Kiwanis is dedicated to serving the children of the world and our local community. Currently, the Kiwanis Club of Lima, one of the prominent Lima clubs, supports over 450 children through various initiatives, embodying the spirit of Kiwanis One in Ohio.
Kiwanis is a global organization of volunteers, including many from Ohio Kiwanis clubs, dedicated to improving the world one child and one community at a time. Our mission is to serve the children of the world.
At the Kiwanis Club of Lima, we foster a welcoming community where members can connect, learn, and grow together. We are committed to promoting diversity, inclusivity, and respect for all in our efforts to embody the values of Kiwanis One.
ALL ARE WELCOME
As a member of the Kiwanis Club of Lima, part of the vibrant network of Ohio Kiwanis, you will gain access to exclusive events and weekly programs featuring interesting presenters. You'll also find plenty of opportunities to volunteer and make a positive impact in your community and the world through Kiwanis One initiatives. To join or to receive more information about Lima clubs, please contact Bev Beery at bev@beeryinsurance.com or Willie Heggins at wheggins@heirforcecs.com.
WE'RE OVER 100
Founded in 1919, the Kiwanis Club of Lima stands as one of the oldest clubs in Kiwanis International, which was initiated in 1915. As part of Division II in the Ohio District of Kiwanis International, the Lima Kiwanis Club has continually played a vital role in serving the children of Allen County since its inception.
The Kiwanis Club of Lima was officially organized on August 20, 1919, following an application by 100 individuals to the Chicago Club in line with the procedures of that era. The charter was officially granted on January 14, 1920, thanks to the sponsorship of the Toledo club. The Lima Club was the 16th club established in Ohio and the 156th in the entire Kiwanis network. Frances W. Durbin was the first president of this historic club.
From its inception, the Lima Kiwanis Club has actively contributed to the community, with its first major project being the Fresh Air Camp in 1925. This initiative included purchasing land near Route 81 and old Route 25, along with constructing buildings to support underprivileged youth. Unfortunately, due to the Great Depression, members could not sustain the camp, leading to its closure in 1932 and the sale of the land. The proceeds from the sale were preserved for future scouting endeavors.
A FEW OF OUR PROJECTS THROUGH THE YEARS
PREVENT IODINE DEFICIENCY
The Kiwanis Club of Lima joined forces with UNICEF to raise funds aimed at eliminating disabilities caused by iodine deficiency in children. In 1994, our Lima Kiwanis contributed over $15,000, raised through various fundraisers.
ERADICATING MATERNAL NEONATAL TETANUS
We collaborated with UNICEF and Kiwanis International in a collective $110 million effort to eradicate Maternal Neonatal Tetanus. This fundraising initiative provided vaccines for women in more than 50 countries where tetanus remained prevalent. Our local Kiwanis Ohio chapter raised $33,000, and the global goal was successfully achieved.
ALL ABILITY PLAYGROUNDS
Motivated by one member's concern for the playground conditions at Camp Robin Rogers on Conant Road—a campground for individuals with disabilities—the club formed a committee to develop an All Ability Playground. This committee later partnered with the Allen County Board of DD, leading to the creation of beautiful all ability playgrounds at both Camp Robin Rogers and Marimor School under the ACBDD.
KIWANIS ONE DAY
Every year, Kiwanis clubs worldwide participate in a day of service, known as Kiwanis One Day, which occurs on the fourth Saturday of October. The Kiwanis Club of Lima will team up with our Family of Clubs to volunteer at the West Ohio Food Bank, exemplifying our commitment to community service.
SERVICE LEADERSHIP PROGRAM
The Kiwanis of Ohio proudly sponsors service leadership clubs from Kindergarten to adult across various Lima clubs. Service Leadership Programs (SLPs) are “student-led” community service organizations that adhere to school and organization regulations, drawing members from the student body or adult clients. Within these clubs, members elect their own officers and conduct meetings, empowering them through the leadership training they receive to become influential leaders in their schools, communities, and beyond.
AKTION CLUB OF ALLEN COUNTY BOARD OF DD
Members of the Aktion Club are adults in Allen County with disabilities who aspire to engage in community service. Established by Kiwanis in 1987 in Florida, Aktion Clubs were recognized as an official Service Leadership Program of Kiwanis International on October 1, 2000. The Aktion Club of Allen County officially formed in November 2005, contributing to the growth of Ohio Kiwanis initiatives.
CIRCLE K OF OHIO STATE LIMA
As the largest collegiate service club globally, Circle K has made a significant impact since the Ohio State Lima Circle K was chartered in 2018. In its inaugural year, members dedicated over a thousand service hours, gaining valuable, resume-worthy skills while transforming lives in their community.
