Plan a project to help newborns and new moms 

Plan a project to help newborns and new moms 

The month with the highest birth rate varies around the world. That means it’s always a good time of year to help babies. 

By Julie Saetre

In the northern hemisphere’s higher-latitude nations, birth rates are highest in July, August and September. In its subtropical and tropical countries, those months shift to October, November and December. And in the southern hemisphere’s nations, births are highest in March, April and May. 

In other words, it’s always a great time to help babies — and new moms. If your club would like to give babies and their parents the best possible start together, consider planning a service project to address their new needs. Take inspiration from these successful Kiwanis club initiatives. 

Host a diaper drive. For the past 10 years, the Kiwanis Club of Raleigh in North Carolina, U.S., has partnered with Saint Saviour’s Center, a community service organization that started The Diaper Train, the county’s first diaper-bank service. Kiwanis club members hold an annual drive to collect diapers and baby wipes (neither of which are provided in traditional government support programs), as well as children’s books. Since 2011, The Diaper Train has distributed more than 3 million diapers to low-income families in the county. The program assists over 1,100 children each month through donations and volunteers. 

Support young moms. In March, the Kiwanis Club of Young Professionals Kingston, Jamaica, partnered with the nonprofit JMMB Joan Duncan Foundation to donate J$100,000 to the scholarship fund of the Women’s Centre Foundation of Jamaica. The funds are being used to support adolescent mothers at the Women’s Centre, reflecting the United Nations’ 2024 theme for International Women’s Day “Invest in women: Accelerate progress.” 

Help a pediatric hospital. The Kiwanis Club of Mobile, Alabama, U.S., will use a Kiwanis Children’s Fund pediatric medicine support grant to expand a milk room at the Children’s & Women’s Hospital. The hospital — which delivers more babies annually than any other hospital on the upper Gulf Coast — recently doubled the size of its Pediatric Emergency Department and needs a larger, enhanced area for preparing and storing formula and breast milk. The Mobile Kiwanis Club, along with other clubs in its division, will use the grant combined with other funds to purchase refrigerators, a freezer, a milk warmer and a stainless-steel workstation. 

Prevent early childhood injuries. The Kiwanis Pediatric Trauma Institute, part of the Tufts Medical Center in Boston, Massachusetts, U.S., offers free Early Childhood Prevention Packets that Kiwanis clubs in the New England and Bermuda District can distribute to doctor’s offices, maternity units, parent groups, daycare centers and homes, birthing education centers, and prenatal and pediatric clinics. Each packet contains a car seat identification sticker, a child passenger safety booklet, prevention information on Shaken Baby Syndrome, car safety tips, a burn-prevention brochure, a home safety checklist booklet, a “Helping Baby Back to Sleep” SIDS prevention booklet, fall-prevention tips, electric outlet covers and a temperature-sensitive bath duck to prevent burns from bathwater. 

Looking for something that requires less prep and fewer hands? Try one of these options: 

  • Knit baby blankets or booties for newborns at an area hospital. 
  • Interview parenting experts and distribute parenting tip worksheets to organizations helping inexperienced moms and dads. 
  • Provide new slow cookers, healthy recipes and pantry staples to families in need. 
  • Donate new or gently used board books for babies to groups supporting new moms. 
Tips for hosting a successful pancake breakfast

Tips for hosting a successful pancake breakfast

A Colorado club celebrating its 50th pancake fundraiser gives advice on this signature Kiwanis event.

By Erin Chandler

In communities around the world, there are people who know their local Kiwanis club for one thing above all else: serving pancakes. Whether it’s called a pancake breakfast, a pancake feed or just a pancake day, it’s a great way to raise funds for community projects. And it has earned its place as a Kiwanis classic: Some clubs have held annual pancake breakfasts for over 60 years!

On July 4, the Kiwanis Club of Alamosa, Colorado, U.S., celebrated its 50th pancake breakfast. Below, club treasurer Doris Roberts shares some tips for clubs looking to launch their own pancake-based fundraiser — and for those looking to sustain such a project long-term.

Recruit sponsors. Months before the Kiwanis Club of Alamosa’s pancake breakfast takes place, the club is busy recruiting businesses and individuals to sponsor the event. In fact, Roberts says, most of the money to fund the event comes from these sponsors. “That is how we can keep it at such an affordable price for the community [attendees] as well,” Roberts says. 

