NO MATTER the time of year, children in Lincoln County can always benefit from extra support, such as places that encourage them, opportunities for growth, and adults who believe in their potential. For decades, the Fayetteville Kiwanis Club of Tennessee has been that steady presence, investing in kids’ confidence, curiosity, and well‑being, one project and one young life at a time.
“The main focus of Kiwanis is anything that helps children in our community,” said Bill Heath, current president of the Fayetteville Kiwanis Club of Tennessee.
While a simple mission, it carries a deep meaning and an even deeper impact for families across Lincoln County.
That focus is evident in the wide range of programs and organizations that the Fayetteville Kiwanis Club supports. Locally, the club partners with groups such as Always Endure, which works with foster children in the community, as well as the child advocacy center, Junior’s House, and other organizations dedicated to protecting and uplifting children during some of life’s most challenging moments. These partnerships allow Kiwanis to meet real needs, often behind the scenes, where help is most needed.
The club also supports programs that invest in the futures of children. The Fayetteville Kiwanis Club works on initiatives such as Girls and Boys State, Imagination Library, and collaborates with local schools on special projects. They also award seven scholarships annually to high school seniors. Public, private, and homeschool students are eligible to apply.
Whether it’s helping a child feel secure today or confident about tomorrow, Kiwanis aims to be present at every stage of their development.
Heath explained that decisions about which organizations to support are made thoughtfully and intentionally.
“What initially happens is if an organization comes to us asking for money or support, we have the organization do a presentation, and then we decide as a club if we can support, and if we are able, we then put that into our budget.”
Heath added that the process allows members to hear directly from those doing the work and ensures every dollar goes toward meaningful, mission-driven causes.
Behind all this work is a group of people from all walks of life. The Fayetteville Kiwanis Club is made up of community members representing different industries and organizations, including business owners, leaders, elected officials, and others who share a passion for helping children.
“Anyone in our community who has a passion for helping kids, we encourage them to consider joining us,” said Heath.
Each week, those members gather to stay connected and focused on their mission. Meetings are held on Wednesdays at noon, with most taking place at Cahoots Restaurant. Meetings begin with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by announcements. Members can contribute “happy dollars” or “sad dollars” to share life updates — joyful or difficult — before moving into the meeting’s program.
Heath understands that sense of connection well. He joined Kiwanis in 2018 after years of involvement with other community organizations, including Rotary. When he moved back to his hometown of Fayetteville, continuing to serve felt like coming home.
“It’s been very rewarding,” he added. “Being a part of a group of like-minded folks that want to help kids and help the community is pretty awesome, and of course, in some of these, a couple of the fundraisers that we do, which we’re all out there working together, those just bring us even closer as individuals and as a club.”
To Heath, the value of Kiwanis lies in both its local roots and its broader reach.
“Organizations like this are locally driven, so you’ve got the local folks that are like-minded and want to meet the mission of that organization, he explained. “Kawanis is about kids, but it’s also supported by state, national, and international organizations that are behind you, and that adds an abundance of support.”
As president, Heath is focused on what comes next. He said growth is a major goal.
“We want to increase our numbers,” he said. “Currently, we have 27 members, I believe, and out of those 27, we will average around 20 folks, at least, a week at our meetings. We feel that if we can double that number, we could have a much greater impact throughout our community. So, that’s been something that we’ve been working on. This is my year as president, and that’s something I want us to focus on going forward.”
He also hopes to inspire younger generations to serve.
“The second thing is, how do we make the kids in our community and in our schools have that service mind?” he said. “I believe that they do, or would, with a little guidance and lighting a pathway for them. Finally, how do we get these young professionals — as they get out of school and then get into the profession — and get them into our club?”
Heath added that the challenges are real and the needs continue to grow.
“The challenge over the last few years is that needs are becoming greater and greater than they’ve ever been,” he said. “When I hear stories about some of these organizations and some of the things that they’re dealing with, I wish we had 10 times the financial resources we have to help them out.”
With challenges ahead, Heath encourages anyone eager to make a difference in the Lincoln County community to join the Fayetteville Kiwanis Club and invest in the county’s future by supporting its children and helping them thrive. GN
