A reminder that our club will be participating in a Book Drive Competition for children ages 0–5 at the Mid-Winter Conference on January 24, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., held at the Manatee Performing Arts Center in Bradenton.
If you have collected children’s books for this age group, to the Holiday Party, so we can ensure they are included in the competition.
Thank you for your continued support of this important service project. Please reach out if you have any questions.
KCSK Secretary
Kimberley Amos
What a year for our Kiwanis and the community we serve, locally and Internationally.
Completed Projects 2025
Below are links to the Kitting Party and 2025 Events just a few. More on the Website and on Facebook.
Our speaker, Robert Gaglio, was outstanding, taking us on a journey through Italy’s hidden gems, rich traditions, and authentic local flavors. It was a well-attended, engaging, and smoothly run meeting, a wonderful way to kick off 2026.
Thank you too Ann Mattson for keeping us informed. Here is one of her monthly reports.
RLD is growing again. In November we served 200 children and 17 teachers.
This month we will be serving 211 children and 17 teachers, for a total of 228. Fortunately, we have 230 books!
The December book is The Dot by Peter H. Reynolds. Along with the book, each child will get a 'dot' marker, which essentially is a marker that makes a nice dot shape when pressed on paper. The book teaches that everyone has creative potential and that starting with a simple mark can lead to big accomplishments. It stresses that art does not have to be perfect as children explore what they are capable of creating.
Ann Mattson
Breakfast with Santa
We are so grateful to the American Legion for partnering with us this year to help bring smiles, laughter, and holiday cheer to so many children’s faces. From full bellies to big smiles and special moments with Santa, the joy in the room was truly contagious.
Santa brings out the child in the Key Clubbers
Christmas isn't Christmas without a visit from Santa Claus.
Thank You, Kiwanis Children’s Fund!
Thank You, Kiwanis Children’s Fund!
We are honored and grateful to receive a $6,000 donation from the Kiwanis Children’s Fund in support of our Read Learn Dream Sarasota initiative.
This generous gift will provide over 85 local Pre-K students in Title 1 classrooms with a full year of carefully selected books — inspiring a love of reading and learning at the most critical stage of development.
Your investment in early literacy not only uplifts individual children, but strengthens entire families and communities. We are proud to be part of the Kiwanis family and deeply appreciate your support in helping children dream big and read even bigger.
From the Kiwanis Club of Siesta Key — thank you for believing in the power of books and the promise of every child.
Chamber of Commerce Christmas Parade with our Mighty Siesta Key Kiwanis Club
In The News:
Meetup- Our Meetup group continues to grow we are up to 49 members. It’s been a wonderful way to connect with community members who want to learn more about service and Kiwanis. We had multiple nonmembers support the Holiday Hero’s project, today’s book kitting and 10 joining our December social. We’d love for everyone to be part of this new way we connect, share events, and grow our club! If you haven’t joined our Meetup group yet, you can register here: (insert link) https://www.meetup.com/sarasota-all-in-kids-win/ (YOU DO NOT PAY OR ADD CREDIT CARD TO JOIN)
After the Holiday-Holiday Party-This years’ Holiday Party will be hosted by Kimberley and Jim Amos on January 17 from 5:00–7:00 PM. Please bring a $10 gift to participate in a fun gift-exchange game! A dish sign-up will be shared after the first of the year. Please note this is a gated community, and the home is cat-friendly.
CONDOLENCES AND NOTICES OF DECEASED KIWANIANS.
Florida Kiwanis and Kiwanis International Members lost two great Kiwanians. Kiwanis International President 2004-2005 Case Van Kleef and Melanie Winternhimer Florida District Executive Director of the Florida District, a role she served with distinction for 13 years.
At the time of printing, this came across my desk, our sympathies go to the Families of all our Kiwanians.
It had been a sad week for us. Today we learned we lost one of our Key Club LTGs who we were in contact with after she left for college, never knowing the pain she was apparently feeling. Both are ultimately heartbreaking. Both celebrations of life are tomorrow at the same time. We feel compelled to attend our young awesome girl’s celebration. Each were special in their own way,Jaleigha Dunlap was like losing someone so full of life with so much potential. It hit us like a brick wall. So tomorrow while we morn Melanie from here we will also attend Jaleigha’s celebration to morn her as well. I am so devastated by this. Too young to be gone, so much to give to this world. 😢 Deborah Tinsley.
Thank You, Kiwanis Children’s Fund!
