By Sara Beth Williams–
From providing educational supplies to local schools, to volunteering at National Night Out, Kiwanis Club of Citrus Heights volunteers have served the local community for 50 years.
According to the club’s website, the local club was chartered in 1972. Globally, Kiwanis Clubs serve communities in more than 80 countries. Today, there are more than 7,000 Kiwanis Clubs in the United States, according to Kiwanis.org, with clubs offering service programs for everyone from elementary through adulthood.
Bradley Miller, who recently completed a term as co-president of the Kiwanis Club of Citrus Heights, said that he first began serving with his college’s “Circle K” club, which are organized and sponsored by a Kiwanis Club on college campuses. Later, when he moved to Citrus Heights, he began serving with the city’s local Kiwanis Club.
“I see the difference they make with the youth in our community,” Miller said, adding that he helps sponsor Key Clubs on high school campuses.
The Citrus Heights City Council recently recognized the local club at a council meeting in September. According to the City of Citrus Heights’ Facebook page, the club works with multiple organizations making for a “vibrant community.” The club has reportedly contributed over $1 million in the past 50 years toward various nonprofit organizations throughout the community.
The Kiwanis Club of Citrus Heights’ motto is “Serving the Children of the World,” with its members volunteering with the Sunrise Christian Food Ministry during the height of the pandemic and donating supplies to local schools, among other efforts.
The club also sponsors Key Clubs at local high schools and raises money for scholarships, which students can apply for on the local club’s website. Fundraising and annual activities including an Easter Egg hunt, golf tournament, Crab Feed, and the Big Day of Giving, are also held annually.
According to their website, the Kiwanis Club helped build and continues to support the “Kiwanis Family House,” which provides temporary housing to families of patients at UC Davis Medical Center and Shiners’ Hospital.
Miller said the club has also partnered with the Sunrise Recreation and Park District and sponsors a river safety program, which teaches river safety and swimming lessons to refuges and second-language learners.
Future service projects listed on the club’s website include volunteering at the Sayonara Center, and helping out at the Underground Clothing Connection store at Sunrise Mall, which offers free clothing to students and families in need.
“Being able to see a need in our community and being able to address that need is what make me want to be part of Kiwanis,” Miller said.