The Noon Kiwanis Club doesn’t horse around when it comes to serving the children of the world.

The local service club, part of Kiwanis International, found a new area this past year where it could make a difference in children’s lives.

The club has partnered on several occasions with Reigning Grace Ranch, located in the Rio Verde Foothills area near the Trilogy development.

According to its website, Reigning Grace Ranch is “a place of tranquility and refuge…No traditional therapies can compare to the combination of our healing sanctuary for a unique mentorship and equine assisted experiential learning event.

“Home to dozens of mended horses with incredible stories, the ranch focus is to heal and empower children and families struggling with diversity with our rehabilitated horses.”

Club members have volunteered their time and talents out on the ranch, and club officials recently attended a ribbon cutting ceremony for a new covered arena, which will allow for summertime activities.

In addition, the club recently donated $1,000 to the ranch and assisted in collecting used cowboy boots for use by those visiting the facility.

Oftentimes foster children and others arrive at the ranch in tennis shoes, etc., and being able to temporarily put on some “real” cowboy boots for the first time is quite a thrill for many kids.

“We are always looking for ways to help children and families,” said club President Matt Jefferson. “The ranch’s mission fits in perfectly with our vision and that of Kiwanis International.

“We are happy to help at the ranch in any way we can.”

The Noon Kiwanis Club is active on a year-round basis with various service projects along with some well-known fundraisers such as its food booth at the major arts festivals, the Super Bowl Pancake Breakfast and offering food items at Halloween in the Hills.

Some of its well-known service projects include coordinating the local blood drives, Breakfast with Santa, Adopt-A-Street, serving meals at Ronald McDonald House, Terrific Kids, Make a Difference Day and others.

In addition, the club organizes and sponsors two youth leadership clubs at local schools – K-Kids at the elementary level and Builders at the middle school.

The club meets the first and third Thursday of each month at 12 noon.

Guests and visiting Kiwanians are always welcome at club meetings, which are held at the second floor dining area at Fountain View Village.

Information: fhkiwanis.org.