Downtown San Angelo Kiwanis Grant 1000s to Local Charities

SAN ANGELO, TX — Today at the annual day of giving for the San Angelo Downtown Kiwanis Club, the organization culminates the year of fundraising by gifting area charities. This year, $9,200 was raised and distributed to a dozen local charities that impact area children. The ceremony was held at the Rio Concho Manor in Rio Concho Dr. at noon.

Among the recipients:

ABC Center for Children — A part of the MHMR of the Concho Valley, the ABC Center is comprised of highly trained individuals who are experienced with children with autism with education, support and guidance. More here.

House of Faith — This Christian organization holds neighborhood Bible studies, after-school programs, and summer day camps for area children. More here.

Southwest Council of the Boys Scouts of America — This is the regional organization of Scouts BSA. More about them here.

Donate Educational Supplies for Kids, or DESK — This organization is responsible for giving away $60,000 in school supplies annually to children who can otherwise not afford them. More about DESK in San Angelo here.

Boys and Girls Clubs of San Angelo — “The most important thing they do is show our neighborhood kids that they are loved and will go on to do great things,” Kiwanis club member Rick Howard said. The program is designed to help children from broken families by showing those kids how succeed in life through mentorship in afterschool programs, studying tutorials, and sports programs. More here.

Children’s Miracle Network – This grant will provide funds for a special dental chair and a drill set. Shannon Medical Center’s Hope Barron and Lindy Stone accepted the gift. More here.

Children’s Bed Project – This organization provides a bed and bedding for all students in need enrolled at a San Angelo ISD campus. They are partnered with Rust Street Ministry and Sierra Visa United Methodist Church. “Having a warm bed to sleep in is important to getting a good rest for school,” Shirley Oliphant, director, said. More here.

Fellowship of Christian Athletes — Brett Lange accepted the gift. Money will be used to take ASU college athletes to the annual “Advance,” or orientation retreat. More here.

Girl Scouts of Central Texas — Donna Roach said the money would be used to update the building that houses the organization. The building was originally built in the 1930s and has had very little updating over the years. The San Angelo Health Foundation is matching the money for the renovation. More here.

Sonrisas Riding — Mary Coffey explained that Sonrisas Riding offers therapeutic horseback riding to those with physical, mental, and emotional challenges through a carefully structured program of equine activities. The non-profit organization does not charge for participation in their programs. More here.

Early Childhood Center of San Angelo — This childcare center provides an enriched learning environment for approximately 200 children daily ranging in age from 7 weeks to 5 years and is open from 6:30 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. The Early Childhood Center serves children of low-income families. The cost of the non-profit’s services is based on family income. More here.

Kiwanis is an organization of men, women, and youth dedicated to serving the children of the world and improving their quality of life worldwide.