Ian Benson
Features Editor
I think it’s safe to say Circle K does not get the respect they deserve. They are a hard-working bunch of individuals who are almost always planning a service project for the college or community, yet they often go ignored.
“Circle K is the collegiate branch of Kiwanis International, an international service club with nearly a quarter of a million members,” explains the club’s current president, Justin Kalinay ’13. “Often times, people don’t seem to understand that we’re part of a larger organization and just think we’re on our own here.”
“Circle K participates in a variety of service projects throughout the year, varying from local projects like trips to the humane society every Tuesday to larger feats like organizing the Battle of the Bands at the UG for the VH1 Save the Music Foundation or collecting pull tabs from all across campus for the Ronald McDonald Foundation,” said Kalinay. The club even brings in speakers, such as next Tuesday, when a Ronald McDonald Foundation representative will explain what they do with the beer and soda can tabs on campus, and why the process is important.
Their meeting time never goes wasted. Every other meeting doubles as a service project to help an organization associated with Circle K. “It’s just what we do” Kalinay joked.
When asked why he participates in Circle K, Kalinay said “It’s easy in college to just be concerned with yourself and forget about being in a larger community. But I started volunteering in middle school and joined up with Key Club in high school, so I’ve been kind of indoctrinated into these things. Also, it’s clichéd but I feel like I’m making a difference. And that’s how a lot of us feel. There’s also a selfish aspect to it in that it makes me feel better, but I balance that out because I’m helping people when I do.”
Upcoming events for Circle K this month include the Battle of the Bands on Nov. 19, assisting at the Wooster City Daddy-Daughter dance on Nov. 4 and 5, and a Super Smash Bros Tournament at the end of the month. The club meets on Mondays at 6:15 p.m. in Lowry 120. Those interested they can contact Kalinay at JKalinay13@wooster.edu or Emily Butcher at EButcher12@wooster.edu.