The Kiwanis Club of Wantagh is preparing for a busy 2025, continuing its mission to support children and families in the community through fundraising and service projects. The club’s efforts provide opportunities for young people to grow and thrive, with an emphasis on education, nutrition, and community involvement.
One of the major events on the calendar is the Annual Wantagh Spring Festival, scheduled for May 17. The festival, held in the Long Island Rail Road parking lot along Sunrise Highway, will run from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Featuring vendor booths, local organization displays, games, activities, and food trucks, the event has become a beloved tradition in Wantagh, marking the start of the summer season.
Another highlight is the Comedy Night fundraiser, set for April 24 at Governors Comedy Club. Organized by club member Debbie Tota, the event combines entertainment with philanthropy, raising funds to support the club’s initiatives.
Throughout 2024, the Kiwanis Club of Wantagh participated in numerous activities to give back to the community. The club played a role in local parades, distributing over 2,000 flags during the Wantagh St. Patrick’s Day, Memorial Day, and Fourth of July celebrations. Three food drives, organized in partnership with King Kullen, collected more than 30 shopping carts filled with food, baby supplies, and other essentials, which were donated to local food pantries.
In November, the club joined the Wantagh High School Key Club for a beach cleanup at Jones Beach, working with New York State Parks to remove debris deposited by a storm. This environmental effort highlighted the importance of preserving natural spaces for wildlife and recreation. During the holiday season, the club set up a booth at the Wantagh Chamber of Commerce’s Winter Wonderland. The booth provided a meaningful way for participants to learn about helping others. The club also took part in the Salvation Army’s bell-ringing campaign, raising funds for local families in need.
The Kiwanis Club of Wantagh sponsored 12 children to attend Kamp Kiwanis during the summer, offering them a week of outdoor activities, personal growth, and friendship-building at no cost to their families. Scholarships were awarded to graduating Wantagh High School seniors, and the club provided additional support to local organizations such as the John Theissen Children’s Foundation and the Wantagh Little League.
The club also collaborated with neighboring Kiwanis branches for Operation Thanksgiving Meals, which delivered 4,000 meals to families across Long Island. This large-scale initiative reflected the Kiwanis commitment to service and community building.
As the new year begins, the Kiwanis Club of Wantagh invites residents to join its efforts to make a positive difference. For more information or to get involved, visit facebook.com/KiwanisClubOfWantagh.