In introducing the Statesboro-Bulloch Chamber of Commerce's Community Partner of the Year, Britton Baggarly described the group as one that does "it all with just committed volunteers and no paid staff," and yet gives $250,000 each year to support youth.

"Please stand and give a big round of applause to the 2026 Community Partner of the Year, Kiwanis Club of Statesboro."

Accepting the award last week at the Chamber's annual State of the Region event, Kiwanis President Crystal Simpkins, who was installed as the club's leader in September, said:

"When I think about what this award represents, I don't just think about the projects we've completed, the money we've raised and donated or the hours we've volunteered," she said. "I think about the people whose lives we've touched, and the difference we've made simply because we choose to serve."

In fact, the club just concluded its largest fundraiser of every year — the Kiwanis-Ogeechee Fair, which wrapped up its 64th version with a week of large crowds, pancakes and fun on Saturday.

"Being a Kiwanian is more than belonging to a civic organization," Simpkins said in her remarks inside the Oak Room of Ogeechee Technical College's Jack Hill Building. "It's about having a servant's heart. It's about recognizing a need in your community and asking, 'What can I do to make a difference?' And then being willing to roll up your sleeves and do something about it."

Among the dozens of donations Kiwanis makes across the community every year are multiple scholastic scholarships, gifts to groups like Safe Haven, the Food Bank, Hearts & Hands Clinic, Georgia State Patrol child seat program, school field trips, Bulloch County Recreation and Parks and many more.

And Baggarly mentioned a Chamber program in particular at the Oct. 20 State of the Region event.

"I'm personally most thankful for their investment in Youth Leadership Bulloch," he said. "I learned so much and met so many people participating in the program and it's one of the many reasons why I plan to choose Bulloch County as my forever home."

Simpkins, who is director of Early Learning and Literacy for the Bulloch County school district, pointed out Kiwanis being an active supporter of programs for youth and children is especially important to her.

"I've spent much of my career advocating for children, supporting families and working to create opportunities for our young people," she said. "And what I love about Kiwanis is that it allows me to continue that work alongside a group of individuals who share that same passion. These are people who give their time, talents and resources. Not because they want recognition, but because they genuinely care about this community."