The Kiwanis Club of Moline is helping to raise Moline students’ knowledge of the world around them by putting copies of the Scholastic News Magazine in their hands.
Thanks in part to a $3,000 grant from the Kiwanis International Foundation, the Kiwanis Children’s Fund, the local club is providing the publication to all first and second graders in the Moline/Coal Valley School District and to second and third graders at Seton Catholic School, Moline.
“Our members are excited to have received this grant which will assist in our effort to help Moline children thrive, prosper and grow,” Moline Club President Jen vonKaenel said. “We know Kids Need Kiwanis, in our community and in communities around the world.”
The club credits the idea to longtime member and past President Jerry Drucker who worked with Becky Kennelly. She’s a second grade teacher and grade level chair at Willard Elementary.
“We utilize the magazine in many different ways including reading practice, group/partner discussions as well as Science and Social Studies learning,” Ms. Kennelly said in a Kiwanis news release. “In addition, our students can take the magazine home to share with family, siblings and friends.”
1,100 students benefit
Applauding the partnership with Kiwanis, she said “They understand and value the importance of reading and being able to read a variety of materials by helping us bring in a wonderful resource to our classrooms for some enrichment opportunities.”
The Moline Kiwanis also received funding from the Trinity Lutheran Church Endowment Fund, the Charles Deere Wiman Memorial Trust and Birdies for Charity on the nearly $7,000 project. This year more than 1,100 students will benefit.
The Kiwanis Children’s Fund raises money and provides support for Kiwanis Clubs around the world. It’s used for projects related to childhood health and nutrition, education and literacy and youth development.
According to Ms. vonKaenel, a 14-year Moline Kiwanis member, the club also invests more than $10,000 in the community each year. It’s mostly focused on community organizations involving children.
Moline Kiwanis meets at noon on Tuesdays at the Moline Public Library. For more information, visit www.molinekiwanis.org. Or find it on Facebook.
