DUNELAND AREA

 EXCHANGE CLUB

Prevention of Child Abuse

Child Abuse is a tragedy.  Each day, the hope of a child who has been abused or neglected is challenged by the very real prospect that this horrifying experience will happen all over again.

 

Abuse comes in several forms: physical, sexual, emotional and neglect.  Children do not deserve to be abused.  That is why the Duneland Exchange Club raises money to fund projects and spread public awareness.  The biggest awareness project we participate in is the National Blue Ribbon Campaign. You may have seen blue ribbons on street lamps on Broadway, on antennas of police cars and school buses, banners on Porter Avenue and billboards throughout Porter County.  Blue Ribbons were distributed to the Duneland School System and worn by many in our community for the month of April.  Why blue?  Blue is the color that bruises often turn.  Funds raised through the sale of Blue Ribbon pins were donated to the Duneland Parents as Teachers Program. And The Prevention of Child Abuse Council of Porter County.

 

Youth

The Duneland Exchange Club’s Youth Programs are designed to benefit deprived as well as gifted, to educate as well as honor, and to stimulate as well as entertain children of all ages.

 

Prior to the start of the new school year we take children we provide back packs and school supplies to families in need and we also take them shopping for clothes and other essentials.

 

At the grade school level we present the Young Citizenship Award to children who have displayed attributes of good citizenship in their daily lives.

 

When they reach the high school level we celebrate a student as Youth of the Month whom has attained high levels both in scholastics and athletics and who has demonstrated exemplary qualities of leadership and civic responsibilities.

 

The Duneland Area Exchange Club also has been presenting a Youth Talent Show for the past eleven years, with the proceeds going to the CHS Natural Helpers Organization.. The

Talent Show is for students from 1st though 12th grade.

 

Community

Community service is the lifeline of Exchange.  While many of the club’s projects are community service minded, there are projects that are designed to benefit everyone who lives in that community.  The Duneland Exchange Club has participated in projects such as neighborhood crime watch, Book of Golden Deeds, National Day of Service, 4th of July Parade Lineup Committee, Children ID and Fingerprinting, and providing our schools and libraries with literature on all the core values mentioned in this brochure.

 

Americanism

Promoting pride in our country, respect for the flag, and appreciation of our heritage are the primary purposes of the National Exchange Club’s Americanism program.  The Duneland Exchange Club has been involved in projects that help heighten appreciation for our country’s flag. 

 

The “Giveakidaflagaflagtowave” Program happens yearly in Chesterton.  Members of the club walk the parade route and pass out flags to all children along the way. Approximately 1,500  flags were handed out last year alone. 

 

 

The Duneland Exchange Club has also honored businesses and individuals that regularly display the flag with a “Proudly We Hail Award”

 

 

The Duneland Exchange Club donated a Freedom Shine, which is a collection of 28 of the most important American documents, to the Chesterton High School, Westchester and

Liberty Elementary Middle School, plus the Chesterton Library.