Community support boosts a Kiwanis club’s 34-year program.

By Linda Little, treasurer, Kiwanis Club of Mount Washington Valley 

The Angels & Elves project began in 1991 as a grassroots holiday assistance program serving families in the Mount Washington Valley of rural northern New Hampshire, U.S. As the program grew, the Kiwanis Club of Mount Washington Valley — a club of just 52 members — assumed stewardship in 2003, providing the organizational structure needed to sustain it long-term.  

Today, Angels & Elves has been supporting local families for 34 years — and the 2025 holiday season was the strongest in the program’s history. 

Last year, Angels & Elves served 489 children. Because of an extraordinary level of community involvement, every family received a US$50 grocery gift card, and every child was fully sponsored. Children received essential items needed for a New England winter — such as coats, boots and warm clothing — along with the Christmas wishes they asked for, ensuring each child received something chosen just for them. 

A community of helpers
While Kiwanis provides leadership and oversight, the work of Angels & Elves is carried out by a wide network of community volunteers. Some have been involved for decades, serving as team leaders and returning year after year to organize, wrap and distribute gifts. 

Local businesses play a major role in making the program possible. Many sponsor children directly, run fundraisers or host dine-to-donate events. Some local retailers also offer discounts to sponsors shopping locally for children. In addition to financial support, business owners and employees regularly volunteer their time, helping sort, wrap and organize gifts during the busiest weeks of the season. 

The program is strengthened by community partners who provide experiences and opportunities. Each year, the Mount Washington Valley Bicycle Club donates a few dozen bicycles, and the Conway Scenic Railroad hosts more than 400 children and their families aboard the Santa Express, allowing families to share a holiday experience together. 

Settlers Green, a local outlet mall, donates multiple locations each season — one serving as the operational hub for Angels & Elves and a second for Photos with Santa, a fully Kiwanis-run fundraiser that helps support the program. 

Because of the level of support received in 2025, Angels & Elves also was able to help other local holiday assistance efforts. 

Over the years, many people who first volunteered with Angels & Elves have gone on to become Kiwanis members. 

Kiwanis New Jersey District hosts conference on youth homelessness.

By Julie Saetre

Submitted by the Kiwanis New Jersey District 

In the 2023-24 school year, 17,315 students in the U.S. state of New Jersey were identified as experiencing homelessness. That’s why Kiwanis International’s New Jersey District created the New Jersey Kiwanis Youth Homelessness District Project, which works to create awareness of the issues faced by these students and provide support to organizations that are actively working to address them. 

As part of the project, the district held its inaugural statewide New Jersey Kiwanis Hope and Healing Conference on November 6. The conference brought together youth advocates, agency professionals and community partners from across the state for a full day of learning, empowerment and connection. 

 “Our goal has always been to elevate the voices of young people facing housing instability and bring every corner of New Jersey’s support network together,” says Michael Ellithorpe, New Jersey Kiwanis District project chair. “This conference demonstrated what is possible when service organizations, educators and advocates unite behind a shared mission.” 

Attendees participated in workshop sessions and networking opportunities designed for transitionally housed youth, youth homelessness agency staff, community partners and Kiwanis members. The event underscored New Jersey’s statewide commitment to addressing youth homelessness through shared purpose and coordinated action. 

“This conference proved exactly what Kiwanis stands for — hope, action and partnership,” says Frank Cahill, New Jersey District governor. “Seeing so many agencies, advocates and young people in one room reminded us why we remain committed to this project. Youth experiencing homelessness deserve stability, opportunity and community, and Kiwanis will continue to stand beside them every step of the way.” 

Emily Scharf, president of the New Jersey Kiwanis Foundation, also praised the shared commitment that shaped the conference. 

“The Hope and Healing Conference was the culmination of years of work, collaboration and compassion across New Jersey. Every attendee — from youth to agency leaders — played a part in creating a space of empowerment and healing. This is only the beginning of what we can accomplishtogether.” 

To date, the New Jersey Kiwanis Youth Homelessness District Project has generated nearly US$40,000 in donations and thousands of volunteer hours.  

Learn more about Kiwanis clubs addressing youth homelessness and get inspiration for your own project.