2007)
In the first episode, Doug Heffernan’s (Kevin James) father-in-law, Arthur Spooner (Jerry Stiller), moves in with him. When Doug finds out Arthur is planning to invite his Kiwanis club over after numerous hijinks have already disrupted the day, he lays down a series of house rules — including “no parties” and “no Kiwanis.” But Doug shouldn’t worry about Kiwanians in his home: The sitcom’s setting is Queens, New York, U.S., so Arthur is probably a member of the perfectly reputable Kiwanis Club of Lefferts-Liberty, Queens County.

“Gilmore Girls” (2000-2007)
In season three, episode 21, we learn that high school senior Rory Gilmore (Alexis Bledel) has received a US$250 scholarship from a Kiwanis club — possibly the Kiwanis Club of Hartford, Connecticut, U.S., which is the location of Rory’s fictional school, Chilton Academy. It’s no surprise that Rory receives the club’s recognition: She is valedictorian of her graduating class, bound for Yale University and, in her mother’s words, “the most deserving kid ever.”  

It’s also possible that Rory’s fictional hometown, Stars Hollow, has its own Kiwanis club — town selectman Jackson Belleville (Jackson Douglas) is on his way to a Kiwanis luncheon in season five, episode five. Considering the town’s packed schedule of themed festivals, the Kiwanis Club of Stars Hollow would undoubtedly be busy with quirky community activities and fundraisers all year long.   

“The Flash” (2014-2023)
Key Club prides itself on helping students develop into tomorrow’s leaders. In the universe of “The Flash” TV series, it may have even helped one of them develop into a superhero. When Barry Allen (Grant Gustin) —a.k.a. The Flash— temporarily loses his memory in season three, episode 21, his fiancée, Iris West (Candice Patton), reminds him that he was a member of his high school’s Key Club, along with the science club, astronomy club, anime club and yearbook staff. A true hero, Barry was helping others even before he acquired his super speed.

Tomorrow Fund grants advance CKI projects

Tomorrow Fund grants advance CKI projects

Feb 26, 2024 | General interest, Kiwanis Children's Fund, Service Leadership Programs | 0 comments

Circle K International clubs serve their communities with help from the Kiwanis Children’s Fund.

By Erin Chandler

Circle K International clubs are making a difference in university and college communities around the world. CKI members are the next generation of servant leaders — and they’re not afraid to form ambitious partnerships and find creative solutions to problems. The Kiwanis Children’s Fund established the Tomorrow Fund to help CKI service projects reach their full potential.  

This year, the Children’s Fund awarded Tomorrow Fund grants to 10 outstanding projects that connect CKI members to their schools’ and districts’ larger communities.

Circle K International at ASU Fellowship Night
Circle K International of Arizona State University, U.S.
At Arizona State University CKI’s Fellowship Night, CKI members and local Key Club members come together to assemble 40 kits of essential items — including toiletries, first aid supplies and duffle bags — for people experiencing homelessness in their community. This project serves dual purposes: helping the growing population of unhoused people in Tempe, Arizona, and giving Key Club members the opportunity to learn about and experience the fellowship of CKI. A Tomorrow Fund grant will help pay for the kits, which will be distributed by AZ Hugs. 

Essentials for Empathy: Homeless Support Packs
Circle K International of City College of New York, U.S.
City College of New York CKI members are also using a Tomorrow Fund grant to serve people experiencing homelessness. By distributing “support packs” containing toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap, shampoo, deodorant, sanitary wipes, hand sanitizer, menstrual hygiene products, first aid essentials and nutritious snacks, the club hopes to provide assistance and relief to approximately 100-150 people. Club members also hope to increase awareness of and empathy about the issue of homelessness in their community. 

Luggage of Love and Literacy
Circle K International of Florida International University, U.S.
Florida International University CKI is working with the nonprofit Luggage of Love and Literacy to fill backpacks and duffle bags with supplies to help local unhoused and at-risk high school students transition into their college dorms. A Tomorrow Fund grant will help the club purchase bedding, small fans, hair dryers, dishes, shoe racks, folders, headsets, books and fun socks. Members hope these supplies will set students on the path to a successful college experience. 

Nourishing Neighborhoods: Little Free Pantries
Circle K International of New Jersey Institute of Technology, U.S.
The New Jersey Institute of Technology CKI will use its Tomorrow Fund grant to build, stock and spread the word about Little Free Pantries across every division of the New Jersey District. Members plan to build the pantries out of quality, durable materials and fill them with nonperishable food items, toiletries, menstrual hygiene products, stationery and toys for those in need. The club hopes the pantries will enable communities to support their most vulnerable members in a way that ensures accessibility, dignity and privacy. 

CKI Read: A Step Towards the Future
Circle K International of St. Peter’s College Ormoc, Philippines
St. Peter’s College Ormoc CKI is increasing literacy in its community by tutoring elementary school students. A Tomorrow Fund grant will help members expand their program and purchase school supplies, reading resources and snacks. Club members say they aim to boost kids’ reading comprehension, increase their vocabulary and foster “a genuine love for reading” through engaging reading material and activities.   

