Kiwanis celebrates 'One Day' in Aurora
Kiwanis members serve their communities all year long, but the excitement for service really builds in April of each year.
That's when Kiwanis members come together for Kiwanis One Day, a day of community service that is felt around the world.
This year, "One Day in Aurora" will be celebrated from 8 a.m. until noon Saturday, April 7.
The "One-Day" objective is to unite volunteers to participate on the same day in a hands-on service project to better the community.
At last year's cleanup event, there were more than 350 volunteers who helped remove trash from the Fox River both north and south of downtown. This year's goal for the Fox River and nearby Fox Valley Park District locations is to have even more volunteers come together to better the community.
Kiwanis is partnering with Fox Metro Water Reclamation District, the city of Aurora, Aurora Township, Fox Valley Park District and other agencies in conducting what they hope will be another successful cleanup event.
Pat Divine, a member of the Aurora Kiwanis and human resources coordinator for Fox Metro, is chairman of the event.
"This communitywide event is perfect for schools, colleges, churches, youth groups, families and individuals," he said.
Volunteers are required to sign a liability waiver and those younger than 18 must have a parent or guardian sign it for them. Adolescent groups are required to provide one adult supervisor for every 10 children.
Portions of the Fox River from Ashland Avenue to the Fox Valley Park District's Cole Center, including various Fox Valley Park District park locations, will be the target area. Headquarters will be at the Cole Center administrative office, 101 W. Illinois Ave.
After check-in, breakfast snacks will be available. Transportation to and from the work areas will be provided. An appreciation lunch will conclude the event back at headquarters. Bring proper attire and dress for changing weather conditions.
For information, contact Divine at (630) 301-6817 or pdivine@foxmetro.org and Debbie Smith at (630) 966-4555 or dsmith@fvpd.net. For more details and a liability waiver, visit KiwanisOneDay.org.
Founded on Sept. 9, 1916, the Aurora Kiwanis was the first club in the Illinois-Eastern Iowa District and the 21st club chartered in the world. The club has 109 members.