School-based Service leadership clubs
K-Kids
K-Kids is the largest service organization for elementary school students, with more than 1,200 clubs worldwide. Locally, we have K-Kids at Austin, Johnson, Lexington, Scottsburg, and Vienna-Finley elementary schools.
Builders Club
Builders Club is the largest service organization for middle and junior high students, with more than 45,000 members worldwide. Builders Club empowers youth in middle school to work together and develop servant leadership skills as they serve their school and community. Locally, we have Builders Club at Austin and Scottsburg middle schools.
Key Club
Key Club members learn how to lead and stand up for what's right through service and volunteerism. These high school students are making a positive impact as they serve others in their schools and communities. Locally, we have Key Club at Austin and Scottsburg high schools.
Youth programs
Vision Screening
The Indiana Department of Education mandates vision screenings for 1st, 3rd, 5th, and 8th grade students. Kiwanis Club volunteers conduct yearly screenings for students in both school districts, and upon request of the schools, have added 10th grade students. With a new spot vision screener, we can now provide screenings for students with special needs.
BUG Program
Bring Up Grades (BUG) is a program designed to provide recognition to students who raise their grade at least one grade and don't go down in any subject during the grading period. Recognition includes being placed on the school's BUG Honor Roll; a pizza, ice cream or other food-themed party; and presentation of certificates.
Little Free Library
The goal of this national program is to build community, inspire readers, and expand book access. In Scott County, you can find Little Free Library locations at Johnson, Lexington, and Vienna-Finley elementary schools. Take a Book. Share a Book.
Scholarships
Graduating seniors at Austin High School, Grace Christian Academy, and Scottsburg High School can receive educational assistance for college through our scholarship program.
Bike Safety Rodeo
Kiwanis members partner with the Pilot Club of Scott County, Scott County Family YMCA, Scottsburg Police Department, and Scottsburg Fire Department to host bicycle safety rodeos to teach the basics. We focus on helmet fitting, signals, and riding skills.
Community programs
Flag Program
Each year, Memorial Day kicks off our Flag Program. Throughout the year, members of our Flag Team place flags at participating businesses. If you are interested in having a flag placed at your business/organization 10 times a year, the cost is only $40/year.
Tent Rental
Do you need an outdoor tent for your special event? We rent the tent, tables and chairs for $335. We deliver and set up, and come back to take down and haul away. If you are interested or would like more information, please contact Lonna Riggle at (812) 752-8165 to reserve the tent for your function!
Riley Children's hospital partnership
Supporting Riley Hospital for Children since 1919.
For over 100 years, the Indiana District of Kiwanis has been a proud and passionate partner of Riley Hospital for Children. Indiana Kiwanians have raised over $9 million (as of Sept. 30, 2024) to help provide life-changing pediatric care and groundbreaking medical advancements across the state. From funding the Kiwanis K-Wing to supporting autism screenings and neonatal care, this partnership has never stopped growing. Today, we're taking on one of the greatest challenges facing our youth - mental health - through the Reach Out Indiana campaign, continuing through 2027.
Riley Service Projects Supported through the K.I.D.S. Committee:
- Safety Store/Bike Safety: provides safety products at cost through the IU Health Safety Store in Riley Children's Hospital and conducts bike safety rodeos.
- Reach Out Indiana: Provides volunteers for transportation to patients who need assistance getting to their appointments at Riley Children's Hospital.
- K-Mall Parent Komfort Kart: Provides items free to parents/families who came for an appointment and ended up staying for days or weeks due to tests, follow-ups, etc. Provided donated items from Kiwanis Clubs such as toothpaste, shampoo, deodorant, tissues, blankets, snacks, and puzzles to reduce anxiety and make their stay more comfortable. Kiwanis volunteers push the Komfort Kart down each floor and parents/families take what they can use.
- Adaptive Bike/Equipment: With prescriptions from a therapist, Kiwanis creates bikes that kids with disabilities can use based on their individual ability. This program has grown into other equipment as well. Clubs/therapists identify a need and Kiwanis raises the money to design and build a bike specific to the needs of the individual.