- Kiwanis Club of Arlington -
Kiwanis Club of Arlington
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The Kiwanis Club of Arlington is an organization dedicated to bettering the Arlington area. The club began in 1952 and is the oldest and largest club in the city. It is composed of various dedicated individuals who have come together to achieve what one cannot do alone. KCA's mission is driven by the belief that the most effective way to enhance a community is to encourage its children. When a child is given the opportunity to learn, grow, gain experience, and succeed, great things follow. Through volunteerism and contributions, the club is able to provide aid to the community through various programs and donations. Such programs include Bringing Up Grades (BUGS), Teacher of the Year, and the newly added program: the School Supply Squad. We also contribute to the community by awarding scholarships and make donations to other nonprofit organizations that work closely with the community. If you are interested in learning more about us visit our website at kiwanisclubofarlington.org.
Who we are
An Arlington, Texas Non-Profit Organization
Kiwanigram
Kiwanis Club of Arlington members, left to right: Larry James, Bill Bentley, Diane Rasmussen, and Kent Rasmussen.
A New Member
Jim Burguess is the coordinator of the School Supply Squad and now a new member of the Kiwanis Club of Arlington. He was born in 1940 and grew up in Southern Illinois. He is a graduate of the University of Illinois and was a part of the US Army Corps of Engineers to build floating bridges in Germany for 2 years. He returned to the US and began marketing technical products to manufacturers on behalf of General Electric. Before moving once again to Los Angeles, he married his wife, Jane, in Ft. Wayne, Indiana. After a total of 5 moves within the span of 6 years, the pair settled down in Columbus, Mississippi, where Jim worked with United Technologies. There, their daughter, Julene was born in 1977. Around 1986 they moved to Arlington, Texas to work with Wynn’s Climate Systems in Ft. Worth. Finally, in 1988, Jim became President of his own company, SDI Corp, which served the van conversion industry for 12 years until his retirement in 2000. His retirement allowed him to become an active member of the Stephen Ministry at Trinity UMC in 2001 and then create the Supply Squad in 2002.
Jim Burguess
School Supply Squad
The School Supply Squad program is one of the newest programs the Kiwanis Club of Arlington has taken under its wing. This program was created by Joe Bowers and Jim Burguess. They were inspired by Beth Resler, an East Arlington school nurse, to create this program after discussing the struggles many children face throughout Arlington. The pair developed a way to provide school supplies to children most in need. The goals of this program include 1) improve learning and future potential of disadvantaged children by providing them the school supplies needed to succeed, 2) demonstrate to both teachers and students that there is a community that supports them, and 3) instill a charitable attitude within those positively impacted. The School Supply Squad takes advantage of yearly school supply sales to stock up on discounted supplies and then contacts school counselors to establish direct communication with teachers, in order to properly meet student needs. The program supplies items year-round with monthly deliveries based on teacher requests.
A New Project
Jim Burguess's business card.
An example of school supplies provided by the program.
Children at Salvation Army Center receive Education Relief Packs.
James Bowie High School Key Club has been active and coming up with ways to support their commmunity. They hosted a sock week to help people endure the cold weather this winter.
Circle K Club dues have been extended until January 5th, 2021. Circle K Convention will be held in Austin, Texas July25-28, 2021. Key Club Convention will be at Walt Disney World Resort Florida July 7-11, 2021.
recent projects
UTA Circle K has been working on various service projects. Recently, they aided Mission Arlington and delivered meals to families.
The pandemic has caused a ripple effect throughout our community. Many families find themselves in dire need of aid. The Kiwanis Club of Arlington has noted the recent circumstances and has launched a few projects to deliver relief to the community. KCA kicked off the fall by creating education relief packs. This was a project in partnership with the Arlington Public Library to collect school supplies for children in need, for the commencement of the new school year. As the club covered these educational needs, it became clear how negatively impactful the pandemic has been on the well being of children. The club then offered happy packs. Happy packs was a small-scale project that offered people to sign up to receive a pack filled with snacks, toys, and books for children between the ages of 5-18. This was meant to help bring cheer to children struggling with the despairs associated with this year. Aside from these projects, the club is currently working to establish fundraising ideas to continue support for projects and programs. The club has enlisted in the Amazon Smile program as well as the Raise Right gift card fundraising program to gain funds and support throughout the year.
What We Have Been Up To
Martin Key Club has been busy as can be. As a service project they gathered volunteers to aid Mission Arlington. create Thanksgiving meal boxes.
SErvice LEadershiP Programs
The Lamar High School Key Club has been very active! Not only did they hold an online social, they are also signing up volunteers to work with the Salvation Army.
Division, DIstrict, International
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This issue of Kiwanigram has been brought to you by editor, Evelyn Herrera. If you wish to share your stories, images, videos, or bios, please email your content to k.arlington.tx@gmail.com. These issues are planned to be published quarterly. This may be updated to bi monthly publications depending on circumstance. The next issues are planned to come out March, June, and September . Please submit content around a month prior to the months listed.
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Club info
The Kiwanis Club of Arlington has signed up the Arlington Kiwanis Foundation for the Raise Right fundrasing program. The club earns funds based off rebates from purchased gift cards.
kiwanisclubofarlington.org
The Kiwanis Club of Arlington has signed up the Arlington Kiwanis Foundation for the Amazon Smile Program. When you purchase items via Amazon Smile the foundation earns a percentage of the profit.
The Texas Oklahoma District of Kiwanis and Kiwanis International are offering New Member fee waived until December 31st, 2020 for those joining an existing Kiwanis Club.
The Texas Oklahoma District of Kiwanis offers opportunity to Key Club to submit coloring book designs for service hours and a chance of being chosen for print. The Texas Oklahoma District of Kiwanis will be holding it's district convention in Edmond, Oklahona from August 6, 2021 to August 8, 2021. Kiwanis International has updated COVID guidlines and specifies that as of November 1st, 2020, the Kiwanis insurance policy will no longer cover claims concerning becoming infected with COVID-19 at a Kiwanis meeting ot event. Kiwanis International has announced its convention will take place in person and online. The in person convention will be held Junne 23-26, 2021 in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Membership Currently Kiwanis International and the Texas Oklahoma District of Kiwanis have waived new member fees for existing clubs, The cost of membership for the club is $55.00 per month, consisting of $32.00 dues and a $23 meal assessment/guarantee. The membership fee may vary amongst members due to special circumstances. Feel free to join us at our next meeting (location and time yet to be determined)!
facebook.com/KiwanisArlington
Contact Info Club Secretary, Laura Arnhart Phone: 817-640-7711 Email: txokdist@swbell.net Social Media Manager, Evelyn Herrera Email: k.arlington.tx@gmail.com You can also contact us via our Contact Form available on our website. If you are looking to contact a member of our board please refer to our Officers page on our website.