Carmichael Kiwanis leaders Charlotte Saylors and Ken Hall (center) join the club’s 2026 Impact Award recipients. Will Rogers Middle School staffers are Alina Chernyavskaya (left), Rachel Gardner and Principal, Vanessa Adolphson. Maryn Morano-Moore represents Arden Middle School. Tom and Karen Jones are Aerospace Museum of California directors.

CARMICHAEL, CA (MPG) – The Kiwanis Club of Carmichael has given $15,000 to three non-profits focused on children’s education. The donations were part of the club’s first annual Community Impact program.

Among beneficiaries, the Aerospace Museum of California gained a $7,500 contribution to a “Drone Zone” at the McClellan Park facility.

Furthering science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) learning, the museum operates a program where students learn about drone technology, flight principles and aviation careers.

The Kiwanis' grant has funded a large, portable cage to contain drone flights during educational events. Museum Executive Director Tom Jones estimated 65,000 students per year could benefit from the Kiwanians’ gift.

“You are so important to us,” he told the volunteers. “We are about making dreams take flight. You’re part of the magic in making that happen.”

Among 32 applicants, two San Juan Unified School District schools were boosted by the club’s 2025 Impact program. Will Rogers Middle school received $5,000 to fund a college career center. A grant of $2,500 has benefitted a literacy program for Arden Middle School students.

The donations are enabled by fundraisers such as the club’s annual crab feed and the Taste of Carmichael gala. For 2026, overall funding has been increased to $20,000. Non-profits can find application information at kiwanisofcarmichael.org.