Our club manages a wide variety of projects that involve fundraising, community service, and assisting children locally and worldwide. Below are stories of recent club activities. Consider joining us.
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***Kiwanians Return to J-MRL Central Library Children’s Section for Service Work Night
February 26, 2026 — The fourth Monday evening of every month is designated “Dick Fowler Memorial Service Work Night” and a dozen Kiwanians showed up Monday evening, February 23, at one of the club’s most favorite locations: the Children’s Section of the Central Branch of Jefferson-Madison Regional Library Assistant Director and Central Branch manager Krista Farrell and Children’s Section Director Karen Gillaspie put the Kiwanians to work on various tasks related to upcoming special events introducing the children of the community to the pleasure of reading. Some of the Kiwanians helped put stickers on hundreds of books that will be made available to children and youth coming to all eight branches of J-MRL Others showed their manual dexterity by rolling scrolls of poems to be presented to children and youth in a special program highlighting the delights of reading, reciting, and writing poetry. A delightful pizza party took place in the Swanson Case Court Room allowing for fellowship and rewarding all involved for demonstrating the meaning of the slogan “Kiwanis is a Verb,” a saying oft promoted by past Kiwanis Capital District Governor Eric Lamb.
Kiwanis volunteers are eager to work in support of children and youthManual dexterity is among the skill sets of Kiwanis volunteers
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***Kiwanis K-Kids Program Launched at Greer Elementary School
February 25, 2026 — With more than two dozen parents, teachers, school administrators, and Kiwanians in attendance, eleven 5th graders at Greer Elementary School were inducted into the K-Kids Service Leadership Program on Monday afternoon, February 23. The induction ceremony followed the official presentation of the club’s charter by Kiwanis International Trustee Dennis Baugh. Long-time Greer 4th grade teacher and current Charlottesville Kiwanis President Marieka Williams helped organize the club in the fall of 2025 and serves as the club’s faculty adviser. Encouraging remarks were offered by school Assistant Principal Becca Irvine as well as by several of the K-Kids Club leaders. And the event concluded with a wonderful late afternoon snack enjoyed by all.
In a recent facebook post, Kiwanis International explained: “K-Kids is a student-led community-service club for elementary-age students that teaches members the value of helping others through participation in service projects and club activities. A Kiwanis club sponsors the K-Kids club. K-Kids isn’t just a club — it’s a community built for learning! K-Kids members strengthen their teamwork, inclusion and active listening skills!“
The club meets bi-weekly on Mondays after school and often visits the neighboring Boys & Girls Club. One of the club’s proudest achievements is the establishment and maintenance of a special clothing and supplies closet available to any Greer student in need. The supplies are frequently replenished by donations coming through the Kiwanis/Walmart Gifts-in-Kind project.
Greer Community Outreach teacher shows off Supply Closet
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***Kiwanians Hear from Community Engagement Director at the Charlottesville YMCA
Bonita Patton receives the replica Kiwanis bell from President Marieka and President-Elect Cindy
February 18, 2026 — At the third Monday general meeting in February, Kiwanians enjoyed a splendid presentation by Bonita Patton, VP of Community Engagement at the Piedmont Family YMCA. Ms. Patton started her presentation with an illustrated history of the YMCA organization, which has been in Charlottesville at various locations for more than 125 years. The Y focuses its work in three areas:Youth Development; Healthy Living; and Social Responsibilityand operates out of two marvelous locations– Brooks Family YMCA in McIntire Park and at the YMCA Early Learning Center in Downtown Charlottesville. In addition, the Y has a strong presence in the Charlottesville City and Greene County schools and conducts a dynamic summer camp program with options for children and youth of all ages and abilities. She outlined the many ways Kiwanians can become involved in their inspiring work, including by volunteering at the many special public events organized by the Y. She said: “At the Y, strengthening community is our cause. We believe that positive, lasting personal and social change can only come about when we all work together to invest in our kids, our health and our neighbors.” Indeed, it would appear that Kiwanis and the YMCA share common goals and would do well to work together for greater success.
