What We Do

The Kiwanis Club of Des Plaines is dedicated to serving the local community through various service and fundraising projects. We’d love for you to come join us at one of our projects.

Birthday Bags

Every child needs some recognition of their birthday. A Birthday Bag makes a birthday special. We visit kindergarten students at four schools to deliver bags containing items necessary to create a birthday party.

Our club is happy to partner with the Maine West Key Club, a Kiwanis Service Leadership Program. Their help allows us to serve more children in the community.

Contact us to learn more.

Food Fight

We participate in a friendly Food Fight to support the Self-Help Closet & Pantry of Des Plaines. The event benefits our neighbors in need who utilize the food pantry. The event is hosted in February by the Des Plaines Chamber of Commerce.

Kiwanis Cup

Students, grades K–8, compete with classmates to race against challengers from other local schools to win the Kiwanis Cup. Race distance is approximately 1 mile around beautiful Lake Opeka.

Shoes for Kids

Annually we work with local schools to provide footwear to specially invited children. Kiwanis members meet families at a local store to shop for new boots or shoes for the winter. Club members and families explore the shelves to find just the right pair for each child. Funds for the annual service project are raised through generous community support.

Key Club College Scholarships

Our Kiwanis club raises funds for Key Club college scholarships every year through our Peanut Days fundraiser.

Key Club Sponsorships

Key Club is an international, student-led organization that provides its members with opportunities to provide service, build character and develop leadership.

We are currently sponsoring the following Kiwanis Key club:

• Maine West Hight School, Des Plaines, IL

Kiwanis Builders Club Sponsor

Builders Club is the largest service organization for middle school and junior high students worldwide. Builders Club members learn to work together and develop servant-leader skills as they serve their school and community. Our Kiwanis club is working with local schools to charter new Builders Clubs. Contact us if your school would like to start a Builders Club.

Are you ready to join us? Contact us or apply for Kiwanis club membership here