Club Pillars


Working Together for a Better Tomorrow

Our club pillars were formed out of our desire and passion to fill the needs in our community in a more intentional manner. Our goal is to focus our efforts, service, and resources to align with our pillars: Literacy, Service Leadership, Hunger, and Mental Health. Throughout the year our club invites guest speakers from local non-profit organizations. We also hold fundraisers, volunteer our time, and support causes with sponsorships and monetary donations to fulfill a need.

At the center of who we are is a desire to better the lives of those around us. Service is our main goal. If your mission sounds like ours and you are interested in speaking at a meeting or joining our club, please contact us.

Literacy

We ignite a love for reading by bringing stories to life in our community. Our StoryWalk® at Whispering Woods Park offers a fresh, seasonal story for families to enjoy as they stroll through nature. During National Reading Month, we serve as Guest Readers at West Utica Elementary and volunteer for their Book Bingo event, fostering a love of books and learning.

Hunger

With 1 in 6 children in Michigan facing hunger, we work to provide nourishment and hope. Through Christmas with Kiwanis, we deliver holiday food baskets to local families in need. In partnership with over 20 schools, Our Food Distribution Project strengthens three local food pantries. Pantries at St. Ephrem Catholic Church, Trinity Lutheran, and Heritage Church each receive hundreds of boxes filled with non-perishables — ensuring no child goes hungry.

Service Leadership

We are proud to sponsor and provide active advisors for three key clubs in our community, led by high schools students at: Eisenhower HS, Henry Ford II, and UAIS (Utica Academy for International Studies).These “junior” Kiwanis Clubs volunteer and organize and host projects, fundraisers and community events.

Mental Health

We strive to support mental well-being by fostering connection, promoting awareness, and providing access to resources like the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline and afsp.org/get-help. Locally, we support Embracing Imperfections, host StoryWalk Reveal Parties, and enhance community spaces by painting playgrounds and pavilions, all while encouraging the mental health benefits of giving back and being part of a supportive community.

Come Serve Your Community with Kiwanis

Become a part of our Utica-Shelby Township Kiwanis Club today to support your neighbors. From a commitment to attend events and meetings, to donating monetary or necessary items, your community needs volunteers willing to give back.