Each December, the Appleton Fox Cities Kiwanis Club proudly shares the spirit of the season through our “12 Days of Kiwanis Christmas.” This annual tradition highlights the many ways our club serves children and families throughout the year, while spreading joy, generosity, and gratitude across our community.
Over the twelve days leading up to Christmas, we showcased programs, partnerships, and events that reflect the heart of Kiwanis—service, leadership, and compassion. Each day focused on a different way Kiwanis gives back, from supporting youth leadership programs and family-centered events to partnering with local nonprofits and community organizations that make a lasting difference. The “12 Days of Kiwanis Christmas” is more than a countdown to the holidays; it is a reminder that the work of Kiwanis continues year-round. Through service projects, fundraising events, and hands-on volunteerism, our members remain committed to improving the lives of children and strengthening our community.
This year, our countdown was the following:
On the 1st Day of Kiwanis Christmas, Kiwanis gave to me…The gift of service in action.
From ringing bells, serving warm lunches, to volunteering with Toys for Tots, our Kiwanians were busy spreading joy, hope, and holiday cheer throughout the community and supporting the The Salvation Army - Fox Cities.
On the 2nd Day of Kiwanis Christmas, Kiwanis Gave to Me… Giving Back with Care!
Each year, our club is proud to support The Family Radio Network Annual Hygiene Drive, helping collect new toiletry and cleaning products for local crisis agencies across Northeast and Central Wisconsin.
Our Kiwanis club coordinates and delivers donation boxes to 265 local collection sites throughout the Fox Valley, making it easy for our community to help spread comfort, dignity, and hope.
This year was the most successful Help for the Homeless – Fox Cities year EVER collecting $230,000 worth of supplies and financial support donated supporting 21 Fox Cities crisis programs supported. Even better—donations stay in the communities where they are collected, making a direct and meaningful impact on neighbors who need it most.
On the 3rd Day of Kiwanis Christmas, Kiwanis Gave to Me… A Field of Dreams for Every Ability!
Our club is proud to sponsor and support Miracle League of the Fox Valley - Goodwill NCW, an organization dedicated to providing children and adults with disabilities the opportunity to play baseball in an inclusive, barrier-free environment.
Through our support, we help ensure that athletes of all abilities can experience the joy of the game—running the bases, hearing the cheers, and being part of a team. The Miracle League is about more than baseball; it’s about confidence, friendship, and creating moments that truly feel like miracles.
In 2025, we sponsored the Yankees. When we give every child the opportunity to play, we’re not just building a field—we’re building memories, smiles, and lifelong confidence.
On the 4th Day of Kiwanis Christmas, Kiwanis Gave to Me… A Love of Reading!
Our club is proud to sponsor and support the Kiwanis 'n Cops 'n Kids Program, helping foster a love of books while building positive connections between children and local law enforcement.
Through this program, we coordinate reading visits at the Boys & Girls Club in Menasha, Appleton, and Neenah, as well as the Community Early Learning Center in Appleton. Kiwanis members and local officers come together to read with kids, share smiles, and show that caring adults and community partners are always cheering them on.
By putting books in young hands and trusted role models in the room, we’re helping spark imagination, strengthen literacy, and create moments that matter—one story at a time.
Because when a child learns to love reading, the possibilities are endless.
On the 5th Day of Kiwanis Christmas, Kiwanis Gave to Me… Fundraising with Fun!
From the sizzle of brats at the Festival Foods Brat Barn to the lively crowds at Octoberfest, our Kiwanis members roll up their sleeves to raise funds that support kids and families right here in our community. Whether we’re grilling, greeting event-goers, or selling wristbands with a smile, these fun and energetic fundraisers help fuel our service projects all year long. They’re also a great way to connect with our community, share the Kiwanis mission, and have a little fun while giving back.
Every brat sold and every wristband purchased helps us make a difference—because when we come together, even the most festive moments can create lasting impact.
On the 6th Day of Kiwanis Christmas, Kiwanis Gave to Me… The Fox Cities Kidz Expo!
