Want to learn more about who we are, what we do, and how we’re making a difference in our community?

Discover our service projects, community involvement, and the people who make the Kiwanis Club of Mill Creek special.

Check us out in the Fall 2026 issue of Mill Creek Living Magazine (Pages 16–19)!
Mill Creek Living Magazine – Fall 2026

Serving the children and community of Mill Creek.

Here are several ways that changing lives can change yours.
By Tony Knoderer

Serving the children of the world — it’s the core of what members do in Kiwanis clubs. In fact, service is fulfilling and empowering for volunteers as well. And science is starting to provide evidence! Check out and share these social, mental and physical benefits:

• Confidence and cognition. Studies show that people who volunteer have higher self-esteem and a greater sense of well-being. There’s even evidence that service can make the brain healthier. An article by Maria Godoy for National Public Radio (NPR) in the U.S. reports on observational studies of people who volunteer regularly: “Perhaps the most striking comes from the Baltimore Experience Corps trial. …. The volunteers spent at least 15 hours a week tutoring underprivileged kids. After two years, the researchers found that the volunteers had measurable changes in their brain health.” These included positive changes in areas of the brain that support cognitive processes.
  New friends and stronger friendships. Volunteering is an excellent way to find like-minded people. When you volunteer to serve and mentor children and young people, for example, you meet others who care about kids. You also can positively influence peers and improve current friendships by telling them about your service — spreading the “good vibe” that comes with doing great things.
• More contacts and networking. Volunteering is a social activity, so it can build up your list of contacts. For example, the people you serve with are great candidates for references and recommendation letters — or simply for passing along each other’s names for career and service opportunities. After all, these are the people who have seen you handle challenges and interact with others in group settings.
• A chance to pay it forward. There’s simply a good feeling that comes with seeing someone help another person. That can inspire people to do generous things themselves. Kindness is contagious — and you could be the inspiration that spreads that spirit.
• A sense of gratitude. Helping others is a wonderful way to gain perspective on your own situation. When you’re more appreciative of what you have and what you do, you’re more likely to enjoy your life as you’re living it.

Helper’s high

The benefits of service even can be physical. And, yes, there’s scientific evidence. The NPR article by Godoy included reporting on measurable differences in both the quality and length of volunteers’ lives.

“Studies show that when people donate to charity, either financially or through volunteering, they trigger the mesolimbic system — the portion of the brain responsible for feelings of reward,” Godoy writes. “The brain releases feel-good chemicals, spurring you to perform more kind acts. Psychologists call it “‘helper’s high.’”

With Kiwanis, of course, there’s an additional benefit to all of the above: getting other people to experience those benefits. Don’t forget to post about Kiwanis service — from specific club projects to how it makes you feel — on your own social media platforms. And start discussions in your Kiwanis club about sharing your love for service with more people in your community.

Kiwanis International helps with resources for clubs and members, including online access to recruiting programs and materials.

YOUTH PROTECTION HELPLINE 866-607-SAFE (7233)

Source of Article
How service benefits volunteers by By Tony Knoderer | Apr 21, 2026 | General interest

FREE E-WASTE RECYCLING DAY GALLERY

Thank You for Supporting Our Electronic Recycling Event!

A huge thank you to everyone who participated in the Kiwanis Club of Mill Creek Electronic Recycling Event!

Because of your support, the event was a tremendous success. Together, we recycled an incredible 13,000 pounds of electronic waste, helping keep our community greener and cleaner.

We would like to extend our sincere appreciation to the volunteers from Jackson High School Key Club and North Creek High School Key Club for their hard work and dedication throughout the event.

Special thanks to the City of Mill Creek and Living Green Technology for co-sponsoring this community event and helping make it possible.

We are also deeply grateful to Barbara and Samantha of the Mill Creek Citizen Patrol for helping provide a safe and organized event for everyone involved.

A big thank you to Seattle Hill Road Domino’s for generously donating pizzas to feed our hardworking volunteers.

The Kiwanis Club of Mill Creek greatly appreciates your generous donations, which help us continue serving our community and funding our two annual Jack LaPoint Memorial Key Club Scholarships.

We look forward to seeing everyone again at our annual autumn document shredding event!