The defining statement of Kiwanis is a global organization of volunteers dedicated to changing the world one child and one community at a time.   Kiwanis International was founded on January 21, 1915 in Detroit, Michigan.  The Moto of Kiwanis International is "Serving the Children of the World".  The Kiwanis Club of Chester, Inc. was organized on March 29, 1972 with an initial membership of thirty-two.  The club became chartered on June 3, 1972.

Since 1972, the Club has sponsored the Thomas Dale High School Key and Keyette Clubs.   The Kiwanis Club of Chester was the sponsoring club for three local Kiwanis Clubs - Central Chesterfield, Swift Creek and Midlothian Dinner Club.  The Kiwanis Club of Chester is a member of the Capital District's Division 18 which includes two clubs in Petersburg, one in Colonial Heights, Chester, Central Chesterfield and Crewe.  In 2005, we were included in the newly formed Region E  with Divisions 4 and 24, in Central Virginia.  Later Division 24 was dropped and Division 18 was added where we now belong.  We are part of the Capital District which includes Maryland, Delaware, District of Columbia and Virginia.  Kiwanis International is in over eighty countries and territories.

Monies raised from "Our Projects" go to Bensley-Bermuda Rescue Squad, YMCA of Chester, Christmas Mother - Colonial Heights/Chesterfield, scholarships at L.C. Bird High School, Thomas Dale High School, The Community High School and John Tyler Community College, YMCA's Bright Beginnings Program, Terrific Kids Program in three local elementary schools, donating land, orginally intended for The Chester Kiwanis Historical Park [Map] to Chesterfield Parks and Recreation, planting trees along Route 10 in Chester, and other worthy causes. 

Monies come from fundraisers such as the Chester Kiwanis Spring Fling, the Fall Festival, working at the Bizarre Bazaar, Chester Kiwanis Christmas Parade, Chester Kiwanis Chili Day, and the sale of Chester historical prints.

Our pledge is "give a lift to a child who needs you - and get the biggest lift of your life." Our club is currently supporting the Operation Smile program which provides oral surgery services to unfortunate children all over the world and the Kiwanis Family Care Center at Medical College of Virginia's Pediatric Trauma Center (VCU Children's Hospital).