The National Exchange Club is a group of men and women serving their communities to make them a better place to live, learn and work. The original Exchange Club was formed over 100 years ago in Detroit, MI by Mr. Charles Berkey. It served as a meeting format for local leaders to discuss ways that they could improve conditions in their communities. It soon became nationally known for its good works, and became the National Exchange Club 99 years ago. Local clubs have formed throughout the United States to carry on this effort through what we call our Program of Service, which consists of community service projects, Americanism projects, Youth projects and the national project of Child Abuse Prevention.
Our club, The Exchange Club of Falcon, is dedicated to making life better for all in southeastern Colorado. Collection of food. clothing and toys for less fortunate families is one way we do that. Prevention of child abuse, intended or accidental, is one of our main efforts. We distribute educational literature, demonstrate the effects of shaken baby syndrome on a computer operated baby manikin, and provide comfort items to law enforcement officers and fire fighters for children involved in trauma situations. We assist communities with fire and crime prevention, and senior citizen services where we can. Development and recognition of our youth is an ongoing effort in conjunction with our local schools, which can lead to very helpful financial assistance for those who excel, and for those that have recovered from a bad life situation. Remembering we are Americans, and reminding our citizens of what that means, is a vital part of our work.
There are many more projects and programs we would like to undertake, and we will with more members. We meet twice monthly, on the 1st and 3rd Tuesadys, for dinner, to listen to guest speakers, and to report on our committees' progress. We meet at the Golden Corral restaurant at Woodman and Powers in Colorado Springs at 6:30 pm. Come to a meeting and see what we are all about.