The Kiwanis Club held a Charter ceremony and dinner last Thursday night at the Cherokee Rose Country Club. In Liberty County, the Kiwanis Club was the first to form in North America for the 2021–22 year.

The Georgia District of Kiwanis was established in 1919. In its 90-year history, the Georgia District has grown to 18 divisions with more than 140 clubs active throughout the state.

“The purpose of the Kiwanis Club International is that we are a 100% volunteer force club that centers our energy around the needs of each and every community that we represent,” said Layton Gilroy, president of the Kiwanis Club in Liberty County. “There are expectations, too, that we also have, including senior citizens and other community areas that are underserved.” Gilroy said the ceremony was also meant to recognize the many people who helped them get the club off the ground over the last 90 days and expressed his hopes for the future of the club in Liberty County. “There are certain needs that are on the hearts of the club members here and we have decided that we are going to focus on,” he said. Those needs in particular center around the less fortunate and the special needs children in the community.

Other speakers at the event included Georgia Kiwanis District Governor Byron Mullican and Hinesville Mayor Allen Brown.

“The City of Hinesville and Liberty County have enjoyed the creation of the Kiwanis Club built in Hinesville through the efforts of its excited, energetic service members,” Brown said.

Donald Lovette, chairman of the Liberty County Board of Commissioners, was also in attendance and showed his vast appreciation for the leaders in the community for coming out.

“We are not just happy, we are not just honored, but we are very Liberty County proud,” he said.

Mullican went on to present multiple awards to the established and new members of the Kiwanis, including Gilroy, as well as Andy Bennett of Allstate Insurance in Hinesville. Other recipients included Tina Dinkins, treasurer; Kim Ryan, secretary; and Jason Jones, founding member. The awards presented to these individuals included certificates and office pins.