Kiwanis and Rotary work together

Sisters Kiwanis and Rotary clubs usually work separately to help the community - but not last Christmas. In December, Sisters Rotary gave $1,000 to Kiwanis to help fund its annual holiday gift basket program.

"I don't ever recall of a combination project between the two clubs," said Kiwanis President Jerry Taylor.

Rotary President Scott Pillar said when he heard before Christmas that the Kiwanis food bank needed funds, he immediately wanted to reach out.

"We called a special board meeting together to make the decision," said Pillar.

Pillar's action resulted in $1,000 quickly being given to Kiwanis' annual food basket program.

The holidays were a busy time for the Kiwanis food bank when it provided food boxes to about 145 families which include either a turkey or a ham, fresh produce, staples such as milk, eggs and butter along with canned goods. Kiwanis provides for the number of children in the family and even for the pets.

Taylor said the number of families helped by the food bank grows each year. Kiwanis gave $65,000 worth of food to needy Sisters families last year.

"We're serving every month at the food bank about 80 families," said Taylor.

Taylor said gifts from a variety of Sisters businesses and individuals and from Kiwanis annual See's Candy sale help fund the food bank and other community programs.

"We have such a giving community," said Taylor.

Both presidents were happy their mutual efforts fed Sisters families.

"We realize that we're both doing service to the community," said Pillar.