Kiwanis Club of Bald Eagle and Nittany Valleys – Who are we and what do we do?
LOCK HAVEN – The Kiwanis Club of Bald Eagle and Nittany Valleys
Have you ever wondered what our Kiwanis club does? Who we are?
Chartered in 2012, the Kiwanis Club of Bald Eagle and Nittany Valleys meets on the first Wednesday of every month at 6:00 pm on the third floor of the Sons of Italy in Lock Haven. They are quite active throughout the year with many service projects that focus on the kids in and around our communities.
“Every other month we put together birthday bags that include a free book and treats that are then given to the children at Infant Development”, said Kiwanian Penny Meyers. “Several of our members volunteer to take the bags and spend time reading to the children”. The club does this every other month, combining months, for example January/February, so all birthdays are accounted for. The kids will often also get to visit with Bomber, who tags along with member and Circle-K advisor, Reed Mellinger.
This February, BENV Kiwanis donated the popcorn, bags and popcorn machine, Slushi machine and hotdog machine to Keystone Cares Game Night. This event was held at Great Island Presbyterian Church in Lock Haven. It was a fun evening for all who attended. Also in February, the clubs annual KASH BASH was held at the Son’s of Italy in Lock Haven. “The Kash Bash is our biggest fundraiser of the year. This year was a great success!”, stated Kiwanian Matt Wise.
The March member meeting was held during the Read Across PA project at the John Yost Community Center which was hosted by the Clinton County Housing Authority. Pizza, snacks and drinks were provided as well as free books, crafts and noisemakers. KCSD Band Students demonstrated their musical talents and taught children about instruments. “It was a great turnout and everyone seemed to have a fun time” said Kiwanian Roxanne Gottshall.
This month the club is sponsoring the Rote little league baseball team where they also sponsor a “Little Free Library” at the park. Anyone who wishes can “Take a book, share a book”.
“A couple upcoming events to watch for” said Kiwanian Amy Strong, “is the Essay Contest for students K-12 and the Annual Blueberry Sale”. Information will be posted to the clubs Facebook page.
In June BENV Kiwanis will be sponsoring the Millbrook Youth Ensemble and making preparations for their annual “Kids Day” event held in July at the Mill Hall Fire Department. The Kids Day event hosts educational, health and safety and dental exhibitors. Old time carnival games, free hotdogs and drinks, bike give away, free raffle table, and a free book is given to each child. Stay tuned for more information on this popular yearly event.
Although it doesn’t yet feel like spring, plans are already in the works for this groups fall activities. In August, the Bike Rodeo is held in conjunction with Clinton County Night Out. Working with PennDot on bike safety, each child in attendance gets fitted and given a bike helmet and a free book. September is a busy month as the club participates at “Farm City” held annually at the Clinton County Fairgrounds. Games and free books are provided. Also in September, members volunteer at “Reading Under the Lights” held at both the CMHS and Bucktail in Renovo. A backpack filled with school supplies and hygiene products is donated as a raffle prize and as always, free books are given to each child in attendance.
October brings more than fall foliage. The bi-monthly birthday bags are once again taken to Infant Development along with excited volunteers who read to the kiddos. Halloween treats and pumpkin patch donations are given as well! Treats are also given to Busy Bees Day Care.
November is Homelessness Awareness month. Backpacks are provided to all KCSD students who are deemed “homeless”. The backpack is filled with school supplies, books, a little item to make them know they are cared for, as well as hygiene supplies. The number of students varies from 48-60 students each year. We also conduct a winter drive for hats, coats, and gloves.
December may be cold, but our hearts are full of joy! Every year the club hosts “Santa’s Workshop” at the Mill Hall Middle School. Thoughtful yearly themes bring fun and excitement to the volunteers as well as the children who attend the event. It’s a day of family, crafts, treats, games, and of course, a free book. Our 2024 theme was “Christmas Around the World” and allowed us to share how different countries celebrate the holiday”, said Kiwanian Linda Walker.
Service Leadership Programs are sponsored and supported by the club. The Kiwanis Builders Club is held at the Annie Halenbake Ross Library in Lock Haven, led by Kiwanian, Holly Eisaman. Ms. Holly’s ongoing enthusiasm and excitement for mentoring the middle school aged children is infectious. For more information, please reach out to Holly at (is it okay to put her email here?) or stop by the library. The Circle K-Kiwanis Club is at the college level. It is located at the Commonwealth University (formerly Lock Haven University).
The club has many ongoing projects, several which are listed here:
- Backpack project-supporting Nurse Family Partnership, Pregnancy Resource Center, Children and Youth, and KCSD.
- Little Libraries-11 little libraries are established in local businesses such as Clinton County Dental, STEP, Busy BEEs Daycare, hair salons, Be ONE, Fresh Start Chiropractic in McElhattan and Probst Family Practice in Renovo. These are in addition to the two Little Free Libraries located in Lamar Township and Renovo.
- Donations are given to 4 local Fire companies- Mill Hall, Lamar Township, Porter Township and Beech Creek Borough.
- Support all Clinton county housing facilities, which also include Senior Citizens.
- Millbrook Youth Ensemble, Local Ball Team in Rote, Sleep in Heavenly Peace, Children’s Miracle Network, DWELL, Heroes and Horses/Horses of Hope, Annie Halenbake Ross Library, Summer Recreational Program, and much more are also recipients of donations and support.
- Jared Boxes have been provided to local hospitals for children.
- Early Learning Guides are provided to KCSD for Kindergarten Registration. This is a PA Kiwanis Project in Calendar form for parents to help their little one move into kindergarten smoothly.
