GIVE BACK TO COMMUNITY THROUGH SERVICE.

Byline: - Mark Kellam, community reporter, valleynews.com

They help the needy over the holidays. They give scholarships. They hang American flags during patriotic holidays. They serve hamburgers at special events. They make your community a better place to live.

Service groups such as the Kiwanis, Rotary, Optimists and Lions are a vital part of the San Fernando Valley. <

< However, for a variety of reasons, sme of these clubs have either been disbanded or they are on the brink.

I'm a member of the Northridge Kiwanis Club, which has a large and active membership. However, other service organizations are not so fortunate.

The Van Nuys Kiwanis Club, for example, is at a crossroad and must either attract more members quickly or get the existing members to attend more regularly. The Tarzana Kiwanis Club, under the guidance of attorney Tony Rinaldi, is working to make a comeback and held two big fundraising events last year.

It would be a shame to see any more of these service clubs fade away. Besides making the community a better place, these clubs are wonderful places to make steadfast friends. When I was in the Chino Kiwanis Club, I became extremely ill. I had to spend a night in the hospital because of an allergic reaction. Within minutes after I returned home, a bouquet of flowers arrived with get-well wishes from my Kiwanis friends. Likewise, I've seen Northridge Kiwanians rally around members who have become ill or faced difficult times. So, if you're at a point in your life where you have some time to volunteer, Google the Rotary, Kiwanis, Optimist, Lions or other service club in your area. Some great friends can't wait to meet you.