INDIANAPOLIS, IN (Dec. 5, 2016) – Children in communities across the world have the opportunity to thrive, prosper and grow because of the 18.5 million hours of community service donated annually by Kiwanis members. On International Volunteer Day, Monday, Dec. 5, Kiwanis International recognizes the contribution from our members who are improving the lives of children.

“Kiwanis clubs make a positive difference in the community,” said Jane Erickson, 2016-17 Kiwanis International president. “We want to make sure every child has the opportunity to be happy, healthy, safe and loved. Kiwanians serve the children of the world.”

Every year, Kiwanis club members donate a combined 18.5 million hours of volunteer service. The Independent Sector estimates $23.07 as the hourly volunteer rate, making the total Kiwanis impact at US$426,795,000.

Erickson said clubs often provide help in communities where budgets have been cut or social services have been reduced. Each Kiwanis club determines the best way to meet the needs of the community. Some give students backpacks with school supplies; others provide gifts and meals during the holidays or organize bike and swimming safety lessons. Clubs raise funds to provide these services by selling peanuts, holding pancake breakfasts and sponsoring car washes and dances. Kiwanis clubs partner with youth leadership programs including Kiwanis Key Club for high school students and Circle K Club for college students, along with programs for youth and disabled adults, all to make their communities a better place to live and work.

“Since 1915, Kiwanis clubs have been made up of men and women who have worked to promote peace and understanding through service.” Erickson said. “We believe we can build better communities by creating enduring friendships and rendering altruistic service to others. On International Volunteer Day, I want to say thank you to our more than 700,000 members who are making a difference in the life of a child.”

According to the Corporation for National and Community Service, about 62.6 million Americans, or 25.4 percent of the adult population, gave 7.7 billion hours of volunteer service worth $173 billion in 2013.

“Make a difference in your community,” Erickson said. “Attend a Kiwanis club service project, learn about the volunteer opportunities in Kiwanis and join people around the world who want to make life better for children in their communities.”

Visit Kiwanis.org to find a club near you.  
 
About Kiwanis

Founded in 1915, Kiwanis International is a global organization of clubs and members dedicated to serving the children of the world. Kiwanis and its family of clubs, including Circle K International for university students, Key Club for high school students, Builders Club for middle school students, Kiwanis Kids for elementary school students and Aktion Club for adults living with disabilities, annually dedicate more than 18 million hours and raise more than $100 million to strengthen communities and serve children. More than 700,000 adult and youth members in 79 nations and geographic areas comprise the Kiwanis International family. For more information about Kiwanis International, visit kiwanis.org.