Kiwanis is a global organization of volunteers dedicated to changing the world one child and one community at a time!  That explains what we are all about!

Our mission here in the Rapid City area continues to be dynamic, depending on the needs expressed by the community.  Currently our largest service project is buying shoes and socks for children in need. The Shoes for Kids Project serves one middle school and two elementary schools.  Other schools may apply as the need occurs.  Peanut Day each September is our primary fund raiser.  All funds collected from the sale of peanuts goes towards supporting the children of Rapid City.

Rapid City Downtown Kiwanis also supports other members of the Kiwanis Family, including the Circle K Club at SDSM&T, the Key Club at Central High School, the Builders Club at West Middle School, and the K-Kids at General Beadle Elementary.

Other programs we support include: Delta Dental Bus for needy children, Small Children Priority One at a Early HeadStart Program, development of Kiwanis-Mary Hall Park; Salvation Army bell ringing; and the Dear Ones Child Care Center through the Cornerstone Mission.

In 2009 Rapid City Downtown Kiwanis was awarded a $4000 matching grant from Kiwanis International to increase the Shoes for Kids Program, making shoes available to more children.  This doubled the budget to $8000 for the 2009-2010 club year.  Additionaly the Rapid City Westside Club kicked in $1000 to help us make the match.  Many more kids are going to benefit this year when the need is expected to be greater!  The Rapid City Westside Kiwanis is also a co-sponsor of the West Middle School Builders Club with the Downtown Kiwanis.