Spring is in the air, and so is the spirit of giving. The Kiwanis Club of Cicero has officially kicked off its 2025 Flower Sale Fundraiser, an event that not only brightens gardens but also helps grow brighter futures for children throughout the community.

Orders for flowers are being accepted now through Saturday, April 19, with a vibrant selection of blooms sure to enhance any yard, porch, or patio just in time for Mother’s Day. Flower pickup is scheduled for 2:30 to 6 p.m. Friday, May 2 the Red Bridge Park Pavilion in Cicero.

“This is our biggest fundraiser of the year, and every single petal supports a purpose,” Committee Chair Dottie Carlson said. “All proceeds go directly into programs that benefit the kids in our community – from literacy efforts to scholarships to local youth initiatives.”

The Flower Sale has long been a staple event in Cicero, bringing neighbors together while supporting the Kiwanis mission of serving the children of the world … starting right here at home.

Carlson added, “We’re proud of how this sale continues to grow year after year. It’s not just about flowers – it’s about hope, support, and community spirit.”

Those wishing to place an order can do so by contacting a Kiwanis Club member or visiting the club’s website, CiceroKiwanis.org, for order forms and details.

Whether you’re looking to spruce up your garden or simply want to make a difference, the Kiwanis Flower Sale is a beautiful way to give back.

On Saturday, March 1, members of the Cicero Kiwanis club were joined by Amelia’s Miles founders Sarah and Adam Pulley, as they shared their personal journey leading them to form an organization to support families who find themselves with a newborn infant requiring care in a neonatal intensive care unit.

Founded in 2022, Amelia’s Miles was formed in honor of their daughter’s birth and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) journey. Amelia was born much too early at just 27 weeks in 2018. She came into the world weighing 1 pound, 11 ounces and was the length of Adam’s hand. The Pulley family spent the next 125 days in the NICU. Sarah and Adam decided that once they survived and were able to take Amelia home they would find a way to give back to the community that saved Amelia’s life.

“During that time, we created strong bonds with the nurses and the staff, and recognized that Amelia might not be with us if it weren’t for them,” said Sarah, who serves as president of the organization. “Once we were all back home, we were led to give back and support other families in similar situations.”

Sarah continued, “Amelia’s Miles works directly with Community Hospital North’s NICU. We provide support, resources, and community for families who have a baby – or babies – in the unit.”

Sarah also hosts monthly baby showers for the families to come together and find commonality within their stories. During these events, families are able to share their milestones, fears, and hope among each other. The foundation also provides “receiving” blankets for use as a crib sheet to each family member that attends, as well as other prizes and treats. Amelia’s Miles also keeps the unit stocked with gas gift cards, journals, pens, books, preemie/newborn clothing, and other resources that are requested directly through the unit’s social worker.

“We were very moved by Sarah and Adam’s story and by the mission of Amelia’s Miles,” Cicero Kiwanis Club President Mark Bailey said.

Sarah’s and Adam’s goal is to continue to grow Amelia’s Miles by sharing their personal experience and connecting with others who also have a passion to give back to a unit that sees so many babies and families during possibly the hardest season of their lives.

Learn more by visiting the organization’s website, AmeliasMilesConnect.com.

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.

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.