___________
***Kiwanis/Walmart Gifts-In-Kind Project Keeps Rolling Along
January 19, 2026 — In November, 2018 the Kiwanis Club of Charlottesville Foundation became the new donation distribution arm for Walmart Store #1780 in Charlottesville. Non-perishable items like clothing, small electronics, toys, school supplies, sports equipment, household items of all types, lawn and garden items, and more are made available to Kiwanis on a weekly basis for distribution to community agencies in need of gifts-in-kind. The Kiwanis Club of Charlottesville has reached out to more than a dozen such community agencies since this partnership has been in effect and has made available more than $1,000,000 worth of gifts-in-kind.
Reps from Love INC and International Rescue Committee (IRC) with Eric Lamb at the storage shed.
Past Kiwanis Capital District Governor Eric Lamb, who conceived of this project a little over seven years ago, leads a small but dedicated team of Kiwanis volunteers (including Charlie Krizek and Tom Lowe) on a weekly visit to Walmart, where they pick up at least a pallet load of overstock merchandise that Kiwanis then makes available to more than a dozen agencies as gifts-in-kind. One of our steady partner-beneficiaries is Charlottesville Community Bikes. Just in the past month, Kiwanis was able to forward more than two dozen bikes (of various sizes) to this wonderful community asset, which “promotes environmentally sound transportation, recycles bicycles, and makes cycling accessible.” In a recent facebook post, agency staff explained the difference Charlottesville Community Bikes is making for kids in this community:
Bicycles ready for pick-up by Charlottesville Community Bikes
“As the year wraps up, moments like this remind us why we do this work. A few weeks ago, a mom came in with her two kids looking for bikes. We found one right away, but couldn’t find another that fit her second child. He started to tear up. Just then, another family walked in to donate a bike their child had outgrown. Minutes later, it was heading home with its new owner, Liam — after a round of high fives in the shop.The thank-you note Liam mailed us is now hanging above our register, and it’s a daily reminder of why this work matters. “
Liam thanks Charlottesville Community Bikes
Ask yourself: “What if Kiwanis did not exist?” –consider the case of Liam. The Kiwanis Club of Charlottesville is not a service provider, but we aim to provide leverage to those excellent service providers who make this community such a great place to live, work, and raise a family. As the hash tag says: #KidsNeedKiwanis
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***Kiwanian Presented with the Coveted George F. Hixson Fellowship Award
January 24, 2026 — A special moment was enjoyed at the first general meeting of the new year when Kiwanian Jack Compton was presented with the George F. Hixson Fellowship by his daughter, President-Elect Cindy Reynolds at The Center at Belvedere. All in attendance rose and applauded Jack for his service to the children of our community and the world through Kiwanis. In 1983, the Kiwanis Children’s Fund established the George F. Hixson Fellowship. Named for Kiwanis International’s first president, Hixson Fellowships are awarded to donors who give US$1,000 or more to the Children’s Fund. It’s a way of recognizing people who have contributed significantly to Kiwanis’ history of generosity. In fact, clubs and Kiwanians often give in honor of another person or organization — recognizing others’ help and commitment with a Hixson Fellowship.Congratulations, Jack, and thank you, Cindy!
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***January Meeting Programs Show Kiwanians How to “Look to the Future and Live for the Present”
January 26, 2026 —“It’s never too early or too late to plan”— this was the message delivered by Beth Norton of Norton Health Law and Don Giannangeli of Edward Jones who discussed estate planning, health law, and retirement financial planning at the first Kiwanis Club general meeting of 2026 at The Center at Belvedere. Our genial presenters conducted a lively discussion with the twenty members in attendance who asked many interesting and challenging questions. Attendees were left with detailed handouts and were encouraged to follow up with the professionals they are comfortable with to make life easier for themselves and their families now and in the future.
President Marieka Williams and Program Chair Matt Laird thank our presenters
___________
“What time is it? It is NOW!” — that was the message delivered by Freddy Jackson, founder of Love No Ego, a dynamic non-profit which “helps youth and young adults to discover themselves, go beyond the limitations of the egotistical world, and be their best selves” by offering mentoring, professional speaking workshops, and even athletic training programsfor youth and young adults ages 10-24. Every young participant in Freddy’s programs receives a free wrist watch, whose face says NOW. What better time is there to realize your potential for greatness and goodness than RIGHT NOW?
