The Happiness Habits Kits, a local service project that will provide mental wellness resources and educational materials to local children, has received a grant from the Kiwanis Children’s Fund.
“Members of the Kiwanis Club of Santa Maria are excited to have received this grant, which will assist in our effort to help children thrive, prosper and grow,” said Donna K Beal, 2024-25 club president.
“We know kids need Kiwanis, in our community and in communities around the world,” Beal said.
The Happiness Habits Kits project will distribute 75 wellness kits to youth throughout Santa Maria. Each kit includes age-appropriate books on emotional wellness, mindfulness activities, healthy snacks, and resources for families to support children’s mental health at home.
Additionally 24 kits will be distributed to homebound seniors living in isolation.
The Happiness Habits Kit project was strategically selected based on authentic community needs discovered through our collaborative relationships with local community-based organizations, Beal said.
“The implementation process brought together our Aktion Club and Key Club members as active partners in kit assembly, reflecting our commitment to youth-led community service,” she said.
“This project leveraged our comprehensive network of sponsored service leadership programs that serve learners and community members of all ages, including our Aktion Club at Minami Community Center, Circle K at Allan Hancock College, Key Clubs at Santa Maria High School, Pioneer Valley High School, and Santa Maria Recreation and Parks Department, Builder’s Club at Arellanes Junior High School, and K-Kids at Bonita Elementary,” she said.
The club welcomes new members, said Beal, who has been a member of the Kiwanis Club of Santa Maria for five years.
The club meets at 12:15 p.m. Thursdays at the Monami Community Center, 600 W Enos Drive.
“Kids need Kiwanis, now more than ever before, and this Happiness Habits Kits project is an example of how our club can meet a need in our community,” said Beal. “This project gives us an opportunity to invest in our community’s children by providing tools that support their emotional wellness and academic success.”
“Join us at a service project and find out if Kiwanis is right for you,” said Beal. “We have a great time and enjoy planning our fundraisers, too. Our meetings often feature a speaker or incorporate some of the youth programs we sponsor.”
To learn more, visit santamariakiwanis.org.
The Kiwanis Children’s Fund raises money and provides support for Kiwanis clubs around the world for projects related to childhood health and nutrition, education and literacy and youth leadership development.