Naperville Kiwanis' $300 donation gives needy kids happy birthdays

Recently, the Naperville Evening Kiwanis has donated $300 to sponsor needy children served by the Humanitarian Service Project (HSP,) of DuPage County. The donation will serve six of the 900 children, ages 3-11, in HSP's Children's Birthday Project, which provides impoverished children a 25lb. “Birthday Box” full of new gifts, books, and party supplies to celebrate their birthdays. The contribution from the Naperville Kiwanis will go directly to children in the Naperville area. The club has been supporting children in their community served by HSP for six years.

Throughout its 58 year history, the Naperville Evening Kiwanis Club has been committed to serving the needs of Naperville and the surrounding communities. The club annually engages in thousands of volunteer hours, and financially supports dozens of local non-profits. The club is also the parent sponsor of the Circle K club, at North Central College, and the Key Clubs of Naperville North, Waubonsie Valley, and Metea Valley High Schools. The club meets every Monday on the 3rd floor of Edward Hospital's Education Center, at 6:15 p.m.

Each child in HSP's Children's Birthday Project receives a 20-25 lb Birthday Box containing: school supplies, 6 new books, and 6-10 new toys, stuffed animals, numerous smaller “filler gifts, and a “party in a box kit” which contain all of the supplies to throw a memorable birthday party. The children enrolled in the program, along with their siblings up to age 15, also receive a minimum of three gifts at Christmas through HSP's annual Christmas Offering. A number of the families served through the project also receive 3 weeks worth of nutritious groceries at Christmas time, and in the summer months to help combat hunger.