Kiwanis is a global organization of volunteers dedicated to improving the world, one child and one community at a time. Here in Citrus Heights, we put that mission into action close to home. We look for opportunities to support local children and families, encourage student leadership, strengthen community organizations, and bring people together through service.

Investing in young people has always been an important part of our club. We support local Key Clubs, including programs at Mesa Verde, Bella Vista, Foothill High, and Center high schools, where students develop leadership skills while serving their schools and communities. Our club also awards scholarships to local students to recognize their accomplishments and help support their next chapter.

Some of our favorite projects have become Citrus Heights traditions. Our annual Easter Egg Hunt at Rusch Park brings local families together for a day of activities, entertainment, community partners, student volunteers — and, of course, plenty of Easter eggs. Our members also organize and participate in fundraisers and special events throughout the year, raising money that allows us to continue investing in local programs and organizations.

Our club has a longstanding connection to the Kiwanis Family House, which provides an affordable home away from home for families and individuals who must travel to the Sacramento area for medical treatment. Through volunteering, fundraising, and continued involvement, our members help support the Family House and the people it serves.

For our club, giving back means more than writing a check — it means showing up and getting involved. Our partnership with Habitat for Humanity is a great example. Over the years, the Kiwanis Club of Citrus Heights has raised more than $30,000 to support Habitat's work and participated in three build days, with our members working side by side to help build homes for local families. And our support doesn't stop when the building is finished. We've also donated RC Willey gift cards to families moving into their new homes, helping them turn a new house into a place of their own. Our members even put their building skills to the test during Habitat for Humanity's first annual Jingle Build, constructing a children's playhouse — and taking home first place! Whether we're raising funds, swinging a hammer, or finding another way to help a family feel at home, we believe some of the most meaningful service happens when we roll up our sleeves and do it together.

Our work starts in Citrus Heights, but we're also part of a much larger Kiwanis family. Kiwanis clubs serve communities around the world, while youth and leadership programs such as Key Club, Circle K International, K-Kids, Builders Club and Aktion Club give people of different ages and abilities opportunities to lead and serve. Our club is part of Kiwanis Cal-Nev-Ha Division 44, connecting us with fellow Kiwanis clubs throughout our region. Members also participate in interclub, visiting and supporting neighboring Kiwanis clubs and building relationships throughout the Kiwanis community.

You don't need previous volunteer experience. You don't need to know someone in the club. And you don't need to know anything about Kiwanis before you come. You just need an interest in your community and a willingness to get involved. Visit a meeting, join us at an upcoming event, volunteer alongside us, or reach out to learn more. We'd love to meet you.