Places & Faces
SERVICE ABOVE SELF Volunteer Clubs Abound in Southwest Louisiana
by Angie Kay Dilmore
As we’ve witnessed in the aftermath of the recent hurricanes, Southwest Louisiana is a community of helpers. They reach out to their neighbors, even strangers, and lend a hand, often putting others’ needs before their own. For those with a heart for service, there are clubs for that: Kiwanis, Rotary, Lions Club, the Junior League, and random folks with common interests who join together to make the Lake Area a better place. The following are only a sample of the many local outlets for people to access volunteer opportunities and find fun and camaraderie. Kiwanis is a global organization of volunteers dedicated to improving the world one child and one community at a time. Every club is committed to service that is close to its heart and crucial to its community. To ensure their mission moves forward, they have created award-winning programs for people of all ages and abilities. They also join in global projects to effect change in communities around the world. Some clubs partner with local Key Clubs in area high schools and colleges. The only Circle K International (CKI) club in the area is at McNeese State University. The Junior League of Lake Charles promotes literacy.
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Thrive Magazine for Better Living • April 2021
There are several Kiwanis Clubs throughout the region. Kiwanis of South Contraband meet weekly for lunch and members hear from community organizations, leaders, businesses, and more. They donate nearly $15,000 annually to various projects in our community. Full or Associate memberships are available based on member availability. For more information, contact Club President Robin Basone at 337-764-0389 or see their website sw-contraband.kiwanisone. org, or their Facebook page, @ KiwanisSouthwestContraband.
