To the Editor:

In the July 27-28, 2019 issue of The Washington Daily News, a photograph was portrayed showing a recent high school graduate receiving a college scholarship from the Kiwanis Club of Washington. The scholarship program is one of many programs the Kiwanis Club manages for children in our community. Kiwanis is an international organization honoring its defining statement: “Kiwanis is a global organization of volunteers dedicated to improving the world one child and one community at a time.”

Every community has children who need emotional, spiritual and financial support as well as just simple encouragement. With that support, their probability of becoming responsible adults is much greater than if they were left on their own to figure out what life should be.

It has been difficult for service clubs in our community to attract new, vibrant members. It seems that our young generation does not recognize our human duty to help others. They are intelligent with skills and talent, but those energies are held within. Our community needs to encourage the current generation to give of themselves to help others. Service organizations like the Kiwanis Club of Washington, and others, welcome visitors who are interested in experiencing the joy of helping our children become responsible, productive adults.

Our country was built on Judeo-Christian values of loving and helping others. Perhaps we should return to that concept.

 

Gil Alligood

President, Kiwanis Club of Washington