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Every community has people who quietly make a difference. They show up to lend a hand at a school event. They organize a fundraiser. They help a family through a difficult season. Most of the time, those efforts don't make the news, but they're the reason communities like Myrtle Beach, SC continue to grow stronger year after year. At Kiwanis Myrtle Beach, we've seen firsthand what can happen when people decide to invest their time in the place they call home. Community Service Starts with People Community service doesn't have to mean making a huge commitment or changing your entire schedule. Many of our projects begin with a simple conversation at one of our monthly meetings. Someone shares an idea, members volunteer to help, and before long we're working together to support children and families throughout Myrtle Beach and Horry County. That's how lasting change often begins. For decades, Kiwanis Myrtle Beach has partnered with local schools, nonprofit organizations, and community leaders to create opportunities that benefit children across the Grand Strand. Every project is rooted in the same goal: helping young people grow up in a community where they know they're supported. Investing in Local Kids Children thrive when they know adults care about their future. That's why so much of our work focuses on supporting students, recognizing positive character, and helping remove barriers that families sometimes face. Programs like Terrific Kids, school supply drives, scholarship opportunities, and community partnerships allow us to encourage children in meaningful ways throughout the school year. These efforts don't happen because one organization can do everything. They happen because volunteers continue showing up. Every member brings different experiences, different skills, and different ideas, but everyone shares the same desire to make Myrtle Beach an even better place for local families. Building Relationships That Last One of the things we've appreciated most over the years is the relationships that grow through community service. People often join Kiwanis Myrtle Beach because they want to volunteer. What surprises many of them is how quickly they build friendships along the way. Working together on projects creates connections that extend well beyond meetings and events. Those relationships also strengthen the community itself. When local businesses, schools, nonprofit organizations, and volunteers work together, everyone benefits. Children have access to more resources. Families find additional support. Community organizations discover new ways to work alongside one another. That's the kind of collaboration that helps Myrtle Beach continue moving forward. Every Volunteer Makes a Difference One question we hear fairly often is, "Can one person really make a difference?" The answer is yes. Every project begins because someone decides to get involved. One volunteer may help organize an event. Another may donate supplies. Someone else may simply show up ready to help wherever they're needed. Community service has never been about one person doing everything. It's about people working together toward a common goal. That's been the heart of Kiwanis Myrtle Beach for generations. Join Kiwanis Myrtle Beach If you've been looking for a meaningful way to give back in Myrtle Beach, SC, we'd love to meet you. Our monthly meetings are a great opportunity to learn more about Kiwanis International, meet members who are actively serving the community, and discover projects supporting local children throughout Myrtle Beach, Horry County, and the Grand Strand. Together, we can continue building a stronger community where every child has the opportunity to succeed. Learn more about becoming a member or attending an upcoming meeting by visiting: www.kiwanismyrtlebeach.com

The 2026 Win for the Kids Raffle was another great success, and we're grateful to everyone who purchased tickets, helped sell tickets, and supported this year's fundraiser. Congratulations to all of our raffle winners, and thank you for helping us continue serving children and families throughout the Grand Strand. Coming Back in 2027 The Win for the Kids Raffle will return in 2027. Details for next year's raffle, including ticket sales, prizes, and drawing information, will be announced later this year. We hope you'll join us again for another opportunity to support a great cause while having a chance to win. Thank you again to everyone who helped make the 2026 raffle such a success. We look forward to seeing you in 2027!

