The word "Kiwanis" comes from a Native American expression meaning "we make a noise," but for the members of the Kiwanis Club of Norlanco-Rheems, the "K" could stand for "kids."
"This is an organization that's very focused on the children and very family focused," said Scott McCabe, incoming president of the club. "It's all about the kids."
The club, which draws members from the greater Donegal School District area as well as Manheim, organizes service projects throughout the year. The club members "make a noise," as the word Kiwanis suggests, by making a noticeable difference in their community. Club projects include a community safety day and bike rodeo, meal sponsorship and service at Rainbow's End Youth Services (REYS), a Green Eggs and Ham breakfast at Milanof-Schock Library and highway cleanup. The group sponsors Key Club at Donegal High School, and Key Club members have helped with weeding at Old Standby Park, bell ringing for the Salvation Army and other projects.
"We are supporting students to become service leaders in the community," noted Linda Eberly, current club president.
Like many service organizations, the Kiwanis Club of Norlanco-Rheems is seeking new members, Eberly said, noting that the organization provides opportunities for fun and fellowship while giving back to the community.
For Diane Rorabaugh, a retired teacher, the club provided a way to continue to connect with youths. "I missed the kids," she said. "I love working with and doing things for kids, and I can do that with this club."
John Gish has been a member of the club for 18 years and encouraged newcomers to join as a way to learn more about their neighbors. "It's a good way to get to know the community," he said. "You can feel like you're making a difference locally."
Judy Kay Bard noted that the club has members who have varying lengths of service. "Several of us just joined this group in the last few years, so it's an evolving group," she explained. "We're always looking for new members."
Eberly said the club meets twice a month, but members do not need to commit to regular attendance. "We're looking for people to join us in our mission, but I like to say, 'A meeting is fine, but service is better,'" she remarked, adding that volunteers can help as their schedules allow.
At REYS in Mount Joy, executive director Cristina Paden has seen firsthand the difference the Kiwanis Club makes. "We are greatly blessed by the partnership of the Kiwanis Club," she stated. "They don't just support us (financially). We see their faces here all the time. Their service to us is truly a blessing."
The Kiwanis Club of Norlanco-Rheems will host a chicken and pork barbecue on Saturday, Sept. 25, at JB Hostetter & Sons, 1225 W. Main St., Mount Joy. Tickets are available at the Mount Joy Chamber office, 62 E. Main St.; at J.B. Hostetter; or through club members.
For more information on the club, contact Ben Osterhout at benosterhout@pakiwanis.org.
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