While the COVID-19 pandemic spread around the world, Kiwanis clubs found innovative ways to stay together, serve their community and, in some cases, raise money.  

In North Carolina, the Twin City Kiwanis Club continues to make up for lost revenue from the annual Pancake Jamboree. The club is seeking federal funds from a local recovery effort to fill in for the pancake proceeds and has asked Winston-Salem city officials for US$40,000 — the amount the club typically raises. The proceeds are typically divided among more than 20 local youth programs, as well as a program in Vietnam.  

Members did have some fun with the canceled pancake day, creating a campaign called “Pancake Day 2021 is Toast.” The club sought additional donations on its Facebook page and from local businesses and club members.  

Other clubs found ways to serve children by holding events outside and continuing to meet online.  

The Kiwanis Club of Holland, New York, added 10 members over the past year. Members held weekly meetings online, and then switched to hybrid when it was safe. New fundraisers, including a tool raffle and calendar raffle, were offered along with service projects.  

Also, a Pennsylvania club learned how to host outdoor events for children during the pandemic, and clubs in the Philippines visited sick children afflicted with various blood disorders and distributed health kits and food packs in remote areas.