Join the Kiwanis Club of Myrtle Beach for the Festival of Wreaths during the 45th Annual Dickens Christmas Show & Festivals, taking place November 12-15, 2026, at the Myrtle Beach Convention Center. Featuring 50 beautifully decorated wreaths sponsored by local businesses, organizations, and community supporters, the Festival of Wreaths is a favorite holiday tradition that helps support Kiwanis youth programs throughout the Grand Strand. Become a Wreath Sponsor We're looking for wreath sponsors to help make this year's Festival of Wreaths a success. Sponsoring a wreath through monetary contributions and gift cards allows businesses or individuals the opportunity to support the Festival of Wreaths and local Kiwanis youth programs. Volunteers Needed We're also looking for volunteers to help: Decorate wreaths Assist during the Festival of Wreaths exhibit Welcome and assist visitors If you'd like to be part of this holiday tradition, we'd love to have your help. Visit the Festival of Wreaths Be sure to stop by the Festival of Wreaths while you're enjoying the Dickens Christmas Show & Festivals. Location:Myrtle Beach Convention Center, 2101 N. Oak StreetMyrtle Beach, SC Dates:November 12-15, 2026 Learn more about the Dickens Christmas Show & Festivals:https://www.dickenschristmasshow.com/ We Hope to See You There Thank you to our wreath sponsors, volunteers, and everyone who helps make the Festival of Wreaths a holiday tradition that benefits children and families throughout our community.

Summer is one of the busiest seasons in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, but it's also a time when community connections matter most. As families enjoy everything the Grand Strand has to offer, local organizations continue working behind the scenes to support children, strengthen neighborhoods, and create opportunities that make a lasting impact. At Kiwanis Myrtle Beach, July is a reminder that meaningful service doesn't take a season off. Our members remain committed to supporting local children, partnering with community organizations, and creating programs that help families throughout Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, Surfside Beach, Conway, and communities across Horry County. Supporting Local Children Throughout Myrtle Beach Everything we do begins with a simple goal: helping children succeed. Through community partnerships, literacy initiatives, service projects, and volunteer efforts, we continue investing in the future of our local community. Children who feel encouraged, supported, and connected often carry those experiences with them for years. That belief drives many of the projects we support throughout the year. While some efforts are highly visible, others happen quietly through partnerships with local schools, community organizations, and dedicated volunteers who simply want to make a difference. As Myrtle Beach continues to grow, so does the need for organizations that focus on supporting children and families. That's why community involvement remains at the center of our mission. The Importance of Literacy in Horry County Schools One of the initiatives that continues to inspire our members is our Book Vending Machine Project. Reading plays an important role in a child's development, confidence, and future success. Providing students with opportunities to earn books they can take home creates excitement around reading while helping build personal libraries that many children may not otherwise have access to. Our literacy efforts support students throughout the Myrtle Beach area, helping encourage a lifelong connection to books and learning. It's rewarding to see children select a book of their own and experience the excitement that comes with taking it home. Small moments like these often create memories that last far beyond the classroom. Aktion Club Continues to Strengthen Community Connections July also brings continued opportunities for our Aktion Club, a program designed for adults with disabilities who want to remain active, connected, and involved in their communities. Aktion Club creates a welcoming environment where members can build friendships, participate in service projects, and experience the satisfaction that comes from giving back. Each gathering serves as a reminder that community involvement should be accessible to everyone. The connections built through Aktion Club are genuine and meaningful, creating opportunities for individuals to stay engaged while making a positive impact throughout the Myrtle Beach area. Programs like these help strengthen the sense of belonging that makes communities thrive. Helping Local Families Through Our Community Diaper Drive This summer, Kiwanis Myrtle Beach is partnering with Family Outreach of Horry County through a community diaper drive focused on supporting local families. Many parents throughout Myrtle Beach, Conway, Socastee, Carolina Forest, and surrounding communities face challenges when it comes to purchasing everyday necessities. Diapers are one of the most expensive recurring costs for families with young children. Through the end of July, we're collecting larger diaper sizes and Pull-Ups to help meet ongoing needs within our community. Community drives like this demonstrate how simple acts of generosity can create meaningful support for local families. Every donation helps ease a burden and reminds parents that their community cares. Building Relationships Through Community Partnerships Strong communities are built through relationships. Kiwanis Myrtle Beach continues working