What We Do

WHO ARE WE ?

Kiwanis is a global volunteer organization that annually raises more than US$100 million and dedicates more than 18.5 million service hours to strengthen communities and help children. We offer opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to serve, and club members sponsor more than 150,000 community service projects each year.

WHY SHOULD YOU CARE?

Schools, hospitals, governments, other nonprofits, corporations, foundations and more have all reaped the benefits of collaborating with Kiwanis clubs. Our hands-on service projects are estimated to have saved communities more than US$43 million in labor costs alone. By working together, we can accomplish more and create a bigger impact in areas that need it the most.

WHAT HAVE WE DONE FOR COMMUNITIES LIKE YOURS?

In collaboration with local communities, Kiwanis clubs have built all-access playgrounds, restocked libraries, created food pantries, bought medical equipment, hosted diversity fairs, stuffed backpacks with school supplies and much, much more. Local projects in our community are listed in this brochure. 

Kiwanis programs for youth and young adults help to create the next generation of community leaders. For instance, Key Club, the world’s oldest and largest service organization for high school students, encourages leadership development through service to others. Aktion Club, the only service club for adults with disabilities, helps members find purpose and self-worth through park cleanups, food drives and other projects. 

Kiwanians also serve outside their communities. Kiwanians raised US$100 million for UNICEF to eliminate Iodine Deficiency Disorders and is currently working with UNICEF to raise US$110 millon to eliminate maternal and neonatal tetanus worldwide. 

WHO PARTNERS WITH KIWANIS?

The Kiwanis Club of Sycamore has a diverse membership that includes members of various ages and backgrounds. We sponsor and/or partner with the following youth and adult groups:

  • K-Kids at Elementary Schools
  • Aktion Club at Opportunity House
  • Circle-K at Northern Illinois University
  • Young Children Priority One
  • Kiwanis Neuroscience Research Foundation
  • 4-C Community Child Care
  • Ben Gordon Center
  • Kishwaukee United Way
  • Adopt-A-Highway
  • Sycamore History Museum
  • Pay It Forward House
  • North Grove School Association
  • Kiwanis Parks
  • Kiwanis Club of Sycamore Scholarships 
  • Pumpkin Festival Activities: Junior Marshalls, Pie Eating Contest, Prayer Breakfast, Pumpkin Roll Down 
  • CASA
  • Friends of Foster Parents
  • Sycamore Park District Splash Fountain
  • Youth Swimming Lessons
  • Family Service Agency
  • Opportunity House
  • Rockford Rescue Mission
  • Duffle Bags for Foster Kids
  • Local Food Pantries
  • Good Fellows
  • Salvation Army
  • VAC (Voluntary Action Center)
  • Pay It Forward House
  • North Grove School Association

HOW ARE SERVICE PROJECTS FUNDED?

Every project is unique. Funds are raised through fundraising projects, member donations, Kiwanis Children’s Fund and local Kiwanis foundation grants, or a combination of the above. Plus, partners often assist by providing funding and/or materials at little to no costs.

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