Hays Post

Jan. 21 is a big day for Kiwanis International, which will mark its 99th anniversary.

The first Kiwanis Club was formed Jan. 21, 1915 in Detroit, according the Hays Kiwanis board member Jerry Ubert. The Hays club was established May 7, 1953.

With that in mind, the local group is thinking about making a splash to celebrate the Kiwanis century mark. The club was planning on discussing a special project beginning with today’s board meeting.

“Between now and next year, we’ll try to do something special,” said Ubert, who has been with the club for 30-plus years. “We just don’t know what it is yet.”

Hays boasts the largest club in the state of Kansas, he said, noting that metro areas often have multiple clubs in a single city.

With approximately 95 members, membership in Hays is near an all-time high.

Ubert said in the 1980s and 1990s, there were times when membership dwindled to the 50s, but that interest has been renewed in the service organization in recent years.

Among the service projects the club undertakes each year is the annual Easter Egg hunt at Fort Hays State University, the placement of flags throughout the community for Memorial Day, and lending a hand with Special Olympics. Club members also visit area schools for the “Breakfast of Champions” program, where students who have maintained or increased their grades are recognized.

The club meets at noon Thursdays at The Bakery Shop, 200 E. Eighth.

For more information on the Hays Kiwanis Club, click HERE.