Kiwanians were on the edge of their seats as they took in Freddy’s inspiring message at the second Kiwanis Club general meeting of 2026 at The Center at Belvedere. The discussion was animated and went well beyond the traditional 8:00 p.m. ending time. But who was looking at their watch??? The time is always NOW.
Freddy Jackson receives the replica Kiwanis bell from a grateful President Marieka
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Most Recent Club Activities
Our club manages a wide variety of projects that involve fundraising, community service, and assisting children locally and worldwide. Below are stories of recent club activities. Consider joining us.
__________
***Kiwanians Return to J-MRL Central Library Children’s Section for Service Work Night
February 26, 2026 — The fourth Monday evening of every month is designated “Dick Fowler Memorial Service Work Night” and a dozen Kiwanians showed up Monday evening, February 23, at one of the club’s most favorite locations: the Children’s Section of the Central Branch of Jefferson-Madison Regional Library Assistant Director and Central Branch manager Krista Farrell and Children’s Section Director Karen Gillaspie put the Kiwanians to work on various tasks related to upcoming special events introducing the children of the community to the pleasure of reading. Some of the Kiwanians helped put stickers on hundreds of books that will be made available to children and youth coming to all eight branches of J-MRL Others showed their manual dexterity by rolling scrolls of poems to be presented to children and youth in a special program highlighting the delights of reading, reciting, and writing poetry. A delightful pizza party took place in the Swanson Case Court Room allowing for fellowship and rewarding all involved for demonstrating the meaning of the slogan “Kiwanis is a Verb,” a saying oft promoted by past Kiwanis Capital District Governor Eric Lamb.
___________
***Kiwanis K-Kids Program Launched at Greer Elementary School
February 25, 2026 — With more than two dozen parents, teachers, school administrators, and Kiwanians in attendance, eleven 5th graders at Greer Elementary School were inducted into the K-Kids Service Leadership Program on Monday afternoon, February 23. The induction ceremony followed the official presentation of the club’s charter by Kiwanis International Trustee Dennis Baugh. Long-time Greer 4th grade teacher and current Charlottesville Kiwanis President Marieka Williams helped organize the club in the fall of 2025 and serves as the club’s faculty adviser. Encouraging remarks were offered by school Assistant Principal Becca Irvine as well as by several of the K-Kids Club leaders. And the event concluded with a wonderful late afternoon snack enjoyed by all.
In a recent facebook post, Kiwanis International explained: “K-Kids is a student-led community-service club for elementary-age students that teaches members the value of helping others through participation in service projects and club activities. A Kiwanis club sponsors the K-Kids club. K-Kids isn’t just a club — it’s a community built for learning! K-Kids members strengthen their teamwork, inclusion and active listening skills!“
The club meets bi-weekly on Mondays after school and often visits the neighboring Boys & Girls Club. One of the club’s proudest achievements is the establishment and maintenance of a special clothing and supplies closet available to any Greer student in need. The supplies are frequently replenished by donations coming through the Kiwanis/Walmart Gifts-in-Kind project.
___________
***Kiwanians Hear from Community Engagement Director at the Charlottesville YMCA
February 18, 2026 — At the third Monday general meeting in February, Kiwanians enjoyed a splendid presentation by Bonita Patton, VP of Community Engagement at the Piedmont Family YMCA. Ms. Patton started her presentation with an illustrated history of the YMCA organization, which has been in Charlottesville at various locations for more than 125 years. The Y focuses its work in three areas: Youth Development; Healthy Living; and Social Responsibility and operates out of two marvelous locations– Brooks Family YMCA in McIntire Park and at the YMCA Early Learning Center in Downtown Charlottesville. In addition, the Y has a strong presence in the Charlottesville City and Greene County schools and conducts a dynamic summer camp program with options for children and youth of all ages and abilities. She outlined the many ways Kiwanians can become involved in their inspiring work, including by volunteering at the many special public events organized by the Y. She said: “At the Y, strengthening community is our cause. We believe that positive, lasting personal and social change can only come about when we all work together to invest in our kids, our health and our neighbors.” Indeed, it would appear that Kiwanis and the YMCA share common goals and would do well to work together for greater success.
