Blue ribbons spotted in downtown Columbus and nearby are visual reminders that April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month. Putting them up is just one way the Exchange Club of Columbus is bringing attention to the issue.
The campaign is called “Believe in the Blue,” the National Exchange Club’s effort to reach families with a message of positive parenting.
In addition to the blue ribbons, local club initiatives this month include visits to the Boys and Girls Club to distribute literature and support for Sally Kate Winters Family Services. The club is also providing magnetized blue ribbons for some of the city’s emergency response vehicles as well as lapel pins for police and fire personnel.
The Exchange Club believes parents have the power to make positive parenting choices in the lives of their children and offers up-to-date materials and easy-to-use tips to help all parents and families, shared Elizabeth Johnson, club president, and Barbara Bigelow, past president.
As part of its 90th anniversary of service, the club welcomes National Exchange Club President Tom Karnes Thursday at its Youth of the Year and Accepting the Challenge of Excellence Awards program. Community members are invited to join the club to commemorate this achievement at 11:30 a.m. at Lion Hills Center and Golf Course, noted Johnson.
“I am proud to be part of this exciting celebration,” said Karnes. “Exchange was founded by a group of inspirational men who wanted to exchange ideas and make America’s communities better places to live. More than 104 years later, that vision is a reality because of our dedicated members, such as those who belong to the Exchange Club of Columbus.”
Officially chartered on Nov. 19, 1924, the club is known for its local service projects, including its youth programs.
Exchange’s National Headquarters has been located in Toledo, Ohio, since 1917. The organization is currently led by Executive Vice President Tracey Edwards and National President Tom Karnes. Karnes resides in Lincoln Park, Michigan, where he upholds the duties of his one-year term.
Exchange is America’s oldest service club with more than 650 clubs and nearly 20,000 members throughout the United States and Puerto Rico.
For additional information about The National Exchange Club, visit NationalExchangeClub.org.
Jan Swoope is the Lifestyles Editor for The Commercial Dispatch.
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