About Us
Serving the Portage Lakes Community Since 1951
The Portage Lakes Kiwanis Club has been dedicated to making a difference in our community for over 70 years. Founded in October 1951, our club was built on a commitment to service, leadership, and community support. One of our very first initiatives, Santa Delivery, has become a cherished holiday tradition, bringing joy to children and families across the region every Christmas Eve since December 1951.
We are proud to have a legacy of service that spans multiple generations. Many of our members joined after seeing the positive impact Kiwanis had on their own families and neighbors. From supporting local youth to ensuring our seniors have a safe place to call home, we believe in giving back and building a stronger community.
Our Impact on the Community
Portage Lakes Kiwanis is deeply involved in a variety of projects and initiatives that touch the lives of local residents. Here are just a few ways we make a difference:
🎄 Santa Delivery – A Tradition Since 1951
A beloved Portage Lakes tradition, our Santa Delivery event ensures that no child is left out on Christmas Eve. With 16 sleighs and dedicated Santa Crews, we deliver presents to families across the area, bringing holiday magic straight to their doorsteps. What started as a single sleigh and one Santa has grown into a massive community effort that spreads joy to hundreds of families each year.
🌹 Rose Remembrance Day
Established in October 1952, our Rose Remembrance Day fundraiser has been bringing smiles to thousands in just one day! Held annually on the first Saturday in October, we sell and deliver roses throughout Summit County, with proceeds supporting local community projects.
🏡 Kiwanis Civic Center
The Kiwanis Civic Center serves as a hub for local events, meetings, and service activities. It is provided at no charge to local non-profits and community groups, ensuring they have a space to gather, collaborate, and make a difference. While there is no cost for use, donations are always welcomed to help maintain and improve the facility.
🏢 Kiwanis Senior Towers
In addition to supporting youth, Portage Lakes Kiwanis also recognized the importance of caring for our senior community. The Kiwanis Senior Towers were established to provide a safe and secure place for seniors to live. With the help of Summit Management, this facility is maintained and secured on a daily basis, ensuring that residents have a comfortable and welcoming home.
🥚 Easter Egg Hunt
Each spring, hundreds of local children gather for our annual Easter Egg Hunt. Families enjoy a fun-filled day searching for eggs, meeting the Easter Bunny, and celebrating the season. This event is free to the community and one of the many ways Kiwanis brings joy to local families.
🏴☠️ Portage Lakes Pirate Days
A fan-favorite summer event, Portage Lakes Pirate Days transforms our lakes into a swashbuckling adventure! Portage Lakes Kiwanis joins in the fun by hosting family-friendly activities, fundraising efforts, and community engagement initiatives during this exciting weekend.
🐉 Dragons on the Lake Festival
The Dragons on the Lake Festival is an exciting event that brings together teams to race in traditional dragon boats on the Portage Lakes. This unique event celebrates teamwork, endurance, and community spirit, while also raising funds for local charities and initiatives. Portage Lakes Kiwanis is actively involved in this thrilling competition, supporting the event and engaging with teams and spectators to promote service and camaraderie.
Youth & Education
Portage Lakes Kiwanis is committed to supporting young people through education, leadership development, and essential community programs.
🔑 Key Clubs & Student Engagement
We actively support Key Clubs at Coventry High School and Manchester High School, encouraging young leaders to engage in service projects, leadership training, and volunteerism. These clubs instill the Kiwanis mission in students and help them develop skills that last a lifetime.
🎓 Scholarships
Each year, Portage Lakes Kiwanis awards $1,500 scholarships to two students from Coventry High School and two students from Manchester High School. These scholarships recognize students for their dedication to academics, leadership, and community service.
🏫 ROTC at Green High School
Portage Lakes Kiwanis played a key role in helping to establish the ROTC program at Green High School. This program provides students with leadership training, discipline, and opportunities for future careers in the military and public service. Our continued support ensures that young men and women have access to valuable skills and experiences that will help them succeed in life.
🥫 Food & School Supply Drives
We regularly organize food drives to support local families in need, ensuring that no one in our community goes hungry. In addition, we host back-to-school drives to collect school supplies for students, ensuring that every child starts the school year with the tools they need to succeed.
🏪 Upcoming Food Pantry
Coming soon, Portage Lakes Kiwanis will be launching a food pantry sponsored by Wednesday’s Child to provide ongoing support to individuals and families facing food insecurity in our community. This initiative will expand our efforts to fight hunger and make a lasting impact on those in need.
🏕️ Camp Y-Noah Support
Each year, we assist Camp Y-Noah with pre-summer cleanup efforts, helping maintain facilities and build essential camp equipment like picnic tables and bunk beds. This ensures a safe and enjoyable experience for campers throughout the summer.
Join Us and Make a Difference!
Are you looking for a way to give back to your community, meet like-minded individuals, and create lasting memories? Portage Lakes Kiwanis is always welcoming new members who share our passion for service.
🔹 Meetings: Held regularly at the Kiwanis Civic Center
🔹 Opportunities: Community service projects, fundraising events, and leadership development
🔹 Impact: Make a real difference while having fun!
Come see what we’re all about! Contact us today or visit a meeting to learn how you can be a part of something bigger.
📧 info@plkiwanis.org
📍 Portage Lakes Kiwanis Civic Center
725 Portage Lakes Dr.
Akron, OH 44319