**Crest Kiwanis is currently on leave as of 2021**
Crest Kiwanis, through guidance and example, works to develop future generations of leaders. Every day, Kiwanians are revitalizing neighborhoods, organizing youth-sports programs, tutoring, building playgrounds, and performing countless other projects to help children and communities.
The Crest Kiwanis Mission: To enhance the lives of children and maintain the small town, family oriented atmosphere sought by Crest Residents.
The History
The Crest Kiwanis started with –of all things—a pancake breakfast. It ended with the creation of one of Cal-Nev-Ha’s grittiest clubs, the Kiwanis Club of Crest. In October 2003, wildfires devoured 30 percent of San Diego County, destroying nearly 3,000 houses and uprooting entire communities. The Cedar Fire, as it was known, raced through the little mountain community of Crest, located on the outskirts of El Cajon. On June 25, 2005, about 60 people gathered for a Kiwanis charter brunch held outdoors in a recently replanted flower garden next to an empty house foundation. Fifty feet away still lies the bare foundation of what was the town’s community center. Fast forward to May 2005 on a lot recently replanted with grass and flowers and surrounded by empty home pads and partially rebuilt homes, the Kiwanis Club of Crest chartered with 29 members led by President Andy Knutson.
Kiwanis’ Service Projects include:
- Sponsorship of youth service groups at Crest Elementary (K-kids) and Greenfield Middle School (Builder’s Club), and monthly recognition for the “terrific kids” program at Crest Elementary.
- Community Events: monthly breakfasts, holiday food baskets for families in Crest, clothing and food drives for needy families, helping out at the 4th of July event annually, and assisting at the annual Kiwanis Track Meet for special needs athletes.
- Partnering and providing support to the following groups: Crest PTA, Crest Community Association, Earth Discovery Institute, The Burn Institute, Ronald McDonald House, Rady’s Children’s Hospital, and the El Cajon Recreation Department for after school programs for kids.
- Supplementing Crest School and the Crest County Library with supplies and equipment.
If you are interested in joining this great organization that “Grew Out of The Ashes of the Cedar Fire”, contact any one of its members at any of the club activities listed below or leave a note on the web's Contact Us form.