Recently, the Chanute Kiwanis Club gave out dictionaries to all of the third grade students in Chanute.
According to President Gary Maxwell, they gave a total of 129 dictionaries this year. Over the past 18 years, Maxwell said they have given 2,940 dictionaries.
As Maxwell and other Kiwanis club members handed out the books, he said one of the teachers recalled the memory of getting her dictionary when she was a student in Chanute.
Maxwell said in addition to definitions, the dictionary contained the longest word in the English language, which is 1,904 letters long. The dictionaries also include a copy of the Constitution and other reference materials, according to Maxwell.
Throughout the year, Kiwanis holds a number of fundraisers, such as the flag fundraiser, which begins Sept. 11. The club will install, remove, and store American flags, and manage the displayed flags throughout the year on a residence or business for an annual fee.
On Nov. 8, Kiwanis will hold a pancake fundraiser from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Kiwanis uses the funds raised to support their dictionary deliveries, scholarships, and a Christmas clothing program.
Last year, Maxwell said Kiwanis spent $75 per child to obtain clothing for 40 local children.
In addition to gifting clothing and funds for education, Kiwanis members also donate their time. At least three times per year, the club reads stories to Chanute’s kindergarten classes.
The Kiwanis club meets every second and fourth Monday of the month in the Neosho County Community College Board Room. To learn more information about fundraisers or membership, contact President Gary Maxwell by phone at 620-431-0486.