___________
***Kiwanis/Walmart Gifts-In-Kind Project Keeps Rolling Along
January 19, 2026 — In November, 2018 the Kiwanis Club of Charlottesville Foundation became the new donation distribution arm for Walmart Store #1780 in Charlottesville. Non-perishable items like clothing, small electronics, toys, school supplies, sports equipment, household items of all types, lawn and garden items, and more are made available to Kiwanis on a weekly basis for distribution to community agencies in need of gifts-in-kind. The Kiwanis Club of Charlottesville has reached out to more than a dozen such community agencies since this partnership has been in effect and has made available more than $1,000,000 worth of gifts-in-kind.
Past Kiwanis Capital District Governor Eric Lamb, who conceived of this project a little over seven years ago, leads a small but dedicated team of Kiwanis volunteers (including Charlie Krizek and Tom Lowe) on a weekly visit to Walmart, where they pick up at least a pallet load of overstock merchandise that Kiwanis then makes available to more than a dozen agencies as gifts-in-kind. One of our steady partner-beneficiaries is Charlottesville Community Bikes. Just in the past month, Kiwanis was able to forward more than two dozen bikes (of various sizes) to this wonderful community asset, which “promotes environmentally sound transportation, recycles bicycles, and makes cycling accessible.” In a recent facebook post, agency staff explained the difference Charlottesville Community Bikes is making for kids in this community:
“As the year wraps up, moments like this remind us why we do this work. A few weeks ago, a mom came in with her two kids looking for bikes. We found one right away, but couldn’t find another that fit her second child. He started to tear up. Just then, another family walked in to donate a bike their child had outgrown. Minutes later, it was heading home with its new owner, Liam — after a round of high fives in the shop. The thank-you note Liam mailed us is now hanging above our register, and it’s a daily reminder of why this work matters.
“
Ask yourself: “What if Kiwanis did not exist?” –consider the case of Liam. The Kiwanis Club of Charlottesville is not a service provider, but we aim to provide leverage to those excellent service providers who make this community such a great place to live, work, and raise a family. As the hash tag says: #KidsNeedKiwanis
____________
***Kiwanian Presented with the Coveted George F. Hixson Fellowship Award
January 24, 2026 — A special moment was enjoyed at the first general meeting of the new year when Kiwanian Jack Compton was presented with the George F. Hixson Fellowship by his daughter, President-Elect Cindy Reynolds at The Center at Belvedere. All in attendance rose and applauded Jack for his service to the children of our community and the world through Kiwanis. In 1983, the Kiwanis Children’s Fund established the George F. Hixson Fellowship. Named for Kiwanis International’s first president, Hixson Fellowships are awarded to donors who give US$1,000 or more to the Children’s Fund. It’s a way of recognizing people who have contributed significantly to Kiwanis’ history of generosity. In fact, clubs and Kiwanians often give in honor of another person or organization — recognizing others’ help and commitment with a Hixson Fellowship. Congratulations, Jack, and thank you, Cindy!
_____________
***January Meeting Programs Show Kiwanians How to “Look to the Future and Live for the Present”
January 26, 2026 —“It’s never too early or too late to plan” — this was the message delivered by Beth Norton of Norton Health Law and Don Giannangeli of Edward Jones who discussed estate planning, health law, and retirement financial planning at the first Kiwanis Club general meeting of 2026 at The Center at Belvedere. Our genial presenters conducted a lively discussion with the twenty members in attendance who asked many interesting and challenging questions. Attendees were left with detailed handouts and were encouraged to follow up with the professionals they are comfortable with to make life easier for themselves and their families now and in the future.
___________
“What time is it? It is NOW!” — that was the message delivered by Freddy Jackson, founder of Love No Ego, a dynamic non-profit which “helps youth and young adults to discover themselves, go beyond the limitations of the egotistical world, and be their best selves” by offering mentoring, professional speaking workshops, and even athletic training programs for youth and young adults ages 10-24. Every young participant in Freddy’s programs receives a free wrist watch, whose face says NOW. What better time is there to realize your potential for greatness and goodness than RIGHT NOW?
Kiwanians were on the edge of their seats as they took in Freddy’s inspiring message at the second Kiwanis Club general meeting of 2026 at The Center at Belvedere. The discussion was animated and went well beyond the traditional 8:00 p.m. ending time. But who was looking at their watch??? The time is always NOW.
_____________
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