Kiwanis hosted a character breakfast at MAHS open to anyone in the community with Key Club and Builder’s Club members and volunteers.
Volunteers for the two groups, which focus on community and service, dressed up as characters and served breakfast on Jan. 18 to members of the community.
Freshman Cyrus Heddings dressed up as Captain America and participated because he wanted to help out the community.
“Seeing the kids happy and knowing that I could help out,” said Heddings when asked about his favorite part.
Mrs. Andrea Tira helped coordinate the breakfast as the Key Club adviser.
“The money raised comes right back to the Key Club and the Builders Club, it helps offset the yearly Builders Club budget and also helps the Kiwanis raise the money needed to support the scholarship they give out to a Key Club senior each year,” said Tira.
Sophomore Sydney Kuntz volunteered and helped with the coffee and tea station.
“My favorite part was seeing how excited the kids were to see their favorite characters,” said Kuntz. “Events like the character breakfast are important because we are able to connect with families in our community.”
Kuntz is in Key Club, which is a volunteer-based group of high schoolers participating in various community service projects.
“I am in Key Club because I like to be able to help and give back to others,” said Kuntz.
Eighth grader Anna Teffeteller was a volunteer who helped clean tables, refill drinks and hand out coloring pages.
“My favorite part was seeing the kids’ costumes and their reactions to other characters,” said Teffeteller.
Tefeteller is a Builders Club member which is an 8th-grade volunteer club that is sponsored by Kiwanis. Most 8th graders in the club move on to Key Club.
“My favorite part of being in Builder’s Club is spending time with my friends and signing up for different volunteer opportunities,” said Teffeteller. “I am looking forward to continuing volunteering with my friends during high school through Key Club.”
Mrs. Victoria Hurwitz volunteered for the Character Breakfast as a line server and was responsible for plating the food Key Clubbers served the guests.
“My favorite part is seeing a child’s eyes light up when they see their favorite superhero or princess,” said Hurwitz. “I also love how much Key Club members enjoy volunteering for this event and how willing they are to dress up and play their parts.”
“I love being part of an organization that focuses on children and families,” said Hurwitz. “It is fulfilling to see the community come together to enjoy a good meal and have fun interacting with the Key Club students in costume.”
Hurwitz is part of the Kiwanis organization and was involved in Key Club when she was in high school.
“I believe in giving back to others whenever I can and feel gratified to be part of an organization that contributes to our community here in Montoursville,” said Hurwitz. “I hope to instill the qualities of altruism and service to my own children.”
When Hurwitz was in Key Club in high school she held executive positions. She said she looks forward to her kids participating in Key Club and Builders Club and encourages people of all ages and all backgrounds to consider joining Kiwanis.
“We are a service organization that is comprised of a diverse group of members. A common misconception is that Kiwanis is just for older people which is not true!” said Hurwitz.
Montoursville Kiwanis Club has many activities, so volunteers can participate in a few or many events depending on their schedules.
“Joining the Montoursville Kiwanis Club is greatly fulfilling because you can make a difference in the lives of children and families right here in Montoursville,” said Hurwitz. “Kiwanis plays a crucial role in the community because it supports children and families, fosters volunteerism, and improves community well-being.”
Kiwanis supports the community through projects such as the new playground at Indian Park and helping the Konkle library with the Refresh renovation project. Hurwitz says these projects create a “lasting change.”
The funds raised at the character breakfast went directly back to the community with donations and scholarships to support the Key Club and Builder’s Club.
Kiwanis has also donated funds to the Montoursville Area School District, elementary school PTOs, and community organizations like the Konkle Library and Harvest of Hope School Backpack Program. Their biggest commitment was sponsoring the new playground that was installed at Indian Park and opened last summer.
Feature Photo: Kiwanis member Jason Hurwitz and his children, Ari and Ziva, enjoy a breakfast served by the characters participating in the annual Kiwanis Character Breakfast. This photo was taken on Saturday, Jan. 18. Photo provided by Victoria Hurwitz
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