Big Bear Valley Kiwanis Club

Gifts for Kids: A Christmas gift giving program to needy families. The Club typically gives gifts of toys and clothing to about 300 BB Valley children every season
Hope of America: This is a program whereby the Club honors 22 to 24 students from the School District schools each year. The students are selected by the teachers and principals based on their scholastic achievement, outside activities such as sports and the arts, character and community service. This year, our tenth annual, 22 outstanding students were presented a District Foundation plaque and a $100 savings bond in a formal ceremony at the Perfuming Arts Center. The mayor pro-tem, superintendent, all the principals, several teachers and many family members were in attendance.
Mountain Fun Day: A program where about 200 physically-challenged young people and sponsors come to Big Bear from all over the mountain area for a day of fun. They are able to play games, dance to a DJ, pet animals, cruise the lake and have a lunch in the park. Each participant receives a photo badge and a ribbon.
Industrial Arts: All (about 1500) elementary school students have the opportunity to build their own wooden project. The projects get more complex and difficult as the grade level increases. The Kiwanis Club members provide rough cut wood, other necessary materials, instructions and tools. The students then make the final cuts and assemble the project. The proud student then takes his/her project home.
Medical Alert: Approximately 90 elderly individuals presently utilize the Kiwanis-sponsored Medical Alert system. Club members install and service, as required, this Valley wide program. Clients pay on an as possible basis with the Club covering any short fall for those who need but cannot afford the system.
Fire Extinguishers: Fire extinguishers are provided to the fire departments for installation where found missing.
Highway Cleanup: Kiwanis Club members have been assigned a 2 mile section of Highway 18/38 for cleanup at least twice a year.
Handy Kiwanians: Several of the club members help the elderly with routine home maintenance tasks such as electrical and plumbing issues. Helping the seniors in this way (usually at no cost) saves the resident from the very expensive call of a plumber or electrician.
Healthy Start Family Fun Night: This Family Fun Night is an annual community affair where the Kiwanis Club serves hot dogs free to all in attendance. Typically this about 1600 sandwiches.
Scholarships: The Club annually presents 6 (typically $1000 each) scholarships to graduating high school seniors. In addition, the Club participates in the Mihaylo (matching fund) scholarship program, presenting two additional awards in a perpetual scholarship program.
Kids In Charge: The KIC program was imitated in 2008 and was very well received. This is a program in which each 4^th grader, after a presentation, is asked to make sure the batteries in the home smoke alarm is changed. Each student is given a kit containing a fire safety video disc, 2 batteries and a certificate to be signed by a parent. After accomplishing this, each of the participants was treated to an ice cream sundae at school served by club members and local firefighters.
Other Donations: Cash donations are given out to worthy causes through the Kiwanis International and District foundations. In addition donations are made to local agencies or organizations such as the Community Prayer Breakfast, Fireworks program, Chamber of Commerce Chamber Maids Golf Tournament and various other charities that arise from time to time.