Call on your community. When hosting a big event, the need for assistance often goes beyond the financial. You may need extra volunteers to help set up and tear down, serve food and drinks, or donate supplies. Roberts recommends reaching out to: 

  • Schools. If your club sponsors a Service Leadership Program, your pancake breakfast could be a great opportunity for its members to serve your shared community. If not, many schools have clubs that would be willing to help — including organizations that require members to complete service hours, like the National Honor Society. The Kiwanis Club of Alamosa calls on the Adams State University football team to provide extra manpower on the day of its pancake breakfast. 
  • Other service organizations. Local Rotary, Lions, Optimist and other service clubs in your area might be interested in partnering with you. (And don’t forget: Celebrate Community is in September.) The Kiwanis Club of Alamosa uses the industrial kitchen at the local Elks Lodge to wash dishes, and Elks also help with cleanup.  
  • Local breakfast-food businesses. A nearby IHOP donates pancake batter and syrup to the Alamosa club, and a local coffee shop provides coffee at a discount. Try reaching out to restaurants in your area that serve pancakes and other breakfast foods. 

Reach out to other Kiwanis clubs. One side effect of the pancake breakfast’s popularity among Kiwanis clubs is that nearby clubs may have experience hosting them. They might be willing to share advice — and even supplies. The Kiwanis Club of Alamosa borrows a “huge rotating grill” built specifically to make pancakes from the Kiwanis Club of Center. “It is awesome and makes a bunch of pancakes,” Roberts says.

Reward your sponsors and helpers. Free advertising is a great way to thank sponsors. The Kiwanis Club of Alamosa displays sponsors’ logos on a large banner and on placemats at every table. And in appreciation for the football players who give their time, the club donates to their athletic department.

Embrace the advantages of longevity. Keeping an event going for decades presents its fair share of challenges, but there are benefits too. After 50 years, the entire community of Alamosa — Kiwanians, sponsors, helpers and hungry families — knows what to expect from the Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast. The event has become a beloved tradition for everyone involved. “We have the same vendors each year,” Roberts says, “and they’re always very helpful to ensure their part of the breakfast gets done.”

That loyalty extends to attendees; the club serves over 2,000 people each year.

“To be honest with you, we’ve done our breakfast for so long that it’s now like a well-oiled machine,” Roberts says. “With all of the extra help and the great members we have, we pull it off.

“While I won’t lie, it is a lot of work, it is a great fundraiser — and very rewarding when it’s complete.” 

New Kiwanis club in Pakistan completes water project 

New Kiwanis club in Pakistan completes water project 

In its first year, the club has changed the lives of hundreds through access to clean water.

By Tony Knoderer

In its first year of existence, the Kiwanis Club of Pakistan has already made a major impact. The club recently completed a water project in a village in Sindh — transforming the lives of local residents, who previously traveled up to 20 kilometers (about 12.43 miles) for access to clean water.

“We have been able to provide a sustainable water source within the village,” says Peter Johnson, club president. “This project not only alleviates the daily struggles of the villagers but also brings newfound hope and happiness to their lives.” 

Johnson answered a few questions via email regarding the club and the project.  

Your club is new — did it start so you could do this project?
Our club was not specifically started for this project. However, the need for clean water in the Sindh village became one of our primary initiatives after hearing about the villagers’ plight. The dedication of our members and their desire to make a tangible difference inspired us to take on this vital project. 

What inspired your members to form a club?
The Kiwanis Club of Pakistan was formed by a group of individuals who share a common vision of serving communities and improving lives. Our members are driven by a passion for humanitarian work and the belief that collective efforts can bring about meaningful change. 

How did you learn about the need for your project?
Our club became aware of the need for clean water in this village through our outreach programs and interactions with the local community. The villagers expressed their struggles and the immense challenge of traveling long distances to access water, which highlighted the urgent need for this project. 

How did you work with the village to provide the water?
We collaborated closely with the village leaders and residents to understand their specific needs and the best locations for the water pumps. This cooperation ensured that the installation process was smooth and that the water sources were accessible to all villagers. 

Do you know how many people this project helps?
The installation of the water pumps has significantly impacted the entire village. Hundreds of residents, including children and the elderly, now have access to clean drinking water, which is crucial for their health and well-being.

“The joy and gratitude of the villagers,” Johnson adds, “is a testament to the power of community and collective effort. We believe that this success story can serve as a model for similar initiatives in other parts of the world. We are eager to share our experience and collaborate with global leaders and organizations to address such fundamental needs.”