Serving Clovis, Portales and the Surrounding Communities
Serving Clovis, Portales and the Surrounding Communities
PNT staff writer
Ever since going to Eastern New Mexico University in 1979, Portales has always been special place for Craig Costley.
When he returned to Portales after retiring from his job in Los Alamos job, he wanted to reconnect with the community.
Costley found Kiwanis, an international service organization in 80 nations, according to the Kiwanis website.
Costley said he already feels like a part of the community after joining the club a few months ago.
“Joining Kiwanis, I have become very aware of the community’s needs and we are able to help,” Costley said.
The Portales Chapter has 27 members.
Costley said the whole group works together.
Dorothy Glover, secretary for the club, agrees: “All of us are givers.”
Glover retired in 2011 and wanted to be more involved in the community.
“Even when I was young, I was passionate about helping people,” Glover said.
After attending the Kiwanis’ annual chili dinner, Glover went to a meeting. She signed up and has been enjoying the club and what they do for the community ever since.
Glover said the group has helped with the Salvation Army, the Eastern New Mexico Food Bank in Clovis, provided scholarships to high school students and will give donations to people around the community.
“One Christmas we helped two families by giving them food for Christmas dinner and gifts for their children. It was really heartwarming to see them so happy,” Glover said.
President-elect Andy Nazario, a professor of criminal justice at Eastern New Mexico University, said he enjoys meetings because of the fellowship.
Nazario has been a member for three years.
He joined the organization because he wanted to do more community service and Kiwanis was a great fit.
Nazario said Kiwanis also helps with the local children’s homes, and makes donations to other group around the community, like most recently, they donated to the Portales High School cheerleaders for their recent trip to Florida.
“I have enjoyed my time as a member and we always help each other,” Nazario said.
