Club told Kiwanis is about kids

Members of the local Kiwanis Club previewed a new video about one of the programs involving Key Club members.

The Kilgore Oilpatch Breakfast Kiwanis Club met Friday morning and heard about the Weekend of a Lifetime video from Brenda Allums, Division 14 past lieutenant governor.

"The Texas-Oklahoma Kiwanis Foundation had the video made in order to inform Kiwanis members, Key Club members and parents as to what the program is about," Allums said.

She said the foundation asks all members in the district to donate $5 for their programs that include Weekend of a Lifetime, a leadership camp for Key Club members, and scholarships.

"The foundation funded 43 scholarships to Key Club members last year ranging from $1,000 to $1,5000 and 15 to members of the college organization, Circle K International, this year," said Allums.

The video will be sent to all Key Clubs and Kiwanis Clubs in the Texas-Oklahoma District.

"As you know, the Weekend of a Lifetime program is very popular," Allums said. "Nearly 1,000 students attended the event this year and the Kilgore High School Key Club sent a number of representatives."

Allums also complimented club members on their enthusiasm and good work they've accomplished since their charter last August.

"You are one of the showcase clubs in the district," she said. "Your energy and enthusiasm is something the needs to be shared."

Allums also spoke on the organization's "One Can Make A Difference" campaign.

"This campaign emphasizes the influence Kiwanis has on young lives," Allums said.

She noted that in North America, for every 1,000 people there are 19 children under the age of six living in poverty.

"In North America, for every 1,000 people there is one Kiwanian." she said.

Allums reminded members of the Kiwanis vision that to "help change the world one child, one community at a time."

"Look at what you've done locally to help children," she said. "I know as a young club you're just getting started and the possibilities of one helping one are endless."

To demonstrate her point, Allums asked members to think of the one moment in their lives that made them want to help children.

"This is your defining moment - a time when you decided you wanted and needed to help someone," she said.

Allums said in order to be successful members need to do four things: see the dream yourself, show it to everyone; share it with other dreamers; and seize the dream together.

"If one Kiwanian can make the difference in the life of one child, think of what we can do as an organization -the possibilities are limitless," she said.