Kiwanis Club returns; Key Club planned
RUSSELLVILLE — The Kiwanis Club has returned to Russellville.
Members gathered last week at Calvary Baptist Church to review bylaws, elect officers and start developing an organization plan.
Amanda Carson will serve as president. Michael Cummings will serve as vice president, and Carson Reeves will serve as treasurer. Officer positions not filled included secretary and three board member spots.
Kiwanis clubs in Sheffield, Tuscumbia and Decatur are sponsoring the Russellville chapter as it moves through the charter process.
The Tuscumbia and Sheffield Kiwanis clubs are each contributing $200 to the club’s service account. The Alabama District added $250, bringing the starting total to $650. Tommy Barnes also contributed $100.
Kristin Conner, president of the Sheffield Kiwanis Club, said neighboring clubs are helping coach the Russellville group as it becomes established.
Leaders from other chapters said the relaunch in Russellville fills a gap left in recent years.
Jennifer Bennetch, president of the Tuscumbia KiwanisClub,saiditwas“tremendous” to see the enthusiasm from the Russellville community so far.
Patrice Stewart, a member of the Decatur Kiwanis Club, said the organization reaches people from early childhood through college with its service and leadership programs.
“It affects people from the youngest children through preschool programs, whether that’s reading, playgrounds or other projects,” Stewart said.
Ginger Long, a Russellville resident and first-time Kiwanis member, said she decided to join because of her background in volunteer work.
“I wanted to be involved because it’s a service-oriented organization,” Long said.
She volunteers with animal shelters in the Shoals area. She said the example of former President Jimmy Carter shaped her view of service.
Allie Scott, a senior at the University of North Alabama and an elementary education major, said she learned about Kiwanis through her grandmother.
“I found out about this through my grandmother. I love anything to do with service,” Scott said. “Being an elementary education major, this is especially important to me, because for kids to learn, their most basic needs have to be met.”
Drawing more than 20 members at its first meeting, attendees from Muscle Shoals, Tuscumbia, Decatur and Sheffield worked with the Russellville Kiwanis to pack 50 food bags for local families.
The Russellville Housing Authority distributed the bags the following day, so families would have more food during spring break, when children do not have access to school meals.
Bruce McClellan, North Alabama Kiwanis membership chair, said organizers plan to work with the Russellville City Schools to start a Key Club, a student-led organization focused on service and leadership development.
A local Kiwanis club must exist in order to have a Key Club.
“The good thing about Key Club is the students are the officers,” McClellan said. “They plan the projects, so it helps them learn leadership.”
