What is it like to be a Kiwanian?

By Cheryl Richardson, for the Sandy Standard

What is it like to be a Kiwanian? Like anything worthwhile, it has its ups and downs, but at the end of the day it’s full of fun, plenty of laughter, and the pride that comes from being part of a group dedicated to making the lives of children better. 

Kiwanis is a global organization of volunteers committed to improving the world one child and one community at a time. As a member of the Kiwanis Club of Sandy, I have the privilege of being part of that mission right here at home. At our bi-weekly meetings, we invite local youth organizations to share what they’re working on and learn how we can support them. These gatherings are also where the planning happens — and there’s always a community event in the works. 

We kick off the year planning our Easter egg hunt, where every child in the Sandy community leaves with candy and a chocolate Easter bunny. Next comes the Mount Festival, where we serve hundreds of chocolate-dipped ice cream bars — for a small fee, of course. 

Our biggest event of the year follows: the Pancake Breakfast & Cruise-In, featuring a hearty breakfast, a classic car show, and those world-famous Kiwanis ice cream bars. In the fall, we have the honor of handing out thousands of pieces of candy at the Trick or Treat Trail. Then comes the big one — the Christmas Basket program. Each year, we have the privilege of providing a holiday meal, toys, and a box of food to more than 200 local families. It may sound like a lot — and it is — especially for a group made up of retirees, working professionals, and business owners who volunteer their time to plan, fundraise, and organize these efforts. 

In my 10+ years with the club, I have enjoyed every minute of it. I get to be part of a group of humble, thoughtful, caring, community-minded people, and have made some good friends along the way —  and that is truly priceless.