Community Service

All the activities that make up the Program of Service have a common goal of serving and benefiting our communities. Why then a separate category called Community Service? Because while the programs under Child Abuse Prevention, Youth and Americanism focus on specific areas within the community, the following projects are broader in scope and are designed to benefit every community member.

Crime Prevention

This program heightens public awareness of the many ways average citizens can help prevent illegal activity. Since its inception, Exchange's Crime Prevention program has been endorsed by nearly every President of the United States as well as leading law enforcement officials. Clubs can choose from a large and varied assortment of proven activities, including Child Fingerprinting, Junior Police, the Blue and Gold Wounded in Service Award, My Day in Court and many more. While any of these vital activities can and should be carried out throughout the year, clubs are encouraged to kick off their anti-crime campaigns during National Crime Prevention Month, observed annually in October.

Fire Prevention

Also observed during the month of October are Exchange's Fire Prevention activities. Year after year, fires in the United States claim thousands of lives and are responsible for countless injuries and vast amounts of property damage. But in many cases, those deadly and destructive fires could have been prevented. Through Fire Prevention programs Exchange Clubs can help citizens to recognize and eliminate potential fire hazards, as well as teach them how to protect themselves if a fire does occur. In addition, clubs support efforts to improve and expand fire fighting units in their community or install smoke alarms in the homes of needy families.

Book of Golden Deeds Award

This exclusive Exchange Club program honors the quiet, good deeds of America's unsung heroes. The woman who regularly donates her time to care for disadvantaged children?the man who voluntarily instructs disabled persons in some skill or craft? these are the kinds of exceptional individuals that the Book of Golden Deeds Award aims to recognize. These extraordinary men and women exist in every community and might not otherwise be recognized for their tiring efforts. For some clubs, an annual awards banquet has become the social event of the year because the honored recipient is truly a hero of the community.

Service to Seniors

As this segment of society continues to grow, so does the need for programs that assist older Americans, enabling them to continue leading productive lives. It is the responsibility of all Americans to ensure that seniors are able to enjoy not only longer life, but also an enhanced quality of life. Exchange Clubs can choose from projects such as Adopt-a-Grandparent, the Senior Citizen of the Year Award, Meals on Wheels, Sunshine Special and other programs.