Community service matters, not only to those served, but also to those who serve. Here are some thoughtful quotes on why.
We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.
- Winston Churchill
Only a life lived for others is a life worthwhile.
- Albert Einstein
I don't know what your destiny will be, but one thing I do know: the only ones among you who will be really happy are those who have sought and found how to serve.
- Albert Schweitzer
Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has.
- Margaret Mead
And you don't have to look very far to find two exceptional examples of community service in action among two groups who have been very special friends to
MANNA for a very long time.
Service Above Self is the motto of Rotary International. And that motto comes to life right here in the Conjeo Valley. The volunteering efforts of our Thousand Oaks Rotary Club benefit over 40 local non-profit or educational organizations such as the Alliance of the Arts, Boys and Girls Clubs, Cabrillo Music Theatre, Casa Pacifica, Community Conscience, Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, Hospice of the Conejo, Kingsmen Shakespeare Company, LSS Community Care Centers,
MANNA, Make A Wish, Many Mansions, My Stuff Bags, Polio Plus, Reading is Fundamental, Senior Concerns, Student Scholarships, Teen Center, Conejo and Westminster Free Clinics, YMCA, and more. With over 130 members, including
MANNA's executive director, this dedicated group conducts three major fundraising events every year. Everyone is encouraged to provide support by participating in the Chili Cook-off and Classic Car Show in April, the Midsummer Wine Festival in August, and the Thousand Oaks Street Fair in October. Visit
http://www.thousandoaksrotary.org/ for more information.
Kiwanis of Thousand Oaks is celebrating their 50th anniversary this year. Their mission is to serve whenever possible to make the Conejo Valley a better place to live, raise a family, and to work. This vibrant organization of over 100 members, including past and present presidents of the MANNA board, places considerable focus on building community leaders for the future through their various Kiwanis Service Leadership programs in schools. They also provide volunteer services and financial support to local youth organizations including AYSO, YMCA, Children's Services of Ventura County, Little League, Special Olympics, Children of Military Personnel, Conjo Valley Youth Congress, HOPE4KIDS, Cub Scout, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, the Teen Center, the Conejo/Las Virgenes Future Foundation, and many more. Add Hospice of the Conejo, Senior Concerns, Lutheran Social Services, CROP Walk, Many Mansion, Villa Esperanza,
MANNA and more to the list, and it's clear that the Kiwanis Club's dedication to supporting children and those needing help in our community continues to thrive. You can help by supporting various Kiwanis fundraising activities such as their See's Candy Holiday Fundraiser, Little League Pancake Breakfasts, and the annual Give Back Game. Learn more at
http://www.tokiwanis.org/
