Working across the world and in Southwest Louisiana are eight Kiwanis clubs, each with its own dynamic, meeting time and place, but all united in their mission: improving the world one child and one community at a time. They invite other change-makers to join, but welcome the help from those willing to pitch in.     

This article, the first of two, highlights the signature service projects for three of those clubs.

Lake Charles Kiwanis

Coats for Kids has been a Kiwanis Club of Lake Charles program for 36 years. However, with the recent expansion of collection sites, it has never been more convenient for the public to donate  gently used and new coats and jackets of any size for men, women and children who need them.

Used coats are cleaned by Runte Lake Cleaners, and in 2023, 1,500 coats were delivered to Abraham’s Tent, Boys Village, ETC Harbour House, Care Help of Sulphur, CARC, CPSB McKinney Vento Assistance to Homeless Children, DeWanna’s Closet, Oasis Women’s Shelter, Potter’s House and The Lord’s Place.

From Saturday, Oct. 25 through Friday, Nov. 22, coats can be dropped off at Runte Lake Cleaners, 2605 Ryan St.; Crying Eagle Brewing Co., 1165 E. McNeese St.; S&M Family Outlet, 3622 Ryan St.; Petro Bowl, 630 Petro Point Dr.; Calcasieu Parish Central Library, 301 West Claude St.; Sulphur Regional Library, 1160 Cypress St., Sulphur; McDonald’s in Lake Charles, Moss Bluff, Sulphur, Maplewood and Westlake; Barbe, St. Louis, Episcopal Day, Iowa, Sam Houston, Grand Lake, and LaGrange High Schools; Virtual Instruction class contacts at Barbe, Bell City, DeQuincy, Iowa, LaGrange, Sam Houston, Starks, Sulphur, Vinton, Washington- Marion, and Westlake High Schools; S.J. Welsh, Oak Park and Our Lady of Heaven Middle Schools; Moss Bluff, Prien Lake, Dolby, St. John’s, Henry Heights, Episcopal Day School, Immaculate Conception, Our Lady Queen of Heaven, St. Margaret’s, Nelson, TS Cooley, Gillis, Maplewood, Westwood, Cypress Cove, Our Lady’s School and R.W. Vincent Elementary Schools.

Tax-deductible donations for these charities are welcomed. Go to donate.kiwanislakecharles.org or call Jim Meyer (337) 583-1820 or Steve Ek at (337) 474-1622.

The Lake Charles Kiwanis Club meets Tuesdays at the Charleston Bistro, 900 Ryan St., at noon.

Kiwanis Southwest

At 11:30 a.m., the Kiwanis Southwest meets the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month at Pujo St. Cafe. Its signature service project is the Community Baby Shower.

“When I first learned about Kiwanis Southwest Louisiana, I was drawn to the mission of making a real impact in our local community, especially for children,” said Allen Joyner, current president. “Members are fun, caring and active, a group of people who are deeply committed to supporting literacy and promoting positive values among young people. This combination of meaningful service and a lively group dynamic made me want to be part of their mission.”    

For 30 years, Kiwanis Southwest has been raising awareness and collecting funds for important causes like the Safe Sleep Task Force, New Life Counseling and the ABC Pregnancy Resource Center.

“These organizations provide critical resources and support to new parents, ensuring safer, healthier environments for babies and their families,” Joyner said.

North Lake Charles Kiwanis

The signature project of the Kiwanis of North Lake Charles is the “Negro Spiritual and Gospel Music Sounds, An American Phenomenon.”

“Our project was selected with the idea of bringing awareness to the rich culture of spirituals and gospel music,” said Jasmine Abel, Kiwanis of North Lake Charles president.

“It’s well-received and attended by people of all race groups and ethnicities. Negro spirituals represent a crucial part of our cultural heritage, serving as a powerful expression of resilience, faith and the struggle for freedom during slavery. Learning about this part of our African American history is important, especially for our youth.”

Kiwanis of North Lake Charles funds its annual signature project through ad sales and sponsorships.

All funds benefit Kiwanis Kids, Builders Clubs, Key Clubs and other community/school programs that are directly linked to the Kiwanis Club of North Lake Charles and the Lake Charles Kiwanis North Foundation.

Kiwanis Club of North Lake Charles meets on the first and third Wednesday of every month at noon at the Solomon Cannon Community Center previously known as Huber Park Community Center.