We wrapped up our last Board meeting of the year on Monday, and with the holidays quickly approaching, we won't see you all until 2026! Here's the final message from President Joan to wrap up the year!

"As we close out 2025 for the Rock Island Kiwanis Club, I want to take a moment to reflect on where we’ve been, where we’re headed, and, most importantly, the incredible impact our members have made together. 

First, I want to share an important update as we look ahead to the new year. Due to an increase in food costs from our caterer, we will be adjusting our per-meal cost to $15.00 per meeting attended beginning in January. This change applies only to meetings you attend and will be reflected retroactively when billing occurs in April 2026 for meals attended from January through March. We did not make this decision lightly, and we appreciate your understanding as we work to ensure the sustainability and quality of our weekly meetings. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to me or a board member if you have questions or if this presents a hardship for your membership. 

As we close the year, it is also incredibly important to pause and recognize what we have accomplished together. Through your generosity, service, and support, the Rock Island Kiwanis Club contributed more than $10,000 in support of local organizations and students this year. We provided 24 bikes to children through partnerships with the Rock Island School District, QC AIR, and World Relief; creating moments of joy, independence, and opportunity for kids who need it most.

Our impact extended far beyond a single project. We proudly supported the Alleman High School Key Club, the Rocky Resource Room, the Jordan Builders Club, Terrific Kids programs at three Rock Island elementary schools, and our Aktion Club in partnership with the ARC of the Quad Cities.

We strengthened our commitment to youth and community through the First Day Fund and Birdies for Charity, and we continued beloved traditions like Peanut Days, cheese and rose sales, and countless acts of service and volunteerism throughout the year.

None of this happens without you. Whether you gave your time, made a donation, volunteered behind the scenes, brought a guest, or simply showed up consistently with a willingness to help, you made a difference. Together, we truly lived out the Kiwanis mission and embodied our focus to Invite, Inform, Inspire, and Impact.

As we turn the page to 2026, I am filled with gratitude and optimism. Thank you for your dedication, your generosity, and your heart for service. I am proud to serve alongside you and excited for all that lies ahead for the Rock Island Kiwanis Club.

Wishing you and your families a joyful holiday season and a bright start to the new year."

Announcements

Upcoming Programs:

Monday, January 5th Heather Stancliff and Melissa Scott, Friendship Manor
Monday, January 12th NOURISH, Two Rivers YMCA
Monday, January 19th NO Board Meeting (Martin Luther King Jr. Day)
Monday, January 26th Dakota Smith and Jamie Nuci, Taking Back the Street
Monday, February 2nd Erica Lee, Safer Foundation and Donald Hunter, Entrepreneur
Monday, February 9th Arron Sutherland, Illinois Casualty Company
Monday, February 16th Board Meeting