I missed the deadline for the January edition of the Kingston Community News, but one of the things I wanted to share with the community is the great kids we have in our Key Club at Kingston High School.

Key Club is sponsored by Kiwanis but has its own charter. Last year, club members raised funds for the Surgical Implant Generation Network (SIGN). The organization helps people in Third World countries that suffer with severe bone trauma. Without SIGN’s help, many people would die from their wounds.

The Key Club also collected hygiene kits from local businesses and organizations for homeless people, and delivered them to the Salvation Army. They helped Judy Osborn by shopping for toys that teenagers would enjoy during the Kiwanis Toy Drive, helped at food drives and at our Valentine’s Day Gala. We have some really great youngsters in our community.

We are already busy with projects for 2012 with the annual Valentine Day Gala that’s supports our local Boys and Girls Club. This social event will take place at the Oak Table Café and Firehouse Theater at 5 p.m. on Feb. 12. It includes all the food and chocolate you can eat, wine and champagne, special corsages made by Caring Clowns International, and silent and live auctions. Tickets cost $30 and can be purchased at Kitsap Bank, Columbia Bank, the Chamber of Conmerce, Firehouse Theater, and Cup & Muffin. Don’t wait, they are going fast.

The free movie this year furnished by Craig at the Firehouse Theater is “Roman Holiday” with Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck. How many times can you see an “Affair to Remember?”

Talking about the Caring Clowns: Some of them showed up at our meeting on Jan. 12 and presented a check for $500 in support of the Boys and Girls Club. Sheriff Steve Boyer was our guest speaker and went home with a new uniform tie, clown nose and rubber chicken.

The sheriff is very supportive of the local Kiwanis and Rotary clubs and enjoys speaking at our events. He understands our communities and really cares about our safety. It’s great to know that Sheriff Boyer, with 40 years in law enforcement still has time to meet at night with regular citizens.

The new Mustang is in action, looking great (black with red stripes), and tickets are on sale everywhere in Kingston. Last year’s success allowed us to be able to fund all our commitments, make sure we can help our deserving students with their college aspirations, and allow our kids a chance to have fun in a safe environment (Boys and Girls Club). Tickets are $10, and there is a limit of 3,500 that can be sold.

The final toy count this year was 700-plus toys and books, which made sure 228 families had gifts under the tree that may not have been there.

As usual, we are looking for folks to increase our ranks so we don’t get burned out and to introduce those that have never had an opportunity to be a member of Kiwanis to realize the joy of helping kids and their community. We have a lot more fun than hanging out at the Post Office, walking up and down Ohio Street for exercise, pushing the shopping cart at IGA and Albertsons, and waiting for spring so we can plant our roses. Come and join us at the Oak Table Café at 7 a.m. Thursdays, except for the second Thursday, when we move to the Kingston Cove Yacht Club at 6 p.m. We can use your help. Please contact President Dick Osborn at 297-4693 or Bob Lee (aka Bo-Bo) at 297-4462 for more information.