With 445,167 members across the globe, the Kiwanis Club of Bisbee has a steady membership of between 15-20 people committed to serving the kids of the community. First chartered by the national organization on February 19, 1924, under their first president, H.H. Givens, the club celebrated their centenary this past year. The local chapter is a part of the Southwest district of Kiwanis International and are a 501(c)4 non-profit organization. Globally, the Kiwanis Club strives to help young people from early childhood into adulthood to create a generation of leaders who also want to continue giving back under the same mission.

The club is big on providing children of all ages opportunities to change their lives in a positive way. “We are active in providing college scholarships to graduating seniors, presenting awards to elementary and middle school students, and donating money to area non-profit organizations like the Boys and Girls Club, Little League, Boy Scouts, and school sports teams,” said Bill Taylor, Jr., current and 86th president of the Kiwanis Club of Bisbee for the past five years (with one year remaining on his term). He said the organization is always looking for new members who are interested in providing service to the children of the community, adding to their efforts to help more kids.

Serving the community runs in the family for Taylor, Jr. Originally a member of the Winslow chapter since joining the club in the 1990s and serving a term as president there as well, he moved to Bisbee in 2013 after retiring from a career in education to be a part of the same chapter as his dad. “My father, Bill Taylor, Sr., was an active member until his death, said Taylor, Jr., “and I was proud to serve alongside him.” Taylor, Jr. plans to follow in his father’s footsteps by remaining an active member for the rest of his time on this earth, with the intent of living all those many more years right here in beautiful Bisbee…….read full story (online subscribers only)