alongside local nonprofits, schools, businesses, and community leaders who share a commitment to making the Grand Strand a better place for children and families. Events such as UnCommon Meet & Eat provide opportunities to connect with organizations serving Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, Murrells Inlet, and neighboring communities. These partnerships often lead to new volunteer opportunities, collaborative projects, and lasting friendships that strengthen the entire region. Community impact grows when organizations work together toward shared goals. Why Volunteerism Matters in Myrtle Beach Volunteers remain the heart of every successful community organization. People join Kiwanis Myrtle Beach for many different reasons. Some want to support local children. Others are looking for a way to give back or become more connected to the community they call home. Many discover something even more meaningful along the way: friendships, purpose, and the opportunity to be part of positive change. Volunteer service benefits more than just the recipients. It strengthens neighborhoods, builds relationships, and helps create a stronger future for everyone who lives in the Myrtle Beach area. Looking Ahead As summer continues across Myrtle Beach, SC, we're grateful for every member, volunteer, community partner, and supporter who helps make our work possible. Every project, every service effort, and every volunteer hour contributes to something larger than any one individual. Together, we're helping create opportunities for children, supporting local families, and strengthening the communities that make the Grand Strand such a special place to live. We look forward to continuing that work throughout July and beyond. If you'd like to learn more about becoming involved with Kiwanis Myrtle Beach, attending a meeting, supporting a community project, or volunteering with us, we'd love to connect with you. Kiwanis Myrtle Beach1136 Oak Forest LnMyrtle Beach, SC 29577www.kiwanismyrtlebeach.com

There’s something special about seeing people continue to show up for their community month after month. That’s what continues to stand out most about the work happening through Kiwanis Myrtle Beach. The projects may look different throughout the year, but the purpose behind them stays the same. Supporting kids, encouraging connection, and strengthening the Myrtle Beach community remain at the center of everything we do. June has been another meaningful month filled with conversations, service, and continued support for local children and families across the Grand Strand. Staying Connected Through Community Involvement in Myrtle Beach One of the things that keeps Kiwanis Myrtle Beach strong is the relationships built along the way. Monthly meetings and social gatherings create opportunities for members to reconnect, share ideas, and continue moving projects forward for kids in Horry County. These moments may seem simple on the surface, but they help strengthen the community involvement that allows service projects to continue growing. Gatherings like our recent social night at Carolina Ale House are a reminder that community impact often starts with connection. Spending time together outside of formal meetings helps build stronger relationships and keeps people engaged in meaningful ways. In Myrtle Beach, community service works best when people genuinely care about the place they call home. Supporting Literacy Through the Book Vending Machine Project One of the projects that continues to resonate most with our community is the Kiwanis Myrtle Beach Book Vending Machine initiative. This literacy project helps place books directly into the hands of local students by rewarding effort and positive achievement. Children earn tokens and choose books they get to keep, creating excitement around reading while helping build confidence at the same time. For many students in Myrtle Beach schools, having a book of their own can make a lasting impact. It encourages reading outside the classroom and helps create stronger learning habits at home. Community support through our Win for the Kids Raffle has helped keep this project moving forward. Every ticket purchased contributed directly to expanding literacy opportunities for local children. Seeing the Myrtle Beach community rally around a project focused on education and literacy has been incredibly encouraging. Aktion Club Continues Creating Meaningful Opportunities Another program that continues making a difference locally is Aktion Club. Supported through Kiwanis, Aktion Club provides adults with disabilities the opportunity to stay involved, connected, and active within the community. Meetings and service projects create a welcoming environment where members can build confidence and take part in meaningful work. There’s a genuine sense of pride that comes through during every Aktion Club gathering. Members support one another, stay engaged in community service, and continue showing how important inclusion and belonging truly are. Programs like this help strengthen Myrtle Beach by making sure everyone has the opportunity to participate and feel valued. Looking Ahead to Terrific Kids in Myrtle Beach Schools Kiwanis Myrtle Beach also continues working toward bringing the Terrific Kids program to a local elementary school. Terrific Kids is a character-building student recognition program that focuses on effort, growth, responsibility, and positive behavior. The goal is simple but important: help children feel encouraged and recognized for the progress