KIWIN’S is a school service organization consisting of a student board, members, and advisors. The club is affiliated with the Glendora chapters of Kiwanis and Kiwaniannes, community-based philanthropic societies. It is part of the California-Nevada-Hawaii District, which is a district within Key Club International.

KIWIN’S is always spelled in caps with an apostrophe. The word is written in all caps with the apostrophe to show its unique and individual spirit. The word “kiwin” is from the word “Anokiwin” which translates to “people, men and women, working together in service.” It is derived for the Otchipew Indian language.

KIWIN’S objectives are to develop initiative and leadership skills, to experience teamwork, to serve our school and communities, to develop citizenship, to cultivate friendships, and to build better communities.

We also accept and promote the following ideals:

• to give primacy to the human and spiritual rather than to the material values of life
• to encourage the daily living of the Golden Rule in all human relationships
• to promote the adoption and application of higher standards in scholarship, sportsmanship and social contacts
• to develop a more intelligent, aggressive, and serviceable citizenship
• to provide a practical means to form enduring friendships, to render unselfish service, and to build better communities
• to cooperate in creating and maintaining sound public opinion and high idealism which makes it possible to embrace the ideology of justice, patriotism, and good will

St. Lucy’s KIWIN’S club supports Kiwanis’ and Key Club’s fundraising and charitable events throughout the year and also volunteers for various activities involving the school, St. Lucy’s Preschool, and numerous surrounding communities.

The club plans and participates in its own fundraisers and charitable events, such as M&M Candy Sale, Shoes That Fit, Angel Tree, Cystic Fibrosis’ Bowl for Breath, Trick or Treat for UNICEF, Special Olympics, Katie’s Komfort 4 Kids, Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles, and Children’s Hospital of Orange County.

The club collects pop tabs from soda and food cans for Ronald McDonald House Foundation. These pop tabs are recycled and the money is used by the Foundation to support its housing program for the families of seriously ill children. For more information visit www.rmhc.com.

KIWIN’S club sponsors a blood drive during the school year. It is coordinated with the local chapter of the American Red Cross and all St. Lucy’s students (17 years or older), faculty/staff, and parents are welcome to donate blood for this worthy cause.

The year ends with the annual KIWIN’S convention. Clubs from California, Nevada and Hawaii convene for three days of workshops, district elections, good-bye speeches, talent show, dinners, and recognition of service awards. Clubs and individuals are recognized for their hard work, dedication to service, and their desire to make a difference in the world.

Kiwanis and Kiwaniannes award yearly scholarships to graduating seniors who are recognized as outstanding volunteers. Also, the club fundraises throughout the year to raise scholarship money. Scholarships are awarded to any outstanding member of the club.

For more information on our organizations visit: www.kiwins.org, www.keyclub.org, and www.kiwans.org.