The Kiwanis Club of Lititz Area participated in the Kids Night Out held on Aug. 8 at the Tree House Playground on Second Avenue. Kiwanis focuses on children in the local community and around the world. Books were distributed to children along with pretzels and yo-yos.

Close to 2,000 books were given to children of all ages and parents, reported Melissa Warner, the Kiwanis Club's book distribution chairperson. One young girl asked if the club had any books on weather, and she received three books on the subject. Some children immediately began reading once they received their books.

Warner said the Kiwanis Club hands out more than 3,000 books a year to children as part of the Kiwanis International's efforts to improve literacy. Donations of new or gently used children's books are sought; to arrange pickup or delivery, email Melissa Warner at geom1948@comcast.net. For more details, call the Kiwanis hotline at 717-560-2295.

Last year, the Kiwanis Club of Lititz Area donated more than $100,000 to local children's organizations and charities. Over the past 28 years, this club of fewer than 25 active members has donated over $1 million.

Currently, the club is preparing for the 22nd annual Lititz Chocolate Walk, which will be held Saturday, Oct. 7. Fewer than 400 tickets remain for sale. This event has sold out every year, so community members are encouraged to purchase tickets soon. Additionally, volunteers are needed from 12:30 to 4 p.m. Each volunteer will be assigned one of 30 locations as a ticket marker or server. Each volunteer will receive a voucher that entitles him or her to five tastings of his or her choice.

To become a volunteer, email Louise Stickler at LStickler49@hotmail.com or call the aforementioned number.