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.
__________
***Kiwanis Key Clubbers Recognized for Excellence
May 26, 2026 — Every year the Kiwanis Club of Charlottesville recognizes the accomplishments of graduating seniors from the local high school Key Clubs we sponsor by awarding them $500 scholarships in memory of beloved Kiwanian and long-time community leader, J. T. Graves. This spring the following students were selected by school officials for outstanding academic achievement and for inspiring leadership among their peers in community service: Veronica Vitko and Robi Lim , who shared the award at Albemarle High School; Holly Thatcher of Western Albemarle High School; and Emma Black of Monticello High School. Great thanks goes out to past Kiwanis President and long-time Key Club Zone Administrator, Teresa Tyler, for organizing this year’s competition. Teresa was the Key Club faculty adviser at Albemarle High School for more than two decades and is now Assistant Principal at Western Albemarle High School. We also wish to recognize the inspiring work of the Key Club’s faculty advisers at the four schools: Ian Lyons at Albemarle; Clayton Grimes at Western Albemarle; April Wilkerson at Monticello; and Sherry Hodges at Charlottesville.
The Kiwanis Key Club is the largest and oldest youth service leadership program in the world, with chapters on more than 5,000 high school campuses in the United States alone. “High school student members of Key Club perform acts of service in their communities, such as cleaning up parks, collecting clothing and organizing food drives. They also learn leadership skills by running meetings, planning projects and holding elected leadership positions at the club, district and international levels.” The Charlottesville club sponsors four high school Key Clubs in this area (Albemarle, Western Albemarle, Monticello, and Charlottesville), engaging more than 300 students in energetic community service and thoughtful leadership development. #KidsNeedKiwanis
__________
***Two of Charlottesville’s Powerhouse Youth Organizations Make Presentations to the Charlottesville Kiwanis Club
Alan Dalkin, President of Central Little League, explains the steady growth of their programs.
May 20, 2026 — Two of Charlottesville’s most dynamic youth organizations made presentations to the Kiwanis Club of Charlottesville at their general meetings this spring. First, on Monday evening, April 20, Alan Dalkin, President of Central Little League, was guest speaker at our “Third Monday” general meeting taking place at the The Center at Belvedere. The Kiwanis Club of Charlottesville has sponsored a team in Central Little League for more than 65 years! This year is no exception. Alan told us that more than 700 boys and girls between the ages of 5 and 12 are engaged in fall and spring Little League baseball and softball through the efforts of more than 100 volunteers. Games are played at Pen Park, Azalea Park, and at Charlottesville Catholic School. On the following Monday, Kiwanians dedicated April’s “Dick Fowler Memorial Service Work Night” to staffing the concession stand at Pen Park and cheering on the Kiwanis Little League team as they took on rival Boylan Heights.
On the “Third Monday of the month” of May, Bridget Payne, pinch-hitting for Nick Feggans, Unit Director, of the Albemarle Campus of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Virginia, presented our program. Bridget recently came into her new role in charge of community outreach and volunteer programs for all six of the Boys & Girls Club locations in our area: Albemarle Campus, Cherry Avenue, Southwood, James River, Madison, and Orange. Kiwanis Club president Marieka Williams, informed the club of how the children in the newly-formed Greer Elementary School K-Kids Club enjoy meeting together after school at the Boys & Girls Club’s Albemarle Campus, just down the sidewalk from their school. Ms. Payne explained that the youth will be sure to enjoy a healthy, fun relationship with the Boys & Girls Club as they proceed through the grades no matter where they are in the Central Virginia area and she welcomes a partnership with the Kiwanis Club individually or as a Club.
President Marieka Williams presents Bridget Payne with replica Kiwanis bell to thank her for her talk.
Charlottesville Kiwanians gather on the first and third Monday evening of each month at The Center at Belvedere to enjoy dinner, have fun with fifty-fifty and Happy Dollars, and then engage with a guest speaker representing one of our community’s dynamic non-profits who offer life-changing and sometimes life-saving assistance to those in need in our community. Each speaker explains ways for Kiwanians to step into a collaboration with this non-profit which has the mutual goal of improving the community by serving the children, youth, and families in need.#KidsNeedKiwanis
___________
***Western Albemarle High School Key Clubbers Spend a Productive Morning at IRC’s “New Roots” Farm
March 27, 2026 — On the annual “WAHS FOR A CAUSE” volunteer day more than two dozen Key Clubbers from Western Albemarle High School spent a chilly, rainy morning at a IRC’s “New Roots Farm” community garden location in Charlottesville. It was a perfect day for getting down in the dirt. Under the able direction of Piedmont Master Gardeners, IRC staff, and their own faculty adviser, the energetic teenagers moved mulch, prepared the soil, cleared debris, and performed other assorted tasks every farmer from around the world must accomplish as spring approaches. According to the IRC, New Roots Charlottesville supports refugee food security and aids in their transition to the community through gardening, nutrition education, local food access initiatives and small business farming. IRC currently manages New Roots Farm and a few community gardens around town, in addition to providing training and support to numerous additional locations.