The 2025 Fox Cities Kidz Expo was a celebration of kids, families, and community—perfectly captured by this year’s theme: Growing Together 
Because of incredible support from our partners, volunteers, and sponsors, the Kidz Expo brought learning, fun, and connection to thousands of families across the Fox Cities:
67 Exhibitors
2 Stages
8 Performances
14 Sponsors
4,000 Guests
333 Dozen Ducks!With our FREE admission format, families enjoyed everything from hands-on learning activities to unforgettable performances—showcasing what’s possible when a community comes together to invest in kids and their futures.
On the 7th Day of Kiwanis Christmas, Kiwanis Gave to Me… Fellowship & Friendship!
One of the greatest gifts of Kiwanis is the fellowship we share as members. From weekly meetings and service projects to laughter, conversations, and shared purpose, the connections we build go far beyond volunteering. Together, we celebrate successes, support one another through challenges, and strengthen our community—starting with the friendships within our club. Kiwanis isn’t just about what we do; it’s about who we do it with.
Here’s to the camaraderie, teamwork, and lasting friendships that make serving alongside Kiwanis members so meaningful.
On the 8th Day of Kiwanis Christmas, Kiwanis Gave to Me… Cars, Community & Caring!
Each summer, the annual Appleton Old Car Show & Swap Meet brings together classic cars, cool rides, and an even cooler cause. In partnership with our club and various car clubs in the Fox Valley, what started as a fun community event has become a meaningful way to give back—raising funds that support local youth and community programs right here in the Fox Cities through our Kiwanis programs.
From chrome and custom builds to families strolling the park, the Pierce Park Car Show is about more than cars—it’s about connection, generosity, and service. Every registration, sponsorship, and donation helps fuel Kiwanis projects that make a real difference for kids and families in our community.
On the 9th Day of Kiwanis Christmas, Kiwanis Gave to Me… Leadership That Makes a Difference!
Kiwanis is more than service—it’s a place where leaders grow. Our members step up as leaders within our club, in their professions, and throughout the Fox Valley, all while keeping kids and community at the heart of everything we do.
Through Kiwanis, members have opportunities to build and strengthen leadership skills like teamwork, communication, problem-solving, and servant leadership. Whether chairing a project, mentoring new members, or taking on club and district roles, Kiwanis helps develop confident leaders who lead with purpose and compassion.
The best part? These leadership skills don’t just stay in Kiwanis—they carry into workplaces, families, and our community, creating a ripple effect of positive impact.
Strong leaders. Stronger communities. That’s the Kiwanis way.
On the 10th Day of Kiwanis Christmas, Kiwanis Gave to Me… The Fox Cities Butterfly Festival!
Each year, this magical, family-friendly event brings our community together to celebrate summer, creativity, and connection. From colorful butterflies and fun activities to live entertainment and local exhibitors, the Fox Cities Butterfly Festival is all about creating joyful memories for kids and families across our community and “Helping Families Fly”.
Kiwanis is proud to support and be part of an event that highlights what we do best—bringing people together while supporting programs that help children thrive. Thank you to our volunteers, partners, and community members who help make this festival such a beautiful tradition year after year!
On the 11th Day of Kiwanis Christmas, Kiwanis Gave to Me… Youth Leadership!
Day 11 is all about our Service Leadership Programs (SLP)— youth leadership and character-building programs hosted in schools and community agencies, sponsored by Kiwanis clubs like our club. Through these programs, the next generation have been inspired to lead lives of service and significance at every age.
Our club is proud to sponsor the following Service Leadership Programs in our communities:
Appleton North High School Key Club – Appleton Foster School K-Kids – Appleton Franklin School K-Kids – Appleton Neenah High School Key Club – Neenah St. Mary High School Central Key Club – Menasha Park Community School K-Kids – Kaukauna Aktion Club (coming soon at VPI!!By investing in leadership today, we’re helping shape compassionate, service-minded leaders for tomorrow.
On the 12th Day of Kiwanis Christmas, Kiwanis Gave to Me… Service to the Community!
As we reflect on this special holiday tradition, we are grateful for the members, sponsors, and community partners who make our mission possible. Together, we continue to spread hope, kindness, and service—during the holidays and beyond—serving one child, one community at a time.