About The Kiwanis Club of Cicero

The Kiwanis Club of Cicero Indiana is a dynamic and active organization of service-minded men and women; volunteers who dedicate time, talent, and treasure to raising funds for the needs of the children within our community.

Through guiding and supporting our Service Leadership Programs of the schools of the Hamilton Heights School District – Kiwanis K-Kids, Kiwanis Builder’s Club, and Kiwanis Key Club – the Kiwanis Club of Cicero is dedicated to the development of future civic-minded leaders to carry on our important mission.

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Cicero · Indiana

Teter Farm Associate Director Amber Good (left) and Kiwanis Club of Cicero President Mark Bailey.

Cicero Kiwanis Learn How Teter Farm Feeds Those In Need

Press Release

February 12, 2025

POSTED BY: THE REPORTER FEBRUARY 12, 2025

Teter Organic Farm, an outreach mission of Noblesville First United Methodist Church, grows over 40 varieties of vegetables and has a mixed-species orchard of 280 trees that produce apples, peaches, pears, and plums, as well as a cut flower field and 30 beehives.

“Our mission is to combat food insecurity, build community through meaningful relationships across barriers that sometimes divide us, and educate children and adults on the importance of environmental stewardship and care,” said Amber Good, Teter’s Associate Director, as she presented to members of the Kiwanis Club of Cicero.

Despite being the richest county in Indiana with a median household income just shy of $115,000 according to the U.S. Census Bureau, more than 22,370 people throughout the county, which is about one in 10 residents are food insecure. The percentage of food-insecure people is higher among children, at 17 percent.

“This year, we hope to donate 50,000 servings to area food banks, meal programs and families in need,” Good said.

That has been the mission of the organic farm since it was started is 2016. The farm also grows market produce that is sold through a 100-share community supported agriculture (CSA) program at local farmer’s markets and to restaurants. Proceeds from the sales are used to support the farming operations.

The property was given to Noblesville First United Methodist Church by Ruth Teter in 1981. After developing a retreat center, one of the pastors at the church returned from a trip where he visited some nonprofit farms that were growing food to feed the hungry in their communities. Inspired by what he saw and learned, he made it his personal mission to get people on board and they decided to start an organic farm that would donate food and take care of its neighbors.

“We grow food because we believe everyone deserves to eat healthily,” Good said. “But the farm also offers tours, farm stays, and environmental education, as well as hosts outdoor weddings, retreats, cooperate outings, and family reunions – which means we are always looking for volunteers!”

To learn more about the farm, located at 10980 E. 221^st St. near Noblesville, or how you can help, visit teterorganicfarm.shop.

Cicero Kiwanis Launches Book Drive For Elementary Students

Press Release

December 2, 2024

POSTED BY: THE REPORTER

Goal: $6,000 to fund spring & summer reading programs

The Kiwanis Club of Cicero has launched an “online book drive” – a fundraising campaign accepting donations directly on the club’s website – with the goal of raising $6,000 by January 2025 to support its Books for a Bright Future initiative.

The program, which provides free books to elementary students, focuses on fostering a love of reading and improving literacy outcomes.

“Book ownership has been directly linked to improved mental health in children and increased reading for pleasure,” said Todd Clevenger, a Kiwanis board member. Clevenger conceived the idea in 2023, which led to the program’s launch at Hamilton Heights Elementary School in spring 2024.

“Reading fluency directly impacts academic achievement and lifetime success,” he added.

Club President Mark Bailey emphasized the importance of the online campaign.

“This fundraising effort is essential to the program’s success,” Bailey said. “Providing one book to every student during the spring book fair is meaningful not just for the kids but for parents, teachers, administrators, and the members of the Cicero Kiwanis.”

Club Member Mark Bailey emphasizes the importance of just one book to a child.

Bailey continued: “A donation of just $10 provides two books, a $25 gift provides five books, $50 provides 10 books, and so on. A gift of $500 guarantees books will be provided for 100 students. We’re simply asking folks to visit our website, learn about the program, and consider a gift of any amount to support this great cause.”

Within 24 hours of launching the campaign, the club began seeing online gift transactions, and quickly raised over 15 percent of their goal.

“It was thrilling to see the immediate response,” Bailey noted. “Now, we need a push to reach our target.”

If the $6,000 goal is met, both the spring and summer 2025 programs will be fully funded.

“These are exciting times,” Bailey said. “Let’s get children reading books they love!”

To learn more and support the Books for a Bright Future initiative by contributing to the campaign, visit cicerokiwanis.org/programs/books.

Kiwanis Club of Cicero Welcomes Shop For Kids President Dustin Dixon

Press Release

November 25, 2024

POSTED BY: THE REPORTER NOVEMBER 21, 2024

A Heartwarming Tradition in Hamilton County

The Kiwanis Club of Cicero recently hosted Dustin Dixon, President of Shop For Kids, at their weekly meeting. Members learned about the remarkable impact of this community-driven organization, which has been quietly transforming lives in Hamilton County for the past 15 years.

Founded in 2009 by Hamilton County Sheriff’s Deputy Todd Green, Shop For Kids began as a simple idea. While patrolling the streets of Northern Hamilton County, Deputy Green recognized that, despite the county’s affluence, there were families who needed a helping hand, especially during the holiday season. Partnering with his father, Bud Green, he approached local businesses for donations to take children shopping for Christmas gifts – and thus, a cherished tradition was born.

Last year, Shop For Kids raised over $12,000, providing almost 60 children with an unforgettable shopping experience

“We collaborate with organizations like Good Samaritan Network, Youth Assistance Programs, local schools, churches, and rely on word of mouth to identify families in need,” Dixon said.

Each child is paired with a law enforcement officer from the Indiana State Police, Cicero, Sheridan, and Arcadia Police Departments, with the Department of Natural Resources joining this year. Before the shopping spree, the children and their officer “elves” bond over lunch, games of ping pong, and foosball. The event culminates in an exciting police-escorted drive, complete with lights and sirens, to a local Target store.

“We make sure to understand the children’s needs by talking with parents,” Dixon said. “But the real joy for the officers is fulfilling the children’s wishes.”

“Shop For Kids has a dual mission,” Kiwanis Club of Cicero President Mark Bailey said. “It not only brings holiday cheer to children in need, but also strengthens the relationship between law enforcement and the community.”

This year’s event is set for Saturday, Dec. 7. For more information, to nominate a child, or to make a donation, please contact shopforkidshc@gmail.com or visit Facebook.com/ShopForKidsHC.

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