The greatest greatest pride and joy for the Kiwanis Club of Charlottesville comes from sponsoring Key Clubs at four area high schools: Albemarle, Western Albemarle, Monticello and Charlottesville, who collectively have upwards of 325 students on their rolls. Add to those the new SLPs at Walton Middle School Builders Club and the K-Kids Club at Greer Elementary School and you have another fifty or so students learning to do service, become leaders, and have fun at the same time. In a state of temporary reconstitution are the CKI (Circle K International)Club at the University of Virginia and the Aktion Club at Innisfree Village. Membership in these two clubs bring another fifty people into the Kiwanis Family. Never underestimate the difference that a few dozen Kiwanians can make when they are dedicated to “Serving the Children of the World.”
__________
***Kiwanis Service Work Night Produces 40 Cozy Comforts Backpacks for Donation to DePaul Community Resources
March 25, 2026 — The club decided to devote this month’s “Dick Fowler Memorial Service Work Night” to the Kiwanis Cozy Comforts Backpacks Project. Under the skillful leadership of Cozy Comforts chairperson, Christina Chambers, a dozen Kiwanians were able to assemble no fewer than 40 Cozy Comforts backpacks for presentation in coming months to children and youth being served by DePaul Community Resources. Each backpack contains, in the words of Cozy Comforts Project founder, Past Lt Gov Barb Ritter: “ahand-made blanket to surround the child with warmth; books and puzzles to share together as a family; a nightlight for security and safety; and personal care items to ensure health and well-being.”
Supplies were pre-sorted so that boys and girls from ages toddler to teenager could receive a backpack unique to them for their very own. Over the past nine years, Kiwanis has given roughly 300 backpacks to local agencies who work with children and families in desperate need during times of transition. Among these agencies are People Places, Shelter for Help in Emergency (SHE), and Piedmont CASA (Court-Appointed Special Advocates). And we are looking for more agencies that can use our help. Over the years, Kiwanis service leadership programs, such as Key Club, Circle K, and Aktion Club, have participated in constructing the fleece blankets. And Kiwanians themselves have accomplished that task at club meetings or in their leisure time at home (if you can tie your shoes, you can make a fleece blanket.) And we are looking for more clubs or social groups that would like to make these blankets (we’ll supply the fleece.) This is the first time the club has come together to assemble the “finished product” backpacks. Our thanks to Church of the Incarnation for allowing us to use their space to accomplish this worthwhile project.
____________
***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
___________
***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
___________
***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
____________
***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.
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.
__________
***Kiwanis Key Clubbers Recognized for Excellence
May 26, 2026 — Every year the Kiwanis Club of Charlottesville recognizes the accomplishments of graduating seniors from the local high school Key Clubs we sponsor by awarding them $500 scholarships in memory of beloved Kiwanian and long-time community leader, J. T. Graves. This spring the following students were selected by school officials for outstanding academic achievement and for inspiring leadership among their peers in community service: Veronica Vitko and Robi Lim , who shared the award at Albemarle High School; Holly Thatcher of Western Albemarle High School; and Emma Black of Monticello High School. Great thanks goes out to past Kiwanis President and long-time Key Club Zone Administrator, Teresa Tyler, for organizing this year’s competition. Teresa was the Key Club faculty adviser at Albemarle High School for more than two decades and is now Assistant Principal at Western Albemarle High School. We also wish to recognize the inspiring work of the Key Club’s faculty advisers at the four schools: Ian Lyons at Albemarle; Clayton Grimes at Western Albemarle; April Wilkerson at Monticello; and Sherry Hodges at Charlottesville.
The Kiwanis Key Club is the largest and oldest youth service leadership program in the world, with chapters on more than 5,000 high school campuses in the United States alone. “High school student members of Key Club perform acts of service in their communities, such as cleaning up parks, collecting clothing and organizing food drives. They also learn leadership skills by running meetings, planning projects and holding elected leadership positions at the club, district and international levels.” The Charlottesville club sponsors four high school Key Clubs in this area (Albemarle, Western Albemarle, Monticello, and Charlottesville), engaging more than 300 students in energetic community service and thoughtful leadership development. #KidsNeedKiwanis
__________
***Two of Charlottesville’s Powerhouse Youth Organizations Make Presentations to the Charlottesville Kiwanis Club
May 20, 2026 — Two of Charlottesville’s most dynamic youth organizations made presentations to the Kiwanis Club of Charlottesville at their general meetings this spring. First, on Monday evening, April 20, Alan Dalkin, President of Central Little League, was guest speaker at our “Third Monday” general meeting taking place at the The Center at Belvedere. The Kiwanis Club of Charlottesville has sponsored a team in Central Little League for more than 65 years! This year is no exception. Alan told us that more than 700 boys and girls between the ages of 5 and 12 are engaged in fall and spring Little League baseball and softball through the efforts of more than 100 volunteers. Games are played at Pen Park, Azalea Park, and at Charlottesville Catholic School. On the following Monday, Kiwanians dedicated April’s “Dick Fowler Memorial Service Work Night” to staffing the concession stand at Pen Park and cheering on the Kiwanis Little League team as they took on rival Boylan Heights.
