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About Tyler-Rose City Kiwanis Club
Chartered on May 10, 1921, the Kiwanis Club of Tyler began with 50 members dedicated to strengthening the Tyler community through service, as part of the global Kiwanis International organization.
Today, the Tyler-Rose City Kiwanis Club remains deeply committed to making a lasting impact—especially in the lives of children. Our mission centers on fostering leadership, community service, and support for youth in Tyler and beyond.
We proudly sponsor a series of Student Leadership Programs (SLPs), including:
K-Kids (Elementary)
Builder’s Club (Middle School)
Key Club (High School)
Circle K International (College)
Through these programs, students gain valuable leadership experience while organizing and participating in service projects that benefit their schools and neighborhoods.
Key Initiatives & Projects
Our club leads several flagship projects throughout the year, including:
The Spirit of Christmas Food Drive – Providing food boxes to nearly 1,000 families each holiday season
Annual Christmas Party for Tyler Day Nursery – A joyful celebration for local children
Disaster Relief Backpacks – Assembling and distributing essential supplies to those in need
Literacy Outreach – Reading to students across Tyler ISD to promote a love of books
Community Giving – Offering financial support to other local service organizations that uplift youth
We also champion childhood literacy by installing Little Libraries in neighborhoods throughout the Rose City. These free book-sharing stations help ensure access to reading material for children and families, encouraging lifelong learning and curiosity.
A Legacy of Service: Tyler-Rose City Kiwanis History
1921 – Kiwanis Club of Tyler is officially chartered
1931 – Club members help increase Salvation Army Kettle proceeds by 330%—one of our earliest community impact efforts
1939 – Began sponsorship of Boy Scout Troop 339
1947 – Hosted the first Annual Turkey Shoot Fundraiser, now a beloved family tradition held at Camp Tyler before Thanksgiving
1949 – Began developing Camp Tyler as a year-round outdoor experience for local children
1956 – Camp Tyler opens to campers with the launch of the Donaldson and Dudley Cabins
1968 – Introduced the Spirit of Christmas Food Drive; later joined by Brookshire Grocery Company to expand outreach
2001 – Established the Annual Eagle Scout College Scholarship to honor outstanding Eagle Scouts in our community
Get Involved
Join us at one of our weekly meetings or reach out through our Contact Us form to learn more about membership and how you can make a difference with us.
2024 - 2025 Board Members
President: Rob Smith
President Elect: Eddie Hanson
Immediate Past President: Samantha Bruce
Secretary: David Lockridge
Treasurer: Lindsey Smith
Board Members: Gene Bruce (2022-2025); D. L. Hanson (2022-2025); Allison Aragon (2023 - 2025); Steve Callaway (2024 - 2025)
Community Action
Community Action
Rose City Children’s Charities is a 501(c)(3) foundation that supports and distributes funds to youth-focused programs championed by the Tyler-Rose City Kiwanis Club. Every dollar raised by the club helps support impactful, life-enriching initiatives that benefit children and families in our community.
Programs We Support
Camp Tyler
Camp Tyler was born from a Kiwanian’s vision in 1945—to create a year-round outdoor experience for children in Tyler and the surrounding areas. After years of dedication and fundraising, Camp Tyler officially opened in 1956 with the Donaldson and Dudley Cabins welcoming their first campers.
Today, Camp Tyler is owned and operated by the Camp Tyler Foundation. It serves as the site for the Camp Tyler Outdoor School Program, welcoming 5th graders from Tyler ISD and surrounding districts to engage in outdoor learning, environmental education, and character-building activities.
The Character Network – Bully Prevention Program
This research-based, proactive program is proven to reduce bullying and promote a culture of kindness and responsibility in schools. The Tyler-Rose City Kiwanis Club sponsors the program at Cain Elementary School in Whitehouse and other campuses across the region. Schools across Texas and beyond are actively seeking support to bring this effective program to their students.
John Bell Eagle Scout Scholarship
In honor of exemplary achievement and service, this scholarship supports college-bound Eagle Scouts with up to $1,000 per year to assist with tuition and educational expenses.
