People really came through with our Apple Cup Food Drive.
Thanks to all who donated to this drive. It was a real success, especially with the competition between the Huskies and the Cougars. The Huskies Team won this year by a score of 1,726 to the Cougs’ 1,531. Three members of our Kiwanis Club who wish to remain anonymous donated more than $1,350 out of their own pockets to make sure their team won. But, really, our local families won.
The food drive is held each year to make sure our Greater Kingston Community families have a happy Thanksgiving.
As usual, the generosity of our neighbors came through again with almost 2,000 pounds of food — and money — to make sure it was one of our most successful efforts ever. Students from the Kingston High School Key Club, sponsored by our Kiwanis Club, and the National Honor Society were there to inform people of the food drive. The Key Club is 20 members strong, according to Margaret LeMay, Kiwanis Key Club coordinator. The club would like to attract some more young people that want to contribute to their community.
The Boys & Girls Club had a McTakeover at McDonald’s and it was a great success, according to director Karen Meyers. Planning is starting on the Gala that will be held Feb. 9. The Gala is a fabulous affair to help support the Boys & Girls Club.
The tree lighting at the Port of Kingston was early this year, but everyone had a great time as usual, with our Kiwanis Club hosting a Santa’s Workshop at the Kingston Cove Yacht Club, with Key Club “elves” handing out cookies and candy, and Santa (Duffy Selter) and Mrs. Claus (Mary Lou Iverson) on hand for pictures with the kids and their dogs. More than 70 families attended, made ornaments, decorated stockings, and received balloon creations. Thanks to Caring Clowns International and the Borrowed Bakery for helping to make this event such a success.
Kiwanis is one of the organizations in town involved in trying to find shelter for homeless kids (there are many young people living in the woods around Kingston). Kiwanis member Jane Mack reported that the Homeless Force Task Force, part of the Kingston Citizens Advisory Council (KCAC), will try to set up a severe weather shelter. Leadership Kitsap is exploring the possibility of establishing a Coffee Oasis satellite in Kingston. There is one in Bremerton and Poulsbo, and it gives kids a place to drop in and chat with peers and adults, have a cup of coffee and a bit of food.
Our club also went way out in support of the Red Cross for Philippine typhoon relief, by donating money. And Kiwanis President Pat Bennett-Forman encourages people to donate to the North Kitsap School District “Fill The Bus.”
We meet at the Oak Table Café each Thursday morning at 7. If you are interested in Kiwanis, call Bennett-Forman, 360-697-4849; or me, 360-509-9752.
— Contact Bob Lee at GLENCARIN@aol.com
