The ninth annual Kiwanis Club of the Sandhills Pancake Breakfast will be held at the VFW in Southern Pines Saturday, Feb. 23, from 8 to 11 a.m.

Organized in 1922 as the Kiwanis Club of Aberdeen, the club's name was changed in 1937 to the Kiwanis Club of the Sandhills. Over the past 90 years it has grown to include more than 100 members.

Each year club members support, volunteer and raise funds to support area charities benefiting children of the Sandhills.

Proceeds from the Pancake Breakfast support the BackPack Pals program administered through the Sandhills Area Food Bank. The BackPack Pals Program meets the nutritional needs of children at risk of hunger over the weekend. Kids are given backpacks filled with nutritious foods on Thursday or Friday and return them Wednesday the following week.

A team of volunteers then prepares the packs for redistribution. Last year's breakfast provided backpacks for 250 children.

"Organizers are looking forward to increased attendance this year to ensure no child in Moore County schools goes hungry," says a spokesman.

In addition to the BackPack Pals program, Kiwanis Club of the Sandhills also sponsors area parks and recreation sports teams, the Arts Council of Moore County's after school orchestra program, and provides scholarships through the Piquet Music Festival. Service leadership opportunities for area youth are available through club- sponsored Builder's Club and K-Kids programs at local schools.

Tickets for the pancake breakfast can be purchased from Kiwanis Club of the Sandhills members or at the door on the day of the event.

The VFW Hall is located at 615 S. Page St. in Southern Pines.

The Kiwanis Club of the Sandhills meets each Wednesday at noon at National Golf Club. For more information, visit the club's website, www. sandhillskiwanis.org, or contact Wendy Russell at (910) 692-8272.