they’re making. Right now, the next step is finding the right school partner within the Myrtle Beach area. A teacher, administrator, or school staff member willing to help lead the program would help make it possible to launch locally. Programs like Terrific Kids remind us how important encouragement can be in a child’s life. Sometimes a little recognition can completely change the way a student sees themselves. Why Volunteerism Matters in Myrtle Beach Volunteerism continues to play a major role in building a stronger Myrtle Beach community. The work happening through Kiwanis Myrtle Beach is powered by people who simply care enough to stay involved. Every meeting attended, every fundraiser supported, and every project completed helps create opportunities for local kids and families. That steady support matters. Community impact doesn’t happen overnight. It grows over time through people who consistently choose to give their time and energy to causes that matter close to home. Myrtle Beach is filled with individuals who want to make a difference, and organizations like Kiwanis help create a place where those efforts can come together in meaningful ways. Building a Stronger Myrtle Beach Together At the heart of Kiwanis Myrtle Beach is a simple belief that communities grow stronger when people support one another. That belief continues to shape every project, meeting, and partnership throughout the year. The impact may start small, but over time those efforts help create something lasting for children and families across Myrtle Beach and the surrounding Grand Strand area. We’re grateful for every member, volunteer, supporter, and community partner who continues helping move this mission forward. There’s always room for more people who want to be part of something meaningful. Learn more about Kiwanis Myrtle Beach, upcoming meetings, volunteer opportunities, and community projects at www.kiwanismyrtlebeach.com.

In a community like Myrtle Beach, real impact doesn’t come from one big moment. It comes from people who care enough to stay involved, show up consistently, and keep working toward something meaningful. At Kiwanis Myrtle Beach, that’s exactly what continues to drive everything we do. From literacy initiatives to community partnerships, the focus remains simple and clear: supporting kids and helping them grow with confidence and opportunity. May has been a strong reminder that even the smallest efforts can leave a lasting impression. Why Local Service Matters More Than Ever Serving your own community has a different kind of meaning. These aren’t distant causes or unfamiliar faces. These are the kids, families, and schools that make up Myrtle Beach and the surrounding areas. When local volunteers step in, the impact stays close to home. A child gains access to a book. A student feels recognized for their effort. A program is created that encourages growth and confidence. That kind of support builds something lasting. In Myrtle Beach, community service isn’t just about helping. It’s about strengthening the foundation for the next generation. Creating Opportunity Through Literacy One of the most meaningful ways Kiwanis Myrtle Beach supports local kids is through literacy. The Book Vending Machine project continues to grow, bringing books directly into local schools and giving students the chance to earn something they can call their own. These machines reward effort and improvement, which helps build both confidence and motivation. A book may seem simple, but it carries opportunity. It introduces new ideas and helps children see what’s possible. For many students, it’s also something they can take home and keep, creating a connection to reading that extends beyond the classroom. This project continues to move forward because of the support from the community. Every contribution helps place more books into the hands of kids who need them. Programs That Encourage Growth and Confidence Not every impact is something you can measure right away. Programs like Terrific Kids are built around recognition and encouragement. They focus on effort, responsibility, and improvement. Those are the moments that shape how a child sees themselves. While Kiwanis Myrtle Beach is not currently sponsoring a Terrific Kids program, the goal is to bring one to a local elementary school. That starts with finding a teacher or school leader who is willing to take the lead and help bring it to life. That one connection can open the door for something meaningful. Inclusion and Belonging Through Aktion Club Community impact also means making sure everyone has a place to belong. Aktion Club is one of the most meaningful programs supported by Kiwanis Myrtle Beach. It provides adults with disabilities the opportunity to connect, serve, and grow as leaders within their community. The energy and pride within this group are easy to see. Members support each other, take part in service projects, and build confidence through shared experiences. Programs like this strengthen the entire community by making sure no one is left out of the opportunity to lead and serve. The Power of Showing Up There is something powerful about simply showing up. Kiwanis meetings, community events, and local partnerships all create opportunities to connect with others who care about making a difference. These moments may seem small, but they build relationships that support long-term impact. A conversation at a meeting can lead to a new project. A connection at an event can bring in a new member. A shared goal can turn into a program that