FRIENDS OF KIWANIS NEWSLETTER

JANUARY 2026

Dear Friends,

As we begin a new year, we’re grateful for the many ways our Kiwanis family showed up for children and neighbors in need this holiday season. December was full of joy, generosity and meaningful partnerships—and 2026 is already shaping up to be just as impactful.

CLUB HIGHLIGHTS

RECENT PROJECTS

In December, we hosted our annual Pizza Party with Santa at Jenkintown Day Nursery. Santa visited each of the five classrooms, delighting the children with plenty of smiles and holiday cheer. Every child went home with a gift thoughtfully selected by our Kiwanis members, making it a truly magical day for all.

SERVICE LEARNING PROGRAMS

Abington Aktion Club
The Abington Aktion Club spread warmth and holiday cheer throughout the community with several meaningful initiatives.

Assembled Holiday Treat Bags for unhoused adults during the holiday season
Packaged and delivered winter warmth items, including hats, gloves, and scarves
Raised $370 for Safe Harbor of Abington Hospital through their annual Breakfast with Santa event

Cheltenham High School Key Club
Cheltenham High School Key Club kicked off the year with impactful service projects supporting children and families in need.

Created 125 encouraging cards for children living with chronic illnesses
Assembled and donated 40 essential-item Access Bags to the Chester City Community Center

Abington Senior High School Key Club
Abington Senior High School Key Club demonstrated outstanding generosity through their annual food drive.

Collected over 1,500 pounds of food benefiting six local food banks

Abington Middle School Builders Club
At their December meeting, the Abington Middle School Builders Club focused on hands-on service and collaboration.

Decorated and filled 100 gift bags, which were included with the Aktion Club’s Holiday Treat Bags for unhoused adults

UPCOMING EVENTS

JOIN JENKINTOWN ACTIVITIES FAIR

The Jenkintown Community Alliance invites the public to the first Join Jenkintown Activities Fair where Jenkintown residents and nearby neighbors of all ages can connect with clubs, groups and businesses that regularly bring people together in-person. Organization categories include health/fitness, the arts, learning, volunteering/civic engagement, games, socialization and beyond.

Saturday, January 10, 2026

1PM - 3:30 PM

Immaculate Conception Church

606 West Ave, Jenkintown, PA 19046

The Kiwanis Club of Jenkintown will be in attendance and looks forward to connecting with you there!

Learn More

JENKINTOWN SUNSET 5K RUN

Jenkintown’s 34th Annual Sunset 5K Run will be held Tuesday, June 2, 2026. Online registration is now open!

Are you ready to run the Summit? This challenging tree lined 5k course winds its way through the borough of Jenkintown without crossing Old York Rd. One of the largest evening 5K runs around. Come on out and join us! Live Music, food and prizes for all age groups.

Early bird pricing through January 31, 2026:

$30 for individuals
$27 per team member (minimum 4 people per team)
$20 for children age 10 and under

2026 Sponsorship Information

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

SPECIAL ATHLETES BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT

The 46th Annual Special Athletes Basketball Tournament, hosted by the Abington Aktion Club, will be held on Saturday, March 21, 2026 from 8am to 4pm at Hatboro Horsham HS. This event brings together approximately 19 teams, whose members are athletes with intellectual and developmental disabilities from the tri-county area, ranging in age from 8 to 70.

Volunteers and sponsors are needed to make this event a success! Volunteer opportunities include set up, athlete buddies, refreshments, craft table, timers/score keepers, skills officials and experienced referees.

2026 Sponsorship Information

BOOK DRIVE

If you have or know someone who can donate new or gently used books for kids ages 0-10, contact Janet Crawford via email at jcrawford0615@gmail.com. Pickup can be arranged. Infant or small children’s board books are especially welcomed.

GET INVOLVED

BECOME A KIWANIS MEMBER

If you are curious about the Kiwanis Club of Jenkintown and want to get involved in making a difference in your community, we welcome you to join us at one of our upcoming meetings. We meet each Thursday from 12:00 to 1:15 PM at the Short Stable on the grounds of Abington Friends Meeting.

Our upcoming meetings/speaker schedule:

January 8 Board Meeting

January 15 Speaker: TBD

January 22 Speaker: Alessandro Reale, Children’s Book Author

January 29 Speaker: Storybook Musical Theater

Member Benefits

JOIN AKTION CLUB

Abington Aktion Club is a service/leadership program for adults who are neurodiverse.

Club meetings are on the first and third Tuesdays of the month at Glenside Knights of Columbus Hall, 235 Limekiln Pike, Glenside, PA 19038. New members are always welcome!

Find Out More

PARTNER WITH US

Our strength lies in collaboration. We invite nonprofits to partner with us in meaningful ways.

Let's Collaborate

Thank you for supporting the Kiwanis Club of Jenkintown—whether by volunteering, attending events, or spreading the word. Together, we are making a difference, one child and one community at a time.

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PO Box 193
Jenkintown, PA 19046
USA