Among numerous service organizations in this city is the Noon Kiwanis Club. This photograph of club members was taken during the 2011 Lions Christmas Parade. Following are excerpts from the Kiwanis Noon Club’s report to the community regarding recent philanthropic efforts: “We are pleased to issue this report to the community that supports and sustains us. Through the generosity and patronage of “O” Avenue Kiwanis Thrift Shop donors and customers, we generated $125,900 in financial gifts to the Anacortes area and beyond. For this past year, primary areas of giving were: “Health and Human Services” (42%); “Education – Post High School” (27%); “Education – Birth through High School” (15%); and “Arts, Culture and Humanities” (5%). Major individual gifts included: Scholarships $43,000; Anacortes School District Enrichment Programs $10,400; the Anacortes Family Center $9,000; the Anacortes Boys & Girls Club $8,600; the SIGN Fracture Care International Program, $7,800; the Anacortes High School Key Club $5,000; and the Kiwanis Children’s Cancer Research Program $5,000. Overall, some 70 grant applications were received and responded to. The grant gifting summarized above is in addition to $40,000 given to the community in 2011 – primarily for parks, playgrounds and forest lands – through earlier Kiwanis investments.”

“We certainly hope you are pleased with the manner in which we have managed your donations and the funds subsequently generated through resale of used items,” said Dennis Richards, 2010/2011 Club President. “The Kiwanis Thrift Shop is an all volunteer enterprise. If the work we are doing appeals to you and if you are looking for a service organization that cares about children and community, you are invited to stop by ‘the Shop’ and talk to us about membership.” To learn more about the Anacortes Noon Kiwanis Club you can also visit via computer at http://www.anacorteskiwanis.org.