Elgin Golden K Kiwanis mark 50 years of service, fellowship, fighting hunger

For 50 years, the Elgin Golden K Kiwanis Club has been a steady presence in the Elgin area, proving that service does not retire with age. For the members of this longtime Kiwanis club this has equated to a half-century of friendships, volunteerism, fighting hunger, and in particular helping children — the primary purpose of Kiwanis clubs.

Founded in 1975, the Elgin Golden K was sponsored by the Elgin Kiwanis, begun in the 1920s. The upstart club was the first in Illinois and one of the first in the nation. Differing from its parent organization, the new group was aimed more for “retired and semi-retired men involved in meaningful service,” according to newspaper accounts of the time.

Both clubs were part of Kiwanis, International founded in Detroit in 1915. Loosely translated from a Native American expression, the name “Kiwanis” meant “We build.” In more recent times, the Kiwanis motto has become “Serving the children of the world.”

Boyd H. Vincent was chosen as the Golden K president. Along with Larkin High School educator Ray Haley, the sponsoring club president, the pair headed up a “Presentation of Charter” ceremony on Jan. 24, 1976, at Villa Olivia in Bartlett, east of Elgin.

Weekly meetings became the norm with guest speakers, educational programs, and plenty of camaraderie — an important reminder that social connection is just as valuable as service.

To benefit the groups and individuals it supports, the club has undertaken its annual peanut drive. Funds collected in small donation cans about town are directed toward scholarships, youth programs, local events, and service partnerships with schools and nonprofits.

This past year the group set its sights on an even grander project — a piece of playground equipment for special needs children. Working in cooperation with the city of Elgin, this $15,000 addition is planned for a west side neighborhood park.

The club’s most long-lasting and enduring involvement is with the All Peoples Interfaith Food Pantry. Working in cooperation with Elgin’s First Congregational Church, which houses the pantry, Kiwanis members volunteer their time to collect donations, sort food, stock shelves, and distribute items.

The club members say they do this with dignity and respect because it reflects their belief that no one in the community should go hungry.

The Elgin Golden K Kiwanis club originally had 28 members, all men. A trailblazer of sorts, the upstart Elgin club was the first in Illinois and one of the first in the nation to include women.

This change which occurred in the 1980s prompted Erica Arce to join in 2017. Arce, who was working at local banquet hall, said she met club members while serving them and inquired about joining.

“I enjoy helping the town I was born in and grew up in,” she said. “I also enjoy hearing about Elgin from the club members. In short, I like making a difference, even if a small one.”

The club now has five women members and the current president is a woman.

While membership has grown and changed, the mission has remained the same — to serve the community while building lasting friendships. “The faces may change, but the heart of the Golden K Club hasn’t,” added another member.

“One of the best things about the Golden K Club is that everyone here wants to give back,” added longtime member. “We may be retired from our jobs, but we’re not retired from caring.”

“We invite others to join us.”

Elgin Golden K meets at 9 a.m. every Wednesday at Holy Trinity Church, 357 Division St., Elgin.

For information, visit www.elgingoldenk.org or email elgingoldenk@gmail.com