There are many ways to support a school district. The Germantown Kiwanis Club chose one of the most joyful: putting new books into the hands of young readers.

This month, Kiwanis donated $500 to each GMSD elementary and middle school library, a gift rooted in the organization’s long-standing focus on literacy and its deep partnership with local schools.

“One of our main focuses as an organization is literacy,” said Linda Fisher, Germantown Kiwanis member and former Germantown Board of Education member. “We know there are limited funds for new library books, and we wanted to give back to the schools that support our service and leadership programs.”

Those programs include K-Kids, Builders Club, and Key Club, where students elect officers, meet monthly and complete service projects that benefit the community. The library donations are a way for Kiwanis to reinvest directly in the students who participate.

For Fisher, the connection between early literacy and long-term success is simple and powerful. “Strong foundational literacy skills are the building blocks for a successful life,” she said.

Kiwanis support goes beyond book funding. Members volunteer in schools, including tutoring through the Team Read program at [other] schools in the area, and champion programs and organizations such as Books from Birth and the Germantown Community Library. The common thread is helping young learners build confidence and skills that last a lifetime.

“Our goal is to serve the children in our community,” Fisher said. “We want to help young learners strengthen their literacy skills and grow their confidence.”

The partnership is also personal. Kiwanis members are regular faces in our schools, not just donors but volunteers who mentor young leaders and celebrate student successes. They host the Terrific Kid Program at many of our schools.  That presence is reflected in the laughter-filled photos from this check presentation, where club members traded their weekly meeting routine for story time in the library.

Are you looking to make a difference in our school community? Kiwanis is always looking for new members who want to make a difference locally. The club meets weekly, hosts community speakers and organizes its annual pancake breakfast fundraiser, all while supporting service projects that benefit children.

“Anyone can join Kiwanis,” Fisher said. “We’re always looking for volunteers who want to work with students and be part of something that helps our community.”

In GMSD, strong schools are built through strong partnerships. Thanks to Germantown Kiwanis, our elementary libraries are a little fuller, and our readers are a little stronger.