benefits hundreds of kids. That’s how momentum builds. A Community Effort That Continues to Grow Myrtle Beach is full of people who care deeply about their community. When those people come together, the impact grows in ways that feel both meaningful and lasting. Kiwanis Myrtle Beach is proud to be part of that effort. The work continues because of volunteers, partners, and community members who believe in supporting kids and strengthening the future of this area. There is always more to be done, and there is always room for someone else to be part of it. Getting Involved in Myrtle Beach Community service doesn’t require a special background or experience. It starts with an interest in making a difference and a willingness to take part. Kiwanis Myrtle Beach meets twice a month and welcomes individuals who want to connect, serve, and be part of something meaningful. Each meeting, project, and program plays a role in building a stronger community. To learn more about Kiwanis Myrtle Beach and how to get involved, visit:www.kiwanismyrtlebeach.com

Spring in Myrtle Beach brings fresh energy, and at Kiwanis Myrtle Beach, that energy is focused on one powerful goal: putting more books into the hands of local students. This April, our Win for the Kids Raffle plays a major role in helping us complete funding for our fourth Book Vending Machine to be placed in a Myrtle Beach school. This project is more than a fundraiser. It is an investment in literacy, encouragement, and opportunity for children in our community. When you support Kiwanis Myrtle Beach, you are directly supporting kids right here at home. What Is the Kiwanis Book Vending Machine Project? The Book Vending Machine initiative is one of our most meaningful literacy efforts in Myrtle Beach. These machines are installed in local elementary schools and allow students to earn books as rewards for positive behavior, improvement, effort, and achievement. Instead of receiving a trinket or small prize, students receive something far more lasting… a book they can take home and keep. Access to books builds confidence. It strengthens reading skills. It encourages curiosity. In communities across Horry County, literacy remains one of the strongest predictors of long-term academic success. By placing Book Vending Machines in schools, Kiwanis Myrtle Beach is creating direct access to reading materials for children who may not otherwise have them at home. Our fourth machine will expand that impact even further. Win for the Kids Raffle: Turning Community Support Into Literacy The Win for the Kids Raffle was created with a clear purpose: finish funding the next Book Vending Machine for a Myrtle Beach school. With only 400 tickets available at $10 each, this raffle has been a simple and accessible way for the community to support local education initiatives. Nine lucky winners will receive $100 each, and every ticket purchased goes directly toward funding literacy support in our area. Fundraisers like this show how local civic organizations can create meaningful change. When neighbors support neighbors, projects that once felt out of reach become possible. The raffle drawing takes place live at a Kiwanis meeting, and winners are publicly posted on our website and social media. Transparency matters. Community trust matters. Impact matters. Why Literacy Matters in Myrtle Beach Strong reading skills open doors. They influence graduation rates, career opportunities, and long-term stability. In many communities, including parts of Myrtle Beach and Horry County, children face barriers to consistent access to books. Some households simply do not have shelves filled with reading material. A Book Vending Machine helps bridge that gap. When a child earns a book, something shifts. Ownership builds pride. Pride builds motivation. Motivation builds confidence. Kiwanis Myrtle Beach focuses on practical solutions that meet real needs. Supporting literacy through school partnerships is one of the most effective ways we serve children locally. How Kiwanis Myrtle Beach Makes an Impact For nearly 30 years, Kiwanis Myrtle Beach has remained committed to improving the lives of children and families through hands-on service, community partnerships, and leadership development. Our initiatives include: Book Vending Machines in local schools Aktion Club for adults with disabilities Partnerships with local nonprofits Community service projects throughout Myrtle Beach Everything we do centers on kids. That mission remains constant. Community Service That Stays Local One of the most important aspects of Kiwanis Myrtle Beach is that the impact stays here. Funds raised here support schools here. Projects developed here benefit families here. The Win for the Kids Raffle is a clear example of local service in action. When someone purchases a ticket, they are supporting a child they may pass at the grocery store or see at a school event. Service feels different when it’s personal. Want to Be Part of the Impact? Community change does not happen by accident. It happens when people choose to get involved. There is always room at the table for individuals who care about education, literacy, and supporting children in Myrtle Beach. Attending a meeting, supporting a fundraiser, or simply learning more about our mission is a great place to start. To learn more about Kiwanis Myrtle Beach, the Book Vending Machine project, or ways to support local literacy efforts, visit: www.kiwanismyrtlebeach.com Together, we can continue putting books into the hands of kids who need them most.

