Amherst Kiwanis Club needs members to maintain service
by JESSICA L. FINCH Associate Editor

The Amherst Kiwanis Club wants to help the community as much as it can but has found itself shorthanded.

"The problem has been we can't do what we would like to do without the labor," Vice President Paul Burke said.

Once a club of 40-50 people, the Amherst branch's membership has dropped, sometimes having meetings of only a handful of people. The club has approximately 10 active members, many being "snowbirds."

The need for members became evident this past summer when the club had to withdraw from Old Home Days. Burke said the club had always operated a food stand, but because of the long hours and lack of members, it wasn't possible to staff the booth.

"We do need members," he said.

Those still active stay dedicated to the club's mission: service. The Wal-Mart card giveaway wrapped up last month. People bought raffle tickets at a chance to win gift cards from Wal-Mart. The proceeds benefit the Kiwanis Scholarship Program, which gives three annual scholarships.

The group also recently held a holiday party at the Clearfield Community Center for children from Heritage Centers. Glen Colton performed, Santa Claus paid a visit and toys were distributed.

Just before Thanksgiving, 12 baskets of food were delivered to needy families.

"They were so heavy we had a hard time lifting them," Burke said.

The Amherst Kiwanis Club also supports Cradle Beach, Women and Children's Hospital of Buffalo and Kamp Kiwanis.

Founded more than a 100 years ago, Kiwanis welcomed its Amherst branch in 1940. The club was formed for business professionals to give back to the community, Burke said.

He added that when members join with friends or co-workers, the group tends to stay active.

President Jane Cushman said anyone interested shouldn't feel they need an invitation, as anyone can attend a meeting.

The club meets every Tuesday at 6 p.m. at the Eagle House Restaurant, 5587 Main St., across from Amherst Town Hall, in Williamsville.

"We are open to any community service ideas that a small club can handle," Cushman said, adding that members will be bell ringing for the Salvation Army this week. "We hope it helps the community."

For information, call Burke at 636-4382 or Cushman at 878-6319.

e-mail: jfinch@beenews.com