Kiwanis International Celebrates 100th Anniversary

The Dictionary Project joined Kiwanians in in Indianapolis, Indiana to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Kiwanis International. Kiwanis members have been avid supporters of the project since 2002. They have donated a total of 1,481,334 dictionaries to students across the country. Currently there are 708 Kiwanis Clubs participating in the project. We are proud to be a part of their work to promote literacy one child at a time. Read About Kiwanis Projects Across the Country: Michigan – The Kiwanis Club of East Lansing completed their 11th Annual Dictionary & Thesaurus Project this past fall. Since starting the project, members have donated over 6,000 dictionaries and thesauruses to the students of East Lansing Public Schools and St. Thomas Aquinas. “This is a project that began 10 years ago when our club identified a need within the community. Even today, far too many children don’t have dictionaries and thesauruses in their homes. Thanks to the efforts of our members over the past decade, hundreds of children are able to own their own dictionary and thesaurus,” said Doug Kahl, president of the Kiwanis Club of East Lansing. Florida – Last school year, the Kiwanis Club of Westside Jacksonville joined The Dictionary Project and distributed dictionaries to third-grade students at five elementary schools in the Duval County School District. Kiwanis members personally presented the dictionaries to each third grade class and explained to students that pronunciation, vocabulary, spelling, reading, language and writing skills are needed for educational success in all aspects of life. Their efforts are making a lasting impact on the lives of children in Duval County. Maryland – Since 2011, the Kiwanis Club of Reisterstown, MD has participated in The Dictionary Project, donating dictionaries to children in Baltimore County Public Schools. Last fall members distributed around 600 dictionaries to seven elementary schools in their community. Project Coordinator Michael D. Grimes stated: “Our members really enjoy going to the schools, passing out the books, and interacting with the children as we walk them through the various features of the book. It is enjoyable to see how excited the students get just to have a dictionary of their own and write in their names on the second page. We look forward to this every year.” Since beginning the project, the Reisterstown Kiwanians have given the gift of a dictionary to over 2,500 students in the Baltimore area. Nebraska – The Kiwanis Club of Bellevue-Offutt are on their 8th year of participation. All third graders attending public and private schools in Bellevue received a dictionary personalized with their name. “Students look forward to receiving their dictionary because they know their older siblings have theirs and got it in the 3rd grade,” said club member Karen Mier. “This is the best project we take on for community service. Students love the books, as do the teachers. All are grateful and we are known for the dictionaries we distribute.” The Dictionary Project would like to congratulate the many Kiwanis Clubs for their years of dedicated service to better the lives of people in their communities.