Circle K, an NIU volunteer organization is doing what it can to enhance the lives of the less fortunate in DeKalb.

Their main concern for the next two years is children, according to Aileen McGarahan, Lieutenant Governor for the NIU Circle K. “The children are our future. We are trying to make a impact on the kids and show them that there can be a better life for them,” she said.

Their goal is to show children at a young age they can get on the right track if they stay away from alcohol and drugs. Circle K also wants to show mistreated children there is a good life out there said McGarahan.

They are hosting different projects for the kids of DeKalb. For Thanksgiving, they are adopting families and participating in the Salvation Army’s Kettle Drive, and for Christmas they will be answering kids’ letters to Santa Claus.

The service organization is affiliated with the Kiwanis of DeKalb and is an international organization with clubs in seven different countries. There are over 10,000 members worldwide.

The club is planning a spring semester membership drive to get more involvement. Right now, NIU’s Circle K has 10 members.

“This is for the people who are interested in a service organization who have little money,” McGarahan said.

There also different benefits offered to the members, such as scholarships and the opportunity to meet different people from all over the world at their annual August international convention, she said.

Their meetings consist of new ideas for service projects and money raisers. They also discuss the club’s expenses, have guest speakers, educational programs, functions with the Kiwanis and a stress relieving pizza party right before finals, McGarahan said.

They do have social activities for the members in the district level. This year, the NIU club is hosting the “Hosting Embrace,” a semi-formal dance for the 26 clubs in the Illinois-Eastern Iowa district.

They also have sponsored the Spastic Paralysis Organization for the past few years. The group’s goal this year is $8,000 and the NIU chapter hopes to contribute $500.

The club meets at 9 p.m. every Tuesday in room 306 of the Holmes Student Center.