The Island?s Kiwanians are planning to launch a youth group called the Key Club for high school students.

New England District of Kiwanis governor Carolyn Perry said the Key Club specialises in community service and it is open to all.

She is also the governor for the Bermuda district, which has three clubs, and of the six New England states.

?We call Bermuda our seventh state,? said Ms Perry.

She said the Kiwanians run several groups for children and college students.

She said: ?Our focus is on kids ? we build people. My motto is to think positive.?

Kiwanians help the Salvation Army at Christmas time said Ms Perry.

?Every Christmas, the Kiwanis members ring the bells for the Salvation Army,? she said.

?I don?t know what they (the Salvation Army) does here or how they raise funds, but that?s what a lot of Kiwanis do every year.?

?We also run the RIF (Reading is Fundamental) programme, in elementary schools.

?The YCPO (Young Children Priority One) is for children who are aged zero to five.

?The Rubber Duck Programme provides rubber ducks that are heat sensitive and a circle on the bottom will change colour if the water is too hot.

?These are handed out to new mothers, to ensure that babies don?t mistakenly get burned.

?The Bike Rodeo helps children to learn road safety and many clubs have incorporated this into a family safety day.?

Ms Perry said they also have groups for the mentally challenged and groups are supported by funds raised by its members.

?We also sell the Quiz Bars, which are chocolate candy bars, to help raise funds,? said Ms Perry.