Kiwanis Club of Long Beach Foundation

LB Kiwanis is proactive in improving the lives of children and communities. For over 100 years, we have volunteered & financially supported many projects in Long Beach. Your donations will help us do more impactful programs. Our projects are as follows:

OUR SIGNATURE EVENT: KIDS AND COPS DAY

At this annual event, middle school students, especially those from economically challenged neighborhoods, have the opportunity to engage with police officers in a positive way. In 2017, it received the NUSA Award for “Best Neighborhood Program for Social Revitalization”.

KIWANIS’ SERVICE LEADERSHIP PROGRAM

We financially support CSULB’s Circle K Club and 8 high school Key Clubs (Browning, Cabrillo, McBride, Millikan, Poly, SATO, St Anthony & Wilson) 

Circle K & Key Club are student-led organizations where members have the opportunity to develop leadership skills, provide service to the community and build character so they are prepared for life and be capable and compassionate leaders. Kiwanians dedicate many hours to mentor and chaperone these youth.

BEDSIDE COMFORT BAGS FOR MILLER CHILDREN'S HOSP

We provide Comfort Bags for pediatric patients at Miller Children's Hospital. Program Chair Sue Baker led the filling of bags with developmentally appropriate activities for patients from infancy through adolescence. Siblings have a bag with activities to distract them while parents have daily essentials readily available. We have delivered 1,500 bags

SCHOLARSHIPS

1) Nine scholarships to LBUSD seniors with emphasis on service & leadership

2) Donations to Assistance League's Cameo to help fund their Mentoring program.

 

COMMUNITIES AND CHILDREN IN NEED

1) Monthly dinner and games at Lydia House, a women's and children’s shelter

2) Books for The Children's Clinic

3) Quarterly bingo games at VA Hospital

 

ANNUAL HEART OF A HERO AWARDS

We host an annual Heart of a Hero Luncheon to honor a police officer and a firefighter who have shown exemplary service over and above their work duties to serve Long Beach. In 2025, the awards went to LBPD Officer Caleb Jackson and LBFD Captain Richard Storey.

Officer Jackson is dedicated to community engagement, helping youth build confidence and connecting them with opportunities to be successful. Captain Storey is deeply involved in LBFD’s leadership and development and unwavering commitment to the Long Beach community; both professionally and personally.

 

SOME PAST ACCOMPLISHMENTS

 

LB FIRE SAFETY HOUSE

In 2019, we raised $60,000 to replace a 20-year old unit used by LBFD. This fully ADA accessible, portable and interactive unit is being used to teach fire safety at elementary schools. The simulated kitchen and bedroom teaches students fire hazards awareness. Children also have the opportunity to practice emergency exiting procedures. To make it a realistic experience, there is a “smoke” machine to teach how to react in dangerous situations.

 

COVID-19  QUARANTINE SUPPORT

Supported City's Covid-19 funds, donated 500 headphones and mice to Herrera Elementary School and Chromebooks to older teens

 

GRANTS

- Architected & built wheelchair-accessible planter tables for the LB VA Hospital Veterans Garden

- Funded Kiwanis Lodge at Camp Tahquitz for the Boy Scouts LB Council

- Playgrounds at Young Horizons & YMCA

- Renovation of the room for Assistance League's Kids on the Block program

- Sponsored a room at Ronald McDonald House

 

 TESTIMONIALS

KIDS AND COPS

Renée Shipman, Ed.D,  Principal Jefferson Leadership Academy:

“This past fall, in 2024, our school hosted this transformative event, which brought together middle school students and Long Beach Police Department officers for a day of meaningful connection and collaboration. Through interactive activities and discussions with officers from various departments, our students gain a deeper understanding of law enforcement and its important role in our community. These interactions foster trust, mutual respect, and a sense of civic responsibility, which are invaluable during this formative stage of their lives. 

The outstanding planning and support provided by the Kiwanis staff made this event a success. Their collaborative efforts with our educators and community partners ensured the program was well-organized and deeply impactful.

COMFORT BAGS

"The Kiwanis care bags bring such comfort in the hospital environment-- a place that can often be frightening and unfamiliar. When I bring one into a patient's room, I can see their interest pique and I know they want to find out what is inside. The bags and their contents help me build rapport with children, promote normalization of the healthcare setting, and provide age-appropriate diversion and support for our patients. They encourage kids to be kids! These bags are a joy for our Child Life department to receive and an even bigger joy to give away to patients and families during some of their most challenging times. Thank you, Kiwanis, for all that you do!"  ~Nurse