On the “Third Monday of the month” of May, Bridget Payne, pinch-hitting for Nick Feggans, Unit Director, of the Albemarle Campus of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Virginia, presented our program. Bridget recently came into her new role in charge of community outreach and volunteer programs for all six of the Boys & Girls Club locations in our area: Albemarle Campus, Cherry Avenue, Southwood, James River, Madison, and Orange. Kiwanis Club president Marieka Williams, informed the club of how the children in the newly-formed Greer Elementary School K-Kids Club enjoy meeting together after school at the Boys & Girls Club’s Albemarle Campus, just down the sidewalk from their school. Ms. Payne explained that the youth will be sure to enjoy a healthy, fun relationship with the Boys & Girls Club as they proceed through the grades no matter where they are in the Central Virginia area and she welcomes a partnership with the Kiwanis Club individually or as a Club.
Charlottesville Kiwanians gather on the first and third Monday evening of each month at The Center at Belvedere to enjoy dinner, have fun with fifty-fifty and Happy Dollars, and then engage with a guest speaker representing one of our community’s dynamic non-profits who offer life-changing and sometimes life-saving assistance to those in need in our community. Each speaker explains ways for Kiwanians to step into a collaboration with this non-profit which has the mutual goal of improving the community by serving the children, youth, and families in need. #KidsNeedKiwanis
___________
***Western Albemarle High School Key Clubbers Spend a Productive Morning at IRC’s “New Roots” Farm
March 27, 2026 — On the annual “WAHS FOR A CAUSE” volunteer day more than two dozen Key Clubbers from Western Albemarle High School spent a chilly, rainy morning at a IRC’s “New Roots Farm” community garden location in Charlottesville. It was a perfect day for getting down in the dirt. Under the able direction of Piedmont Master Gardeners, IRC staff, and their own faculty adviser, the energetic teenagers moved mulch, prepared the soil, cleared debris, and performed other assorted tasks every farmer from around the world must accomplish as spring approaches. According to the IRC, New Roots Charlottesville supports refugee food security and aids in their transition to the community through gardening, nutrition education, local food access initiatives and small business farming. IRC currently manages New Roots Farm and a few community gardens around town, in addition to providing training and support to numerous additional locations.
The greatest greatest pride and joy for the Kiwanis Club of Charlottesville comes from sponsoring Key Clubs at four area high schools: Albemarle, Western Albemarle, Monticello and Charlottesville, who collectively have upwards of 325 students on their rolls. Add to those the new SLPs at Walton Middle School Builders Club and the K-Kids Club at Greer Elementary School and you have another fifty or so students learning to do service, become leaders, and have fun at the same time. In a state of temporary reconstitution are the CKI (Circle K International) Club at the University of Virginia and the Aktion Club at Innisfree Village. Membership in these two clubs bring another fifty people into the Kiwanis Family. Never underestimate the difference that a few dozen Kiwanians can make when they are dedicated to “Serving the Children of the World.”
__________
***Kiwanis Service Work Night Produces 40 Cozy Comforts Backpacks for Donation to DePaul Community Resources
March 25, 2026 — The club decided to devote this month’s “Dick Fowler Memorial Service Work Night” to the Kiwanis Cozy Comforts Backpacks Project. Under the skillful leadership of Cozy Comforts chairperson, Christina Chambers, a dozen Kiwanians were able to assemble no fewer than 40 Cozy Comforts backpacks for presentation in coming months to children and youth being served by DePaul Community Resources. Each backpack contains, in the words of Cozy Comforts Project founder, Past Lt Gov Barb Ritter: “a hand-made blanket to surround the child with warmth; books and puzzles to share together as a family; a nightlight for security and safety; and personal care items to ensure health and well-being.”
Supplies were pre-sorted so that boys and girls from ages toddler to teenager could receive a backpack unique to them for their very own. Over the past nine years, Kiwanis has given roughly 300 backpacks to local agencies who work with children and families in desperate need during times of transition. Among these agencies are People Places, Shelter for Help in Emergency (SHE), and Piedmont CASA (Court-Appointed Special Advocates). And we are looking for more agencies that can use our help. Over the years, Kiwanis service leadership programs, such as Key Club, Circle K, and Aktion Club, have participated in constructing the fleece blankets. And Kiwanians themselves have accomplished that task at club meetings or in their leisure time at home (if you can tie your shoes, you can make a fleece blanket.) And we are looking for more clubs or social groups that would like to make these blankets (we’ll supply the fleece.) This is the first time the club has come together to assemble the “finished product” backpacks. Our thanks to Church of the Incarnation for allowing us to use their space to accomplish this worthwhile project.
____________
***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.
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“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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