What We Do
Scholarships and Hope of America Awards
Each year the Kiwanis Club of Simi Valley awards academic scholarships to graduating high school seniors. Students apply for these awards via a standard application form, which includes an essay, available from their high school counselors.
At the elementary and middle school levels, we present the prestigious Hope of America award. This award recognizes and encourages students who have demonstrated not only academic accomplishments, but also a capacity for leadership (self-discipline) and good ethical and moral character, and who have sustained our democratic way of life and exhibited outstanding citizenship traits. The Kiwanis Club of Simi Valley presents this award to one culminating student at each of the 3 public middle schools, 16 public elementary schools, 1 public alternative school, and 1 private religious school in Simi Valley. The selection is made by the principal and cognizant faculty of each school.
Three $1000 scholarships are awarded to applicants from Simi Valley High School, three $1000 scholarships to applicants from Royal High School' and two $500 scholarships to applicants from Apollo High School. In addition, a $1000 scholarship is awarded to a graduating member of the Circle K International Club, which we sponsor at Moorpark College.
At the elementary and middle school levels, we present the prestigious Hope of America award. This award recognizes and encourages students who have demonstrated not only academic accomplishments, but also a capacity for leadership (self-discipline) and good ethical and moral character, and who have sustained our democratic way of life and exhibited outstanding citizenship traits. The Kiwanis Club of Simi Valley presents this award to one culminating student at each of the 3 public middle schools, 16 public elementary schools, 1 public alternative school, and 1 private religious school in Simi Valley. The selection is made by the principal and cognizant faculty of each school.
Physical-Education Enhancement Program (PEP)
Our club proudly sponsors PEP, an exciting program that supports PE activities for over 5500 students in Simi’s elementary schools. We wanted a program that would support as many students as possible, and we realized that Physical Education plays an important role in our children’s development—and it was one where we could make a substantial difference.
The goal of our program is to increase the opportunity for students to participate in physical activities, while developing sportsmanship, teamwork, and leadership skills. The program supplements the PE equipment schools have on hand and those most often needing replacement, especially near the end of the year through wear and tear and when budgets are diminished. Although we cannot fill every wish list, the program does provide a variety of items based on school choices.
So far PEP has provided Simi Valley students with over 1800 pieces of PE equipment. In addition, it has provided our members a fun opportunity to present schools with their equipment, and to promote the difference Kiwanis makes in children’s lives.
Speaking of elementary schools, we're also very proud of our long-standing tradition of making pancakes for the annual Breakfast with Santa event on the last-day-before-winter-break at Berylwood Elementary School. We arrive before dawn, help set up and cover tables, provide gallons of freshly mixed pancake batter, and cook and serve hundreds of pancakes—along with syrup, sausage, fruit, and milk provided by the school—to the students and their families who literally line up around the block for this inspiring event. We even bring Santa along!
Food Drives
Food is a necessity of life, but too many in our community unfortunately don't have the resources to provide ample nutritious food for their households. While there are a growing number of organizations in town which acquire and distribute food, they can always use more. We know that many in our community are more than willing to donate food and funds to help, so at least once a year we hold the Great American Food Drive to give them the opportunity to do just that.
Over the years, we've used several collection methods. We've stood out in front of cooperating grocers with suggested shopping lists. We've had drive-through events at the Senior Center and drop-offs at auto dealers. We've even had leave-a-container-at-the-curb pickup events, and made appointments for at-home pick-ups! All have been wildly successful, resulting in tons of non-perishable food and personal care items donated by our wonderful community. Thank You!
The items and funds donated at these events are distributed to the Salvation Army, the Samaritan Center, and other major food-distributing organizations in Simi Valley. Stay tuned for our next food drive, and thanks again in advance for your generosity.
Over the years, we've used several collection methods. We've stood out in front of cooperating grocers with suggested shopping lists. We've had drive-through events at the Senior Center and drop-offs at auto dealers. We've even had leave-a-container-at-the-curb pickup events, and made appointments for at-home pick-ups! All have been wildly successful, resulting in tons of non-perishable food and personal care items donated by our wonderful community. Thank You!
The items and funds donated at these events are distributed to the Salvation Army, the Samaritan Center, and other major food-distributing organizations in Simi Valley. Stay tuned for our next food drive, and thanks again in advance for your generosity.
Senior Center Activities
These are the events at the Simi Valley Senior Center where we cook and serve food. For several other activities during the year, we just lend a hand!
Easter Breakfast
On Easter morning we provide a meal with all the trimmings: fruit, orange juice, eggs, bacon, sausage, pancakes, and coffee! Our school Service Leadership clubs make decorated placemats and help serve.
Senior Games Ceremony
Each summer at the end of the Senior Games competitions, the Rancho Simi Parks and Recreation Department holds an awards and recognition ceremony. Kiwanis of Simi Valley is there, providing a complete spaghetti dinner for all!
Oktoberfest
The Senior Center provides the oompah band and the food. We decorate the hall, grill the brats and chicken, serve the meal - complete with (near) beer; and you may even find some of us getting some of the patrons up to dance!
4th of July Celebration
The Kiwanis Club of Simi Valley partners with the City of Simi Valley and the Rancho Simi Recreation and Park District to bring the exciting Star-Spangled Rock 'N Country Jam and Fireworks Extravaganza! to Simi Valley. We are proud to be a part of this exciting event featuring fireworks and entertainment for the entire family.
Admission is free, so bring your family and friends, and don’t forget your lawn chairs and blankets. Spend the afternoon enjoying Non-Stop Entertainment, Yummy and Sinfully DELICIOUS Food, Beer and Wine, Vendors, a Silent Auction, and a FREE Fun Zone for kids! Then view a free fantastic fireworks display under the stars.
This free event is made possible with the support of the Rancho Simi Recreation and Parks District, the City of Simi Valley, and many corporate and private sponsors. Proceeds from this event help the Kiwanis Club of Simi Valley to support various charitable foundations and community organizations.
Get to know us better! We welcome help for this event - watch this space for a sign-up link in plenty of time to volunteer!