Kiwanis members serve their communities all year long, but the excitement for service really builds in April of each year. Kiwanis members come together for Kiwanis One Day – a day of community service that is felt around the world. This year, One Day in Aurora will be from 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, April 9.
The “One-Day” objective is to unite volunteers to participate on the same day in a hands-on service project to better the community. At the last cleanup event in 2019, there were more than 400 volunteers who helped remove trash from in and around the Fox River, north and south of downtown Aurora and areas of Indian Creek. The goal for the river and creek and nearby Fox Valley Park District locations this year is to have many dedicated volunteers come together once again to impact our community.
Kiwanis is a partner with Fox Metro Water Reclamation District, City of Aurora, Aurora Township, Fox Valley Park District, and other local agencies in conducting what they hope will be another successful cleanup event.
Chairman for this community-wide event is Pat Divine. Divine is a member of the Aurora Kiwanis club and Human Resources Coordinator for Fox Metro. He notes, “This community-wide event is perfect for schools, colleges, churches, youth groups, families, and individuals. So please do come and join this great day of environmental clean-up in our city.”
Volunteers are required to sign a liability waiver; youth under 18 must have a parent or guardian signed waiver. Adolescent groups are required to provide one adult supervisor for every 10 children.
Portions of the Fox River from Ashland Avenue to the Fox Valley Park District’s Cole Center, including various Fox Valley Park District park locations will be the target area this year. Headquarters will be at the Cole Center at 101 W. Illinois Avenue.
After check-in, breakfast snacks will be available. Transportation to and from the various work areas will be provided. An appreciation lunch will conclude the event back at headquarters. Please bring proper attire and dress for changing weather conditions.
Please contact Pat Divine at 630-301-6817, email pdivine@foxmetro.org. For more details and a liability waiver visit KiwanisOneDay.org.
Founded September 9, 1916, the Aurora club was the first club in the Illinois-Eastern Iowa District and the twenty-first club chartered in the world. The club currently has 78 members. It is also the sponsor of Kiwanis clubs in Oswego and Yorkville.
—Kiwanis Club of Aurora