The Kiwanis Club of Cape Fear has been working to prepare the youth of today for a year of success. This year, the Club has worked to make backpacks available to every kindergartener in Cumberland County. 

From Monday Aug. 10 - Friday Aug. 14, the club distributed 4,000 backpacks to 37 schools across Cumberland County. The program was made available for every school in the County that has a kindergarten program. 

The amount donated was enough for one backpack for every child entering Kindergarten, plus a few extras for more students in need.  

The initiative was funded by $20,000 fundraised through annual events like the Club’s golf tournament and pancake breakfast. 

“We're a local volunteer organization and all of the money we raise goes towards charitable works and helping other local nonprofits, especially those concentrating on helping children,” shared Club President Joseph Dowless. “It makes me proud to be part of an organization that takes its mission statement…. ‘To improve the world, one child and one community at a time…’ to heart. Year in, and year out, through our world-famous pancake breakfast, our annual golf tournament, and financial support from our members and donors we are able to significantly, and positively, impact children in need within our community.” 

The Club worked closely with school principals and a total of 14 dedicated Club volunteers and 3 Village Christian Key Club members delivered the backpacks, traveling as far as Beaver Dam to ensure every child was reached. 

The backpacks are just one branch of the Club’s a year round support system for local education. In the past the Kiwanis Club of Cape Fear has also supported additional causes including providing international teachers coming to the area with household supplies, and providing books to students to support good reading habits. 

“The international teachers, they come here with one suitcase, that's it. So last year we had insulated bags made with our logo on it, and we filled it up with household supplies that they're going to need. And this year, we put in cleaning supplies that they're going to need for their new place that they're going to live in,” shared Kiwanis Club of Cape Fear member Lynne Grates who organizes the school programs. “Every year we pick a school, and last year we did Manchester [Elementary School], and every child of the school gets three books to take home to keep for good. We really try to gear everything towards the children. We're always looking for members and people who want to get involved with the school kids, even if they work full time.” 

The nonprofit group meets every Tuesday at 12 p.m. at the Logan’s Roadhouse located at 1490 Skibo Rd in Fayetteville. Leadership says the goal is to continue to get the club’s name out into the community and grow new members so they can continue their mission. 

“Our club has been in the Fayetteville/Cumberland County area for over 65 years and over that time we have provided assistance to thousands of children. We are thrilled to be able to continue our service to children over such a long period of time and it will be one of our greatest accomplishments in life,” concluded Dowless. 

For more information, updates and sponsorship opportunities follow the Kiwanis Club of Cape Fear on their Facebook page here.