70 years of giving back to the community

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) — The Kiwanis Club got its start more than a century ago in Detroit, Michigan, but a local branch is celebrating a milestone in 2024.

You've undoubtedly heard of the Kiwanis Club, but do you know what the organization does within the community?

Solving the worker shortage and childcare crisis

"We raise funds through various efforts and those funds go directly to organizations that serve children," South Sioux Falls Kiwanis Club incoming president Austin Klett said.

The South Sioux Falls Kiwanis Club currently has about 30 members.

"These people have a heart for serving people, especially kids, being a father myself it's welcoming to know people that care about these kids," Klett said.

With events like the Carbs for Kids 5K & Bake Sale, the club has raised more than $1-million over the years, helping them fund projects at nearly two dozen local nonprofits. This year also marks their 70th anniversary.

"In a time where many organizations don't make it past even ten years, in a time where service organizations, in particular, seem to be kind of dying in this world, so it's huge for us to celebrate this 70th anniversary," Klett said.

"We're committed and it's very important to the older people that have been with the club a lot longer than I have," two-time Kiwanis Club president Carol Woltjer said.

Carol Woltjer has been a member since 2001, serving twice as president. She's a mom and a grandma, and says we're all called to serve.

"When I came to visit, I found my tribe, I just really found a group of people whose hearts were like mine and I was just very drawn to their passion," Woltjer said.

And Klett says one of his top priorities is to help the Kiwanis Club, much like Sioux Falls, continue to grow.

"When it's around for 70 years, a lot of these members have been a part of this club for many of those years. What I'm hoping to do is grow some more of our younger members, encourage younger professionals in our community to step up and serve," Klett said.

The South Sioux Falls Kiwanis Club will host a 70th-anniversary celebration today at 5:30 at Gibs Sports Bar in Sioux Falls. The event is open to the general public. The cost is $20, and includes a meal.

If you'd like to learn more about the club, click HERE .