What we do

The Dictionary Project

Our Kiwanis club started giving out dictionaries for 3rd graders in 2007. This was our first project and we actually started this before we officially formed the club. Each year we give away close to 1000 dictionaries to schools around the metro area and eastern Iowa. These dictionaries are standard dictionaries plus information that is being taught in third grade. We do this because the single strongest predictor of adult incarceration is third grade literacy. This is where kids transform from learning to read to reading to learn. To help please donate here.

Kennedy Key Club

Since day 1 our Kiwanis club has sponsored a Key Club at Cedar Rapids Kennedy. This Key Club offers our high school students a way of developing their leadership skills as well as their love of community service.

Halloween Costume Contest

Each October at the last farmer’s market in Hiawatha we invite the neighborhood kids to dress up and join our costume parade. We have local dignitaries come and pick the Scariest, Funniest, and Most Creative costumes. The winners get a trophy from us.

Are you ready to help create communities that let all children thrive, prosper and grow? It’s pretty easy to do! Simply email us here with your questions or apply for Kiwanis club membership here.

The kids in your community and the world are counting on you!