One of the world’s largest civic service organizations has chosen Catoosa/Walker County as its next venue for helping youth. Volunteer members of Optimist International will be spending the next few weeks in the area with the goal of organizaing a new Optimist Club.
“We are excited about helping the children of Catoosa/Walker County," said Bill Breneman, who is organizing the local expansion effort. “We are looking for some other like-minded individuals who would like to help us improve the lives of children in our community."
Optimist Clubs are known throughout the world for “Bringing Out the Best in Kids.” Since each club is autonomous, Optimist volunteers decide how to serve the needs of children in their community. In some areas, clubs conduct scholarship programs, sports activities, mentoring programs, after-school programs, and childhood cancer initiatives.
In Catoosa/Walker County, Mr. Breneman says the new club will focus on the community's youngest members and military veterans, but he added the club is seeking input from local leaders to identify a specific need and purpose.
“Those who best know what Catoosa/Walker area needs, are those who live here all year," said Mr. Breneman. “If you have an opinion about we can best serve the communities youth, please let us know. We will be having a charter meeting June 22 at 7 p.m. at 3336 Lakeview Dr. in Rossville. Everyone is welcome to come."
Optimist International is composed of 90,000 members in more than 2,900 Optimist Clubs in the United States, Canada, the Caribbean and other nations. Carrying the motto “Bringing Out the Best in Kids,” Optimist clubs conduct 65,000 positive service projects that reach more than six million young people each year. For more information call 653-3355.