THANK YOU!
Kiwanis Holiday Lights is 100% volunteer-operated! This year 60 local volunteer groups are helping with set-up, tear-down and nightly duties during the event. Each volunteer group has the opportunity to enter a float in the opening night parade as well as decorate a tree in the “nonprofit tree area.” We are currently at capacity with the number of volunteer groups that are involved, but you're welcome to contact us to be added to the waiting list.
Since Kiwanis Holiday Lights first t started in 2012, over 14,250 volunteers from over 100 nonprofit organizations have participated with set-up, tear-down and running the event, logging over 100,000 volunteer hours. Thanks to the donations that are provided by event attendees, $432,000 has been donated to the non-profits who have provided volunteers.
If you’re interested in volunteering, contact one of the groups listed below to inquire if they need assistance with their pre-scheduled volunteer shifts.
Kiwanis Holiday Lights Volunteer Contact Information:
Phone: (507) 385-9129
Email: volunteer@kiwanisholidaylights.com
2021 VOLUNTEER GROUPS
Aktion Club Theatre on Mankato/Open Arts Minnesota
Anthony Ford Fund
BENCHS
Bethany Lutheran College
Blue Earth County Fair Association
Blue Earth County Historical Society
CADA (Committee Against
Domestic Abuse)
Camp Sweet Life Adventures
Christ the King Lutheran Church
Cornerstone Methodist Church
ECHO Food Shelf
First Presbyterian Church of Mankato
Girl Scout Troop 34494 and 39738
Gustavus Women's Soccer Team
Immanuel Lutheran School
Junior Achievement
Kiwanis Camp Patterson
Kiwanis Club of St. Peter
Lasting Imprint
LEEP
Lifeworks
Loyola Catholic School
Lyle C Pearson Disabled American Veteran Auxiliary Unit 10
Mankato Area BMX
Mankato Area Hockey Association
Mankato Kiwanis Club
Mankato East Baseball
Mankato East Girls Basketball
Mankato East Girls Hockey
Mankato Educare Foundation
Mankato Family YMCA
Mankato Figure Skating Club
Mankato Peppers Softball
Mankato Police Explorers
Mankato Public Schools Lincoln Community Center
Mankato Teacher’s Association
Mankato West Music Booster Club
Mankato West HOSA
MAYBA
Merely Players Community Theatre
Minnesota Valley Action Council
MSU Circle K
MSU Learning Communities
MSU Mavericks - Student Athletes
MSU School Psychology Society
Mt. Olive Lutheran School
North Kato Explorers, Nicollet County
4-H Club
North Mankato Firefighters Relief Association
One Bright Star
Open Door Health Center
Optimist Club of Minnesota Valley
Risen Savior Lutheran School
Sertoma Club of Greater Mankato
South Central College
St. John's Faith Formation Program
TKE Fraternity
Troop 8 Scouts BSA
Twin Valley Council Boy Scouts
VINE Faith in Action
Wellcome Manor Family Services
Yellow Ribbon Suicide
Prevention Program
VOLUNTEER FAQS
What is the minimum age for volunteers?
During the weekend days of set-up and tear-down we encourage volunteers of any age. On the nights of the event, we ask that volunteers are at least 16 years old for safety reasons.
How can my group volunteer next year?
The best way is to email volunteer@kiwanisholidaylights.com. The Volunteer Committee works on determining the non-profit groups late in the summer.
Who benefits from the donations?
All the non-profit groups who volunteer their time for helping set up, volunteering during the event and taking down the displays receive a share of the donations given to Kiwanis Holiday Lights. They also receive an opportunity to have a float in the parade and decorate a tree in the non-profit tree area. Over 100 groups have volunteered their time over the past eight years and over $367,000 was donated to these organizations in the first seven years of the event. This year, 68 groups will volunteer!
How many volunteers have helped?
Over 1,000 people volunteer their time each year. On average, over 10,000 volunteer hours go into putting on Kiwanis Holiday Lights each winter. Over the first seven years of the event 74,790 volunteer hours have gone into putting on the event by 12,485 volunteers!