Our Accomplishments

We are proud of what our members have accomplished. They are dedicated to our Mission: “Serving the children of the world. One child at a time. One community at a time.” They are committed to making a difference in the lives of children. Below is just a sampling of our projects chosen to help children through all phases of their lives.

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Quarterly Commodities Packing and Delivery to Disadvantaged Families…

For several years, the Knights of Columbus at St. Thomas Catholic Church and the Tellico Village Kiwanis Club have partnered together to pack and deliver commodities to disadvantaged families in Lenoir City.

These commodities are provided by the Mid-East Community Action Agency (MECAA) for Loudon County. MECAA’s long term goal is to promote and support self-sufficiency.  However, over the short term, MECAA realizes that individuals and families living in poverty may need more immediate support to get through a challenging period.  When funds are available, MECAA can help ease the burden of individuals or families in crisis by providing direct financial assistance to cover basic needs such as food, rent or utility payments.  These services allow vulnerable members of the community to stretch their own resources a little further.  This is where the Knights of Columbus and Kiwanis step in to help.

Each quarter, these two service agencies gather in the Memorial Hall in Lenoir City to unload a trailer of food, pack the food items in grocery bags, and deliver them to the families identified by MECAA.  The Knights of Columbus help with the unloading and packing.  Kiwanis members pack the grocery bags into their cars and deliver the food.  In March of 2020, we packed food for 41 families. Each family received five bags of groceries; with each bag weighing approximately 20 pounds.  Over 4,000 pounds of food were packed and delivered! No small feat indeed.

The families are so grateful for the service and receipt of the food.  It helps stretch their budget for the month.  While it may seem to be a small gift, it means they have the ability to continue to provide nutritious meals for their families. 

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Music Sweet Music…

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Our Kiwanis Elves were busy during the 2019 Holiday Season…

1. They helped at the Lenoir City Community Center. They shopped, wrapped and delivered Christmas gifts to deserving families in our area.

2. Our members were both humbled and honored to take part in the laying of Remembrance Wreaths on the graves of our country’s fallen heroes.

3. Even though it was a dark, cold and gloomy Friday the 13th, the spirit of the holiday was not missing. Our members greeted shoppers with smiles as they rang the Salvation Army Bell.

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Hospital Comfort Dolls Project…

This project was started many years ago by the spouse of a former club president. Patters are cut and partially sewed by our members/spouses. Residents from local assisted living facilities stuff the dolls. Our members collect and stitch the dolls closed, adding ribbons to the finished doll. The dolls are delivered to the Tennessee Children’s Hospital Surgical Center. The hospital staff draw on the dolls showing the children what surgery they will undergo. These “Comfort Dolls” make the hospital experience much less traumatic for the child.

We make and deliver approximately 240 dolls a year, with volunteer service hours on this project averaging 1,400 annually.

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Center for Courageous Kids…

We have supported this camp for many years. This incredible facility gives children with life threatening health issues a summer camp experience.  The Center for Courageous Kids is a very special camp for special kids who cannot participate in ‘normal camp activities’ most children enjoy due to their limitations.  The main goal of this camp is very simple – kids are to have as much fun as possible! Last May a number of our members visited the camp. It was a first time for a few, who were anxious to tour this amazing center. The main reason for the visit was so important. It was to meet with the President and CEO of the camp, Joanie O’Brayn and present her with a check! Kiwanian, Ray Scott, presented Joanie with a check for $10.000.00! Our club donated $5,000.00. The additional $5,000.00 was contributed by Regal Entertainment Foundation.

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