In 1950 club members realized that a club grows and is successful only if it is fulfilling a community need and has the funds available to meet those needs. Charter member Omer North (now deceased) presented to the Board of Directors a plan to raise money. That plan was to sell apples on the streets of Springfield to earn funds to buy shoes for the needy children in the city. The plan was unanimously approved. In the beginning members focused on selling apples to individuals in the business district and selling from house-to-house. The plan would require a large number of people; on recommendation of another club member, the club enlisted the help of students from Central Bible College. As time went by, Kiwanians began selling boxes of apples to firms and individuals throughout the city, and at the same time the street sale of the students continued to grow. Later in the 1950's, Evangel College students and Drury College Sororities also participated. In the 50's and 60's successful sales provided money for the club to use in worthwhile projects. In the 1970's the student street sales were discontinued due to increasing automobile traffic and concern for the safety of the students.
Kiwanians have given many hours and a great amount of energy to this project. The apple sale continues today as the main fundraiser of the club. Members take orders for apples during September and October and deliver them during the last week of October each year. Many club members take a day off from their jobs to voluntarily deliver the apples using their own vehicles. The only expense from apple sales is the cost of the apples.
2004 begins the 54th year of this very successful fundraiser. The largest part of the proceeds are still used to purchase new shoes for needy children in the Springfield School District. In 2002, the club spent over $8,500 to purchase shoes. In addition to buying the shoes, several club members volunteer their time each Wednesday at the SPS Shoe Bank, fitting the children who are referred by their school principal. Monies remaining in the treasury after purchasing shoes are used to fund a variety of projects benefitting the community.
The club and it's members are very appreciative of the support received from the community in this very worthwhile fundraiser.