Winchester’s civic organizations have worked hard — for decades in many cases — to make our community a better place to live, with most of the efforts going on behind the scenes.

Thankfully that is changing a little bit as the civic organizations are still working just as hard as ever but also understand the need to promote themselves and educate the community a little bit when it comes to all of the positive things they are doing.

Civic clubs and community organizations across the country face challenges with aging membership and lack of growth, but that is not because the need is no longer there. Often there is simply a disconnect between generations and, in some cases, the failure of these organizations to fully communicate why they are important, why they are worth someone’s time to be involved in and what kind of impact they make.

We are excited to see many of the local chapters of three of the most long-standing and respected international organizations stepping to the forefront with new projects and a continued commitment old ones.

The Winchester Kiwanis Club is partnering with George Rogers Clark High School to start a Key Club on the school’s campus. This would help inspire youth and create an important partnership.

The club also recently hosted its Walk with a Child service project where 22 members and 26 volunteers came together to provide 160 children with $80 worth of school clothes, shoes, jackets or accessories. 

The club invested nearly $13,000 in our youth.

The Boonesboro Lions Club has added a concession stand at the Winchester Youth Soccer League Sept. 30 and Oct. 7 with all the proceeds will go toward the programs the club supports including the primary mission of the Lion’s Club is to provide eyeglasses to those who need them but can’t afford them. In addition, the club supports several local charities and provides an annual scholarship.

And that isn’t the only Lions Club in town.

The Winchester Club is re-forming the 86-year-old club after several years of stagnation.

The Winchester Rotary Club has provided thousands of dollars in scholarships for many years as well as supporting many other organizations in their efforts. The club is now really focusing on adding service projects and growing membership.

These organizations, and many others both long-standing and newly developed through grassroots efforts, are all working hard to make our community a better place. 

They may have different missions, methods or motives but all are linked by a common thread: they care about Winchester and Clark County and truly want to see it thrive.