Student Leadership Programs
We’re proud to sponsor Kiwanis International’s leadership programs that help students build confidence, character, and a heart for service at every stage of their education:
Circle K International (College)
Circle K International (CKI) empowers college students to lead with purpose through hands-on service, leadership training, and fellowship. We sponsor a CKI Club at The University of Texas at Tyler, where students engage in meaningful projects and build lifelong connections.
Key Club (High School)
Key Club instills values of leadership, integrity, and responsibility in high school students through service and civic engagement. We sponsor Key Clubs at Whitehouse High School and Tyler Legacy High School. Each year, we recognize outstanding students with the Sophomore of the Year Award and award scholarships to help further their education.
Builders Club (Middle School)
Builders Club offers middle school students a chance to discover their leadership potential through community service and student-led projects. We have previously sponsored clubs at Hubbard Middle School, Whitehouse Junior High, and Whitehouse Holloway.
K-Kids (Elementary School)
K-Kids is where young leaders get their start. Designed for children ages 6–12, this program teaches leadership, responsibility, and teamwork. Members elect officers and manage club activities with the support of adult advisors. We’ve proudly sponsored K-Kids at Whitehouse Cain and Whitehouse Brown Elementary Schools.
Project Committees
Project Committees
Club Committees & Community Programs
Our club thrives thanks to the dedication of our members and committees who organize and support meaningful programs throughout the year. Here's how we serve the Tyler community and beyond:
Leadership & Operations
Board of Directors
Meets on the third Monday of each month to oversee and direct the business and operations of the club.
Finance & Fundraising Committee
Plans and executes fundraising events to support our service projects and programs. The committee also ensures the club undergoes an annual financial review by an independent party for transparency and accountability.
Membership Committee
Focused on growing our club through new member recruitment and retention of current members. Passionate about people? This is your place to shine!
Program Committee
Curates an engaging lineup of guest speakers for weekly club meetings, helping members stay informed and inspired.
Community Service Initiatives
Bringing Up Grades (BUGs)
Encourages elementary students to improve their academic performance by raising their grades in at least one subject each report card cycle. Recognized students receive certificates and are invited to a celebratory BUGs Party.
Flag Program
A patriotic fundraiser that places American flags in the community eight times a year:
· President’s Day
· Vietnam Veteran’s Day
· Memorial Day
· Flag Day
· Independence Day
· Labor Day
· September 11th
· Veterans Day
McAfee Reading Program
Each year, this program delivers a new book to every Kindergarten student in Tyler ISD. Club members read to classrooms and present each child with a book to take home. Our goal is to expand into Whitehouse and Chapel Hill, and we’re looking for volunteers who love reading to kids!
Service Committee
Coordinates and supports all of our community service initiatives, including the Flag Program, McAfee Reading Program, and Service Leadership Programs.
Youth Leadership Programs
Service Leadership Programs Committee
Supports youth through Kiwanis International’s leadership development initiatives:
Aktion Club – For adults with disabilities
Key Club – High school students
Builders Club – Middle school students
K-Kids – Elementary school students
BUGs – Encouraging academic improvement
These programs empower students to lead, serve, and grow into confident, compassionate citizens.
Annual Events & Special Projects
Spirit of Christmas Food Drive
A tradition since 1968, this massive project works in collaboration with Brookshire Grocery Stores, Tyler ISD, Meals on Wheels, and other Smith County agencies to gather, sort, box, and deliver food to nearly 1,000 families in need each holiday season. Volunteers of all ages join together to stock the K-Barn, sort donations, and distribute meals.
Tyler Day Nursery Santa Visit
Each year, our club brings the magic of Christmas to the children at Tyler Day Nursery, complete with a visit from Santa Claus and a special gift for every child.
V-Dac Vehicle Donation Program
Through this fundraiser, members help locate vehicles to be donated. The vehicles are then sold, and the proceeds directly support our club’s service initiatives. Click here for more information on vehicle donations to the Kiwanis Children's Fund.
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