A packed house was on hand for the 30th anniversary celebration of the Quitman-Lake Fork Kiwanis Club last Thursday at the Quitman Faith Baptist Church youth facility. Current and former members, along with visitors, were in attendance. 

Club President Larry Lorton welcomed those in attendance. Pastor Mike Midkiff gave the invocation and blessed the meal. Club Secretary Joanne Wisdom was in charge of the program for the anniversary. 

Wisdom was excited about the attendance and the day’s activities.

“It went great. It was so good to see some of the older members there, and everyone seemed to really enjoy themselves,” Wisdom said. 

“Looking back on the 30 years, we started out with 25 or so members and a $12,000 budget. Now we are looking at 70 members with a $60,000 budget,” Wisdom reflected. “To me, it indicates the impact on the community. A big highlight is the funds raised. We have raised $900,000 over the years and have served 40,000 kids.” 

The local service club was founded in 1996, with 25 members representing caring citizens of the Quitman area. It has grown through those who have volunteered countless hours with projects in the community. 

The club has a wide variety of projects in the Quitman, Lake Fork and Yantis areas. The club has amassed over 25,000 volunteer hours.

The club sponsors active school service groups such as the Key Club in high school, the Junior High Builders Program and the elementary level K-Kids Club. They are involved in Bring Up Grades (BUG) programs at Quitman and Yantis Elementary Schools. The club awards scholarships for deserving students, and also provides the Quitman and Yantis Little Free Libraries, where books are provided free to young readers. 

The Kiwanis have been an important part in the improvement of the playground at Jim Hogg City Park. The club added the splash pad, and they are also the builders of the basketball court at the park.