Kiwanis Club of Elizabethton invites businesses to support children through flag sponsorship

Kiwanis Club members (from left) Jim Wilson, Danny Smith, Tim Broyles, David LeVeau, and Bill Kyte are some of the members who distribute flags on national holidays throughout Elizabethton.

Presidents Day is Monday, a time to celebrate United States presidents, past and present. On this day and other national holidays, residents of Elizabethton will notice dozens of American flags on display in town. These are placed by members of the Kiwanis Club of Elizabethton and are a way to both honor presidents and to support Carter County and Elizabethton children.

Local businesses sponsor these flags and proceeds support the Kiwanis Club’s annual picnic for children with disabilities. Currently, the club places 82 flags on each holiday and invites other businesses to sponsor their own flags.

“We are proud to carry on this tradition and hope it is a reminder for people to honor the flag and our country,” said Flag Committee Chair Danny Smith. “Any business that wants a flag – we’ll be happy to accommodate them.”

Flag Day began years ago by the late Civitan member Dean Blevins. The Kiwanis Club took over the tradition a few years ago and is now looking to see it grow. Smith said while some businesses sponsor one flag, others sponsor as many as four. Sponsorship is $40 for the first year and $20 for subsequent years.

Flags are four by six feet in area and are mounted on 10 feet poles, which the club installs with flag holders. Those interested in sponsoring a flag may contact Smith at 423-335-4530.

Kiwanis was founded in 1928 and is proud to have 31 active members who organize several projects throughout the year that benefit local children. The Club now has six Service Leadership Programs in local schools including 2 Key Clubs, 1 Builders Club, and 3 K-Kids Clubs. Those interested in sponsoring a flag or joining the club may contact us at the links below.