strengthen every family

By First Lady Charlene M. Ashworth

     International President Paul Palazzolo has declared, "Focus on family" as this year's theme.  His challenge is to apply service projects to strengthen families and to motivate fellow Kiwanians to invite potential new members to join our efforts by joining our clubs.

     As Governor Brent and  I begin our year of service to the Utah-Idaho District, I am in awe of the tremendous leadership and work force comprised by our fellow Kiwanis members.  Our commitment to strengthen every family through our Governor's Project, which is to see to it that every parent and child in our district who wants their own book gets one, is aimed at that purpose.

    Like a mother, there is no substitute for a father.  Many dads have been weak and are not even found in the home.  Some are incarcerated for various reasons.  Brent and I recently learned of a correctional facility in our area that was trying to raise funds to build a library for its inmates., many of whom are fathers. 

     As they do not permit computer use, we inquired if there was an interest in book donations. We were able to meet them at our storage unit, where they carried away over four hundred boxes, some 15,000 books, including titles on education, history, science, life improvement  and self-help, to easily fill the shelves the inmates had built for their new library. 

     After reviewing the titles they acquired, their representative said it was "like Christmas", as they unboxed their path to a hopefully better life as men and, especially, as fathers.  If you know of individuals, families or groups who could use books this year, please let us know and we will respond as best we can.

    Thank you for all you do and keep up the great work of Kiwanis!

Charlene