Kiwanis Club of Christiansburg 2022–2023 Annual Report
A year of record membership growth, meaningful service, and strong community impact in Christiansburg and beyond.
Membership Growth
19 new members joined the Club, resulting in a net gain of 14. Total membership reached 78, making Christiansburg the largest club in Division 16 of the Capital District.
Volunteer Service
Club members contributed 4,660 volunteer hours in support of local service programs, youth activities, and community partnerships.
Service Funding
More than $79,000 was raised for the Service Account, with 100% returned to the local community—primarily to support youth and families.
Highlights from the Year
- Key Club Re-established: Christiansburg High School’s Key Club was reactivated after several inactive years.
- Kiwanis Field Improvements: New scoreboards were purchased and installed on the ball fields.
- Perfect Attendance: 26 Club members achieved perfect meeting attendance.
- District Leadership Service: Steve Simmons served as Lieutenant Governor (Division 16); Bob Lewit served as Trustee for the Southwest Virginia Region.
- Kiwanian of the Year: Alicia Glynn was selected as the Club’s Kiwanian of the Year.
Service Account Disbursements and Community Support
Most of this year’s programs are recurring and focused on supporting children and families in our local community. During this year, funds raised for the Service Account totaled more than $79,000. Disbursements included:
- Head Start Backpack Program: Each Thursday, before the weekly Club meeting, members meet at the Head Start building and pack 57 backpacks for Head Start children. School meals cover weekdays, and the Kiwanis Backpack Program helps provide food on weekends. Members procure, inventory, store, and pack the food.
- School Support Gift Cards: Two Walmart gift cards totaling $550 ($500 from Kiwanis + $50 from Walmart) are provided to each of the seven Christiansburg schools for clothing and school supplies for children in need. Cards are replenished upon request when balances run low.
- College Scholarships: Three $1,500 scholarships were awarded to Christiansburg High School students needing support for continuing education.
- Christmas Support for Children: The Club supports approximately 60 children annually through toys, clothing, and holiday assistance. In 2022, due to pandemic-related impacts, gifts were distributed through pickup at the Christiansburg Recreation Center rather than at a party. Children are selected based on need by local teachers. Total cost to members and the Club exceeded $12,000.
- Youth Sports and Aquatics Participation: Kiwanis pays entry fees for children who cannot afford to participate in programs at the Christiansburg Recreation Center and Aquatic Center.
- Kiwanis Park Support: Annual financial and volunteer support was provided to Kiwanis Park, where an approximately five-acre expansion is underway.
- Additional Contributions: Agency on Aging ($2,000), Intellectual Disabilities Agency of NRV ($2,000), Sleep in Heavenly Peace ($1,000), Montgomery County Department of Social Services ($614), CHS Cheerleaders ($1,500), and several others.
- Social Services Partnership: A partnership with Montgomery County Social Services provided supplies to support youth and elders served by the agency.
- CHS Support: The Club provided football programs for CHS and financial support to the CHS cheerleading squad.
- Easter Egg Hunt: Kiwanis co-sponsored the Town of Christiansburg’s Annual Easter Egg Hunt by supplying volunteer labor and purchasing prizes.
- Additional Volunteer Service: Members provided labor to the Montgomery Museum’s Heritage Day event, Sleep in Heavenly Peace, and other community efforts.
Wilderness Trail Festival
Kiwanis is the promoter of the Wilderness Trail Festival, which is not only the Club’s largest fundraising project, but also the largest downtown event in Christiansburg, drawing an estimated 8,000 to 10,000 attendees. This year’s event had the largest attendance in its history.
Looking Ahead to 2024 (75th Anniversary Year)
As the Club closed out the 2022–2023 year, members looked ahead to 2024 with high expectations for another banner year while celebrating the Club’s 75th anniversary.
How Club Funds Are Managed
Club income is derived from community fundraisers, donations, and grants. All such income goes into the Service Account, and 100% is returned to the local community, with most funds supporting youth activities. Administrative costs, including meeting meals, are paid through members’ dues.
Our Mission and Local Legacy
Kiwanis is a global organization of members, clubs, and partners dedicated to changing the world—one child and one community at a time. The Kiwanis Club of Christiansburg has served our local community since its charter was granted in 1949.
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