Every child deserves to be recognized. Not just for perfect grades or big achievements, but for effort, improvement, responsibility, and character. That’s exactly what the Kiwanis Terrific Kids program is designed to do. Kiwanis Myrtle Beach is ready to bring Terrific Kids to a local elementary school. Now, we are looking for the right school partner to help us make it happen. What Is the Kiwanis Terrific Kids Program? Terrific Kids is a national character education and student recognition program created by Kiwanis International. The program celebrates elementary school students who demonstrate: Effort Responsibility Improvement Good citizenship Positive behavior Rather than focusing only on top academic performance, Terrific Kids encourages personal growth and positive choices. It recognizes students who are working hard, showing improvement, and building strong character. In today’s world, that kind of encouragement matters more than ever. Why Myrtle Beach Schools Would Benefit Elementary schools in Myrtle Beach and throughout Horry County are filled with students who are trying their best every day. Many of those efforts go unseen. A Terrific Kids program provides structured, consistent recognition that builds confidence and reinforces positive behavior in schools. Students feel seen. Teachers gain another tool to motivate growth. Families see their children celebrated for effort and improvement. Programs like Terrific Kids strengthen school culture and help create a positive learning environment. How the Program Works The Terrific Kids program is simple to implement with the right school partner. Kiwanis Myrtle Beach would serve as the sponsoring organization, providing support, materials, and guidance. The key to launching the program is identifying a teacher, administrator, or staff member at a Myrtle Beach elementary school who is willing to help coordinate meetings and student recognition. Once a school partner is in place, Kiwanis members assist with: Recognition ceremonies Certificates and awards Encouragement and mentorship Community involvement opportunities It is a partnership built around celebrating students and strengthening character development. Building Confidence in Local Students Recognition has power. When students are acknowledged for effort and growth, they gain confidence. When schools emphasize character and responsibility, students rise to meet those expectations. Terrific Kids is more than a program. It is a way to build leadership, responsibility, and self-worth at a young age. Bringing this program to Myrtle Beach would mean more students hearing the words, “We see you. We’re proud of you.” Why Kiwanis Myrtle Beach Wants to Launch Terrific Kids Kiwanis is dedicated to improving the lives of children through service and leadership programs. From literacy initiatives to inclusive programs like Aktion Club, our focus is always on helping kids thrive. Launching a Terrific Kids program in a Myrtle Beach elementary school is a natural extension of that mission. We believe in celebrating effort.We believe in building confidence.We believe in supporting educators. Now we need the right school partner to bring it to life. Do You Know a School That Would Be Interested? If you are connected to a Myrtle Beach elementary school and know a teacher, counselor, or administrator who would be interested in leading a Terrific Kids program, we would love to start the conversation. Starting a Terrific Kids program begins with one committed school leader. Kiwanis Myrtle Beach is ready to sponsor, support, and celebrate students. Together, we can build something meaningful for the next generation. To learn more or to connect us with a school leader, visit: www.kiwanismyrtlebeach.com