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The Kiwanis Club of Hays is celebrating its 70th anniversary with a variety of service projects called “Seven Acts of Kindness for 70 Years of Service."
1st Act of Kindness - On July 16, 26 flags were installed in front of and inside of Lewis Field Stadium for the 50th Anniversary Shrine Bowl that was hosted in Hays.
2nd Act of Kindness - To commemorate the end of summer, club members also had a park cleanup day at Kiwanis and Hickok Park on August 26th. Kiwanis Club of Hays is the sponsor of both of these parks, and the club is currently in the process of saving up funds over the next five years to do a large project at one of the parks to commemorate its 75th anniversary.
3rd Act of Kindness – On August 26, club members welcomed the community through the assistance of Snow Cone Express at Kiwanis Park for its Snow Cones in the Park family event. One hundred thirty-seven free snow cones were served to numerous families, with children enjoying play time at the park. Food items were also collected on behalf of the Community Assistance Center.
4th Act of Kindness – In partnership with the TMP-Marian Key Club, Kiwanis Club members will also be assisting with the Key Club Blood Drive on Wedenesday, November 8 from 8:45 a.m. to 2 p.m.
5th Act of Kindness – The Kiwanis Club of Hays sponsors the TMP-Marian Builders Club and Key Club, as well as the Fort Hays State University Circle K Club. As a token of appreciation for the service these clubs provide the community, club members will arrange for pizza parties for each of these organizations this fall.
6th Act of Kindness – On February 17, National Random Acts of Kindness Day, several Kiwanis Club of Hays members will be doing a story time event by reading books to children at the Hays Public Library at 10 a.m. Treats will be provided to children who attend that morning, and a craft project will take place after the story time concludes.
7th Act of Kindness – To honor all Kiwanis Club of Hays members who left a positive mark on this world and have passed away, the club will be creating a memorial rock at Kiwanis Park that will include names of past Kiwanis Club of Hays members. This effort is being guided by the city of Hays Parks Department. Names are currently being taken to include on the memorial rock. Past club members who have breen a member of the club for five years or more or have served as a club officer will be included. Community members are encouraged to email info@hayskiwanis.com or call club president Sarah Wasinger at 785-650-2196 with names for this project by October 31.
Do to continued price increases for poinsettias, the club has made the difficult decision to discontinue this fundraiser in 2023. The Kiwanis Club of Hays board wishes to extend its appreciation to the entire community for their support of the Flag Project, Wild West Festival Saloon, and Poinsettia Project in past years, as these fundraisers allow the club to provide $50,000 worth of funding to local youth and veteran programs annually.
About Kiwanis Club of Hays
Kiwanis Club of Hays was chartered on May 5, 1953. The club currently has 95 members and meets weekly for lunch on Thursdays at noon at Smoky Hill Country Club. All community members are welcome to attend meetings to learn more information about becoming a member. Kiwanis is a global organization of volunteers dedicated to improving the world one child and one community at a time.