KEY CLUBS OF LIMA
The Key Club in Lima is witnessing impressive growth, fueled by the enthusiasm, leadership, and community service dedication of our high school students. The Key Club of Lima Senior stands out as a vibrant force for youth service within our community. These students embody leadership by actively engaging in projects like packing food boxes for seniors at the West Ohio Food Bank and providing meals for unhoused families through Family Promise. Their commitment to service is contagious, encouraging more teens across Lima to make a difference.
On April 1, 2026, we were thrilled to welcome our second charter at Lima Central Catholic High School, further broadening opportunities for students eager to serve their community and develop robust leadership skills. With a third high school set to charter after October 1, 2026, the influence of Key Club members is expanding across Lima. This growth signifies not just an increase in numbers but also the dedication of our students, supportive advisors, and the community's belief in empowering youth through service for sustainable change.
BUILDERS CLUBS OF LIMA
Builders Club programs are thriving across Lima! Students at North Middle School (5–6), South Science & Technology Magnet (K–8), West Middle School (6–8), Liberty Arts Magnet (K–8), and Heir Force Community School are part of a global movement with over 46,000 young leaders learning to serve with purpose.
In this transitional phase of life, Builders Club provides students a space to belong, lead, and take action. They build confidence, enhance their character, and positively impact their schools and neighborhoods.
This initiative is championed by Dr. Willie Heggins — President of the Kiwanis Club of Lima, Executive Director of Heir Force Community School, and Kiwanis Advisor for three Builders Clubs, including the one at his own school. His leadership is crucial in ensuring that Lima’s youth have powerful pathways to grow, serve, and excel.
K-KIDS OF LIMA
K-Kids is where leadership initiates — and in Lima, our youngest students are already showcasing that making a difference starts early. Our K-Kids Clubs at Freedom, Heritage, Independence, Heir Force, and Unity Elementary Schools allow children to experience the joy of serving others while they develop confidence, character, and teamwork skills.
The first K-Kids Club within Lima City Schools was chartered in 2009, followed by a new club established at Heir Force Community School in 2023. Since their inception, our clubs have consistently achieved Honor Club and Distinguished Club recognition for their remarkable service and leadership contributions.
At its essence, the mission of K-Kids is both simple and profound: to nurture young leaders through service to their school, community, and the world. These students may be small, but their impact is substantial — and every project they tackle fosters their development into leaders our community can proudly support.
For details on how your child can participate or how to start a service club at your school or organization, please contact Dr. Willie Heggins, President of the Kiwanis Club of Lima, at (803) 596-3670.
TREE PROJECT
The MacDonell Arbor Memorial stands as the signature project of Kiwanis Ohio. Our Lima Club has cherished this tree project since the early 90s, honoring Mr. James MacDonell, who for many years supplied tree saplings to every first-grade student in Lima from his own land. After his passing in 1991, the club expanded this Ohio Kiwanis initiative to reach every first grader in Allen County, Ohio. Each year, we order 1,500 tree saplings for distribution to local schools.
MUSIC SCHOLARSHIPS and SOUSA AWARDS
We host an annual music awards banquet where we present a $4,000 scholarship ($1,000 annually) to a graduating senior in Allen County, Ohio, who aims to pursue a degree in music. Additionally, the John Phillips Sousa award is given to a high school senior in each Allen County school, selected by their peers for outstanding leadership and talent in instrumental music.
DIVA'S DEN
This project has provided thousands of free prom dresses to local high school students in our Kiwanis Ohio community. Thanks to the generous donations of new and gently used dresses, cleaned by Duffy's Cleaners in Shawnee, hundreds of beautiful dresses are available for girls to browse, try on, and take home at no cost.
CHILD SAFETY SEAT PROJECT
In partnership with the Lima Fire Department, our Kiwanis club offers infant safety seats to low-income families, ensuring that their children can ride safely. The fire department provides a trained paramedic to conduct safe installation training for the seats, while Kiwanis supports this essential initiative through generous community donations.
5K RUN AND PET CONTEST
The club proudly sponsors an annual 5K run and a virtual pet contest, held near Halloween. Proceeds from the Howl'O'ween Trick or Trot help support our service leadership clubs, which focus on providing leadership training, supporting service projects, and offering incentives. This event also provides scholarships to graduating seniors who have been active in their service leadership clubs throughout their school years.
ONE ROOM SCHOOLHOUSE
During the Christmas Tree Festival at the Allen County Museum, Kiwanis members eagerly host visitors to the one-room schoolhouse. The club raised funds to build this replica and enjoys sharing stories about what education was like in the past with all who visit.
FUNDRAISERS
BARBECUE FOR CHARITY and SELLING TICKETS AT THE FAIR
Beyond the 5K, our club organizes two major fundraisers: a Barbecue in June and ticket sales at the Allen County Fair. The majority of the proceeds from both events are donated to charities that serve children in our community.