ELK GROVE, CA (MPG) - Ten years ago, on Sept. 22, a group of passionate community members came together to charter the Kiwanis Club of Laguna-Elk Grove.

With just 16 original charter members, their vision was simple but powerful: to serve the children and families of our community while making Elk Grove a better place to live, learn and grow.

Today, the club has grown to 28 dedicated members, each carrying forward that original vision with energy, creativity and heart. Over the years, they’ve expanded their impact by sponsoring the Circle K Club at California State University, Sacramento; an Aktion Club for developmentally disabled adults and nine Key Clubs in local high schools, nurturing the next generation of servant leaders.

But it’s their projects that tell the real story.

In the last decade, the Kiwanis Club of Laguna-Elk Grove has made over 1,300 sandwiches every year for the Elk Grove Teen Center, along with donating sporting goods and financial support for their mobile recreation van.

The club has brought joy and comfort during the holidays by filling gift bags for chemotherapy patients, foster youth and unhoused youth. They have provided school supplies and backpacks so that Elk Grove Unified School District students in need could start the year prepared.

They are also responsible for creating and donating 400 “Pediatric Trauma Dolls” to help children at Kaiser’s Trauma Center cope with scary medical procedures.

Kiwanis Club of Laguna-Elk Grove has donated Chromebook computers to an Elk Grove teacher working with autistic students, giving kids vital tools for learning. It has supported local sports initiatives by hosting an End of Year Barbecue for the Champions Baseball Teams, celebrating athletes of all abilities.

The club has sponsored the Elk Grove Optimists Kohl’s ChildSpree helping kids shop for back-to-school clothing and showed up with both funds and volunteers.

Kiwanis members have hosted a free magnet fishing day for kids with Cosumnes Community Services District, giving families a fun and educational outdoor experience.

It has sponsored the Cosumnes Community Services District RAD Games and has even provided families with free fire blankets for safety and have made regular blankets for kids, ensuring that they won’t be cold during winter months.

They have awarded scholarships to Elk Grove Unified School District foster youth, helping students achieve their dreams, and have built and maintain a “Little Library” book box at Florin Elementary School, encouraging literacy and sharing the joy of reading.

Members have rolled up their sleeves to volunteer at several local initiatives such as the Folsom Muir House, Lap Cats, UC Davis children’s programs, Elk Grove Food Banks, Uplift People of Elk Grove, Project RIDE, the Cosumnes Community Services District RAD program, community trash cleanups, the Kiwanis Family House and the Cosumnes Community Services District Giant Pumpkin Festival.

They’ve given cash donations to causes such as Kiwanis Family House, Elk Grove Food Bank, Elk Grove HART, Mama Bears Against Cancer, Kiwanis International Children’s Fund, Cal-Nev-Ha Children’s Fund, Uplift People of Elk Grove and even the Elk Grove Chamber’s Citizen of the Year program.

Every effort, whether large or small, has been fueled by the same purpose: serving the community and helping kids thrive.

The club continues to meet on the fourth Tuesday of every month at the Wackford Community Center (Willow Room). Members gather at 6:30 p.m. for fellowship and begin the meeting at 7 p.m. They are always ready to welcome new members who want to make a difference.

For the past 10 years, the Kiwanis Club of Laguna-Elk Grove has been a shining example of what happens when neighbors unite in service. With passion, compassion and commitment, they’ve touched countless lives and the best part is, their story is only just beginning.

The community is invited to attend the 10th Anniversary Installation and Celebration on Sunday, Sept. 28 at Old Spaghetti Factory. Tickets are $25 and include dinner, drinks and dessert. Registration is required by Sept. 21 online at tinyurl.com/kleg10party.

For more information, email [email protected] or visit legkiwanis.org.