Retired history teacher Tom Best may be out of the classroom, but he continues to support local children through his work with the Kiwanis Club of Monmouth. Best is involved with the club’s Kiwanis Kicks program, which provides boots, shoes, and socks to elementary students in need in Monmouth and the United district.
“We buy boots and shoes and socks for area elementary students here in Monmouth and out at United. This year, I would say the need was almost double what it was last year. For those kids to be able to get a new pair of boots or shoes is certainly near and dear to my heart, because as an educator, that was one of the hardest things to see, kids not having the clothes, boots, or shoes they need. It’s a wonderful thing that we have this opportunity.”
Best says the Kiwanis Kicks program is supported through the Kiwanis Club of Monmouth’s annual Pancake Day fundraiser. The 2026 Pancake Day is expected to be held sometime in March, with proceeds helping fund local programs that benefit children in the Monmouth community.