Toiletries and Cleaning Supplies Donation to a Primary School
Circle K International of University of Technology, Jamaica
A Tomorrow Fund grant will help CKI members at the University of Technology, Jamaica, purchase essential cleaning and sanitary supplies, including soap, hand sanitizer, napkins, tissues, mops and brooms, reusable gloves, garbage bags, bleach and more for a school in Montego Bay. A lack of resources in area schools has led to unsanitary conditions. Club members hope to curb the spread of illness by creating a cleaner environment for students. 

Maine Day Meal Packout
Circle K International of the University of Maine, U.S.
University of Maine CKI works with the University of Maine Honors College for the annual Maine Day Meal Packout. Hundreds of volunteers join CKI and Honors College members each year to pack at least 45,000 meals for food insecure communities. A Tomorrow Fund grant will help the program purchase even more meals for those who need them most.   

Art Classes for Children
Circle K International of the University of Texas at Dallas, U.S.
Members of University of Texas at Dallas CKI will host art classes for 50 kids at their local Boys and Girls Club over three months. A Tomorrow Fund grant will purchase supplies to make yarn flowers, bracelets, slime, origami, personalized wooden cutouts and decorated journals. Club members hope to mentor their students while they help them learn to cope with stress and express themselves through art.  

Georgia District Convention Service Project
Circle K International Georgia District, U.S.
CKI members attending the Georgia district convention will have the opportunity to help relieve the stress and improve the mental health of patients at Atlanta Children’s Hospital. A Tomorrow Fund grant will go toward the purchase of fun snacks and supplies to make stress balls, sensory items, “positive pencils” and more. Conference attendees will rotate through stations to make items that will be assembled into care packages for hospitalized kids. 

Ohio District Spring Officer Training Service Project with Bottoms Up Diaper Bank
Circle K International Ohio District, U.S.
As part of its spring officer training, the Ohio District of CKI plans to assemble 150 diaper kits for Bottoms Up Diaper Bank in Lancaster, Ohio. A Tomorrow Fund grant will go toward the purchase of wipes, diaper rash cream and multiple sizes of diapers for babies and toddlers; CKI officers will then assemble kits for distribution to families in need. Organizers hope officers will be inspired to continue to support Bottoms Up Diaper Bank and other local organizations with their clubs. 

How to get involved
Does your Circle K International group have a project idea that could benefit from a Tomorrow Fund grant? Learn more about the grant and how to apply on the CKI website. If your Kiwanis club does not yet sponsor a CKI club, learn about the advantages of chartering one today on the Kiwanis Service Leadership Programs page. 

29 ways to serve in one day 

29 ways to serve in one day 

Feb 23, 2024 | Club building, General interest, Leadership | 0 comments

Since it’s a leap year, we’re offering ideas for doing good with our extra day in 2024. 

By Sarah Moreland

Have you ever thought, “If only I had an extra day to…?”   

To sleep. To complete a to-do list. To visit a loved one. Here’s another possibility: to make the world a better place! 

Since 2024 is a leap year, we have that extra day. Whether you’re sharing kindness with a stranger or preparing a big event with fellow club members, it’s an additional 24 hours to do — or plan for — something good. 

Need a little inspiration? In honor of Leap Day, here are 29 ideas to get you started: 

  1. Write cards of encouragement for a school or children’s hospital. 
  1. Ask your local library if you can volunteer as a group reader. 
  1. Check with local organizations that may need extra help (e.g., Boys & Girls Clubs, a children’s hospital, etc.). 
  1. Help at a soup kitchen or local shelter. 
  1. Sort donations at a food pantry. 
  1. Team up with club members to pick up trash at a park or playground. 
  1. Set up a clothing or book drive. 
  1. Join an outdoor beautification project in your community.  
  1. Get members of K-Kids, Builders Club, Key Club, CKI and Aktion Club in a joint service project — then celebrate with a fun social hour. 
  1. Write congratulatory notes to give to Key Club and CKI seniors in the spring.  
  1. Drop off treats or small gifts of thanks to first responders in your community who keep families safe and healthy.  
  1. Host a resume-writing and interviewing practice session for students preparing for college and work life.  
  1. If you have crafting skills, knit hats for babies. 
  1. Train kids how to safely ride a bike. 
  1. Donate gently used items (clothing, electronics, eyeglasses, etc.) to an organization that can reuse or recycle them for those in need. 
  1. Build a Little Free Library for your community. 
  1. Host a game day for kids — whether it’s outdoor sports or an indoor board-game tournament. 
  1. Spread the word about a favorite charity. 
  1. Write a positive online review of an organization you or your club has collaborated with. 
  1. Teach kids how to grow their own food. 
  1. Host a diaper and baby formula donation drive to collect supplies for mothers and newborns in need. 
  1. Pack and distribute first-aid kits to families for their homes and vehicles. 
  1. Help families in need celebrate birthdays and milestones by creating a “party in a box” with balloons, streamers and signs. 
  1. Devote a day to mentorship. Speak to or meet with younger members of the Kiwanis family about an area of professional or personal expertise. 
  1. “Upcycle” plastic bags into waterproof blankets for those in need. 
  1. Set up a fundraising challenge for charity. 
  1. Sponsor a family in need to attend a museum, theater or attraction. 
  1. Provide kids with supplies to create puppets and perform their own puppet show. 
  1. Start planning an end-of-year ceremony to recognize your club’s BUG and Terrific Kids students’ achievements.