MARS — A 76-year-old tradition of giving could dwindle and disappear unless more residents offer their support.

John Watson of the Mars Kiwanis Club, which was chartered in 1938, said membership is shrinking, and many members are no longer able to participate in a number of events.

“We almost had to cancel the Chili Cook-off,” Watson said, referring to the March 29 event at the Mars High School cafeteria.

Money the service club raises during the year is distributed to 13 charitable efforts.

In the past, the club organized a huge garage sale that raised $7,000 to $8,000 for its general fund.

But, Watson said, “we haven't done the garage sale in about 10 years. Our members just got too old to do it.”

He said one member just turned 96 and another is 90. The club's youngest member is 42.

“And we've lost a lot of members who have passed away,” Watson said.

The Mars Kiwanis has 22 members and 12 to 14 who are active in almost every event.

“I'd like to have 28 to 30 members,” Watson said. “That would really help with these different events.”

He said members pass out membership fliers to people at events such as the Easter egg hunt in Adams Township Community Park and the chili cook-off.

“But we don't get many replies,” Watson said.

He said Kiwanis allows men and women age 18 or older to help others in their community.

“We all take from the community and live in the community,” Watson said. “How many people really give back to the community?”

Kevin Thomas, executive director of the Kiwanis' Pennsylvania District in Harrisburg, said Watson's problem is not unique.

“Certain clubs are struggling to get members and maintain activities,” Thomas said.

He said statewide Kiwanis lost several hundred members last year. But Thomas is encouraged to see a net gain of about 150 new members this year.

Clubs that have increases, Thomas said, emphasize their charitable projects as opposed to the weekly club meetings. He said young people are too busy to meet once per week.

The Mars Kiwanis meets every Tuesday at a restaurant in Adams Township.

Thomas said using electronic communications, having club meetings online when appropriate, and socializing after events are other ways Kiwanis clubs have attracted younger men and women.

“I'm encouraged because we're reversing most, if not all, of the membership we lost last year,” he said.

Thomas said of the Mars Club, “It's a good club. Western Pennsylvania has a strong Kiwanis tradition.”

For information on the Mars Kiwanis, call Watson at 724-272-9588, or log onto the club's website, www.marskiwanis.org.