The Kirkland Noon Kiwanis, which meets each Wednesday at the Crab Cracker in Kirkland at noon, is kicking off a membership drive through August.

They are looking to add to their membership and continue to grow as their club continues into their next half century of service to the Kirkland community. Kiwanis contributes to a variety of causes.

Most recently they awarded seven scholarships to local graduating students from Lake Washington, Juanita, The International School, and Best High schools.

They also recently provided a barbecue for the Kirkland Teen Center. Kirkland Kiwanis sponsors four different youth groups in our local junior and high schools. They sponsor an annual Easter egg hunt in Peter Kirk Park and help to sponsor the summer Music in the Park program.

Their fund raising efforts include selling Christmas trees, canned nuts, and See’s Chocolates. With the funds they generate they are able to support programs such as Eastside Baby Corner, Eastside Domestic Violence Program, KITH, Special Olympics Kiwanis Camp Casey, scouting and many other charitable causes.

They are hoping their current membership drive will encourage people who would like to get involved in their local community. If you are interested in looking into Kiwanis, contact President Julie Brown at (206) 406-4449 or go to the Crab Cracker on Central Way in Kirkland any noon on Wednesdays.