Town Center Kiwanis Club

by Nancy Pindur

December proved to be another busy month. As our membership grows, so does our activity level.

This month, Chris Hall, one of our newer members asked us to provide new or gently used coats and articles of clothing for homeless youth in our area through a group called STAND UP FOR KIDS. We responded en masse with much needed clothes that were immediately distributed among the young people so desperately in need of Winter clothes.

On December 4th members visited HOPE HAVEN HOME for children and seniors under the direction of member, Marilyn Oxford, and distributed gifts and cookies to residents. They shared breakfast with the group and the children sang carols tous.

On December 11th, member Michael Brooks represented us at our Aktion Club's annual Christmas pot luck. The mentally challenged adults brought dishes to share and sang Christmas carols.

Also on December 11thour members gathered together for our annual Holiday Party. This year it washosted by member Ron Amidon and his wife Sandra. It is always a great experience to get together with our fellow members on a social level and relax. We shared appetizers and desserts and good cheer This year the turn-out was especially large and a good time was had by all.

On December 14 members volunteered to assist the Salvation army and Toys for Tots gift distribution once again. For those new to this event it was especially moving to help "shop" with the parents of needy children selected through social services.

On December 23rd we delivered Christmas Baskets to four needy families in the community..

This year has proven to be a very successful one for giving. We can only hope through our growing membership and our successful fundraisers, such as our Town Center Race which more than doubled its proceeds this year to over $10,000, that the year 2011 will outshine this year.