What We Do

Over the past twenty years, Tri-Cities Kiwanis has been involved in a long list of projects and has supported many organizations in our community. [See the list]

If your organization is interested in receiving funds or other support from Tri-Cities Kiwanis, please click here. Are you in to volunteering for good causes in your community? Join us at a meeting or event to see what we’re all about. [Learn more about membership]

The following includes past and present programs and activities.

Literacy:

• Sandy Huber Reading Improvement Fund — Distributes funds to area schools to support reading programs and curriculum, donated $11,000 in 2023.
  “TCK Boosts School Reading Programs,” April 4, 2024
• Books for third grade accelerated reading programs and curriculum needs in 2015 (see photo below)
• S.C.O.R.E. reading mentoring program at Lakeshore Middle School
• Financial support for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library
• School Zone book distribution at community events
• Dictionary donations for third graders

Food Banks, School Supplies and other drives:

• The People Center
• Love In Action
• The Salvation Army
• Backpack Blessings (Love In Action)
• Backpacks for school supplies, Salvation Army
• Student Pantry at Central High School (see photo below)
• Positive Options (formerly Lakeshore Pregnancy Center, see photo below)
• Holiday meals and gifts for needy families

Swimming Programs:

• YMCA “Splash” Learn to Swim (see photo below)
• Swim day at the YMCA for the Center for Women In Transition (now Resiliance)
• Aquatic Fun Day for GHAPS POPS/Links students at the Spring Lake Aquatic Center (photo below)

Healthcare:

• Free Dental Day
• Kiwanis International Eliminate Project, eliminating neonatal tetnus globally; TCK participated in a district-wide shoe collection fundraiser to support this international effort
• Salmon Tournaments: St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, DeVos Children’s Hospital
  (Now run by the Kiwanis of Michigan Foundation as the Earl O’Brien Memorial Fishing Derby)
• Golf and Fish Tourneys: NOCHS Pulse Campaign for the new emergency department
• NOCHS pediatric glidescope (photo below)

Community Events:

• Tri-Cities Kiwanis Classic Car Show
• Tri-Cities Kiwanis Fall Fest 5k-10k
• Kiwanis Youth Music Competition
• Circus: Kelly Miller and Merriweather & Culpepper
• Grand Haven Winterfest Kids Day
• Loutit Library Pirate Festival
• Drive-In Concert at Rycenga Building Center
• Santa House

Participation with Other Organizations:

• Sponsoring pizza parties for GHAPS POPS/Links
• Salvation Army Belling Ringing at Fortino’s (see photo below)
• Lakeshore Middle School Science Olympiad
• Culver’s Cares Day and Trunk or Treat
• Grand Haven Indoor Trick or Treat at Central Park Place
• Adopt-A-Highway on Beacon Blvd (see photo below)
• Fraternal Order of Eagles Grand Haven #925 Fish Fry Dinners
• Bowl for Kids’ Sake, Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Lakeshore
• Swing sets for Habitat for Humanity families built by Covenant Life Church crew (see photo below)
• Table sponsor for various galas and fundraisers (see photos below):
  • Resilience (formerly Center for Women in Transition)
  • Gracious Grounds
  • Tri-Cities Area Habitat for Humanity
• WGHN Patio Party
• Coast Guard Festival Grand Parade Street Squad, and float entries
• Grand Haven Chamber Jingle Bell Parade float entries
• Grand Haven Schools Foundation Art In The Yard
• American Legion Boys State
• Eagle Scout Project Benches
• Camp Extraordinaire
• PFDs for Lone Pine Camp
• Tri-Cities Family YMCA
• The Momentum Center For Social Engagement
• No More Sidelines
• Wetland Watch LEEP after school educational program
• Lori’s Voice Walk for the Challenged
• Sportsmen for Youth
• NORA
• Crop Walk
• Earth Day Lakeshore Celebration
• Casa de Esperanza