The Exchange Club of Galesburg, Illinois

Local Projects of Service

Americanism

1. GiveAKidAFlagToWave - Developed locally by the Exchange Club of Galesburg, this popular project involves the distribution of small American flags to youngsters at parades and has become a national Exchange Club project. Over 1500 flags are distributed locally through the Memorial Day and Labor Day parades.

2. Freedom Shrine - The Freedom Shrine is an impressive, permanently mounted collection of 30 of the most important and historic American documents, including the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution of the United States and the Gettysburg Address. Freedom Shrines can be found locally in area schools, the VFW, and American Legion. In May of 2007 the Freedom Shrine that is located at Galesburg High School was rededicated in the memory of Army Staff Sgt. Kyle B. Wehrly and others who have made the ultimate sacrifice while in duty for our country.

3. One Nation Under God - This powerful program not only aims to increase appreciation of our rich religious heritage, but also seeks to remind Americans that we must always trust in a higher power for guidance, protection and strength. This program occurs during one of our meetings in the month of November.

4. Proudly We Hail - No symbol better signifies our nation's greatness than our American flag—the Stars and Stripes. The Proudly We Hail program encourages regular display of the flag by individuals, commercial establishments and industries.

5. Officer of the Year – during the month of October Exchange Club recognizes a Law Enforcement Officer and Fire Fighter each year for outstanding service to the community.

Youth Projects

1. Youth of the Month/Youth of the Year - One of the most popular Exchange youth projects, the Youth of the Month/Year Award recognizes hard-working high school students who attain high levels of scholastic achievement, community involvement and leadership. Each recipient prepares and presents to the club an essay on a topic relevant to the times that usually involves community service or Americanism topics. The club intern awards the students with a financial award and plaque.

2. A.C.E. Award – A.C.E. stands for Accepting the Challenge of Excellence. This program recognizes high school students who have made a dramatic change in their attitude and performance during their high school years. These changes have enabled the students to overcome adversities and prepare for graduation.

3. Youth Project Fund – Area agencies may apply for funding for youth related projects. Organizations that have received the awards in past years include Knox County Area Project, Safe Harbor Family Crisis Center, Teen Court, University of Illinois Extension, and American Red Cross among many others.

4. Carl Sandburg College Scholarship – The Exchange Club sponsors a $500 scholarship to a deserving student who has exhibited an appreciation for community service.

Child Abuse Prevention

1. Blue Ribbon – The blue ribbon symbolizes the more than 3.2 million reports of abuse each year to Child Protective Services (CPS) throughout the United States. During the month of April, Child Abuse Prevention Month, the Exchange Club conducts a local Blue Ribbon Campaign by handing out blue ribbons and collecting donations that support local agencies engaged in the prevention and/or intervention of child abuse.

2. Time Out for Teddy - Time Out Teddy brochures are available to educate both parents and caregivers on a more positive form of discipline.

Community Service

1. Adopt-A-Highway – The Exchange Club of Galesburg has adopted the section of Linwood Road from Main Street to Monmouth Boulevard. The club works to pick up trash twice a year.

2. Book of Golden Deeds - Volunteer efforts are very important to our society and should not go unnoticed. The National Exchange Club’s longest running Program of Service, the Book of Golden Deeds Award, recognizes dedicated volunteers who give endless hours of their time and talents toward making their communities better places to live.