As the first week of 2016 has come and gone, it’s time to start putting those New Year's resolutions into action.
For many, getting more involved in the community through volunteer work is at the top of their resolutions list. There are quite a few service clubs and volunteer organizations in Turlock for those who want to give back to their community.
Formerly known as the Active 20-30 Club, the Advancing Children of Turlock Club is a social group committed to building opportunities for underprivileged children.
Megan Bernard, ACT president, said that their club members are a younger age group compared to most organizations in the area and the club is a great way to get involved and make a difference in the community.
“It’s such a wonderful opportunity for people who want to give back,” she said. “We meet one night a month and discuss how we can benefit the children in Turlock.”
Whether raising money for donations or giving hands-on support, the ACT has benefited organizations like Westside Ministries, Salvation Army of Turlock, Sierra Vista Child and Family Services and many more.
For more information or to get involved with ACT email acturlock@gmail.com or call 410-9416.
Another great way to get involved is to join the Turlock Lions Club, a community organization designed to provide volunteer service for community projects. The Lions Club has a number of long-standing events, including the Turlock Lions Club Harvest Bowl, Sober Grad Night for Pitman and Turlock high schools, eye exams and glasses for local youth and elderly, scholarships for Turlock and Pitman students, sponsorship for local youth sports and Toys for Tots.
For more information about the Turlock Lions Club, visit their Facebook page.
The Turlock Rotary Club works to better both the local community and the world at large, said Melissa Cherry, club secretary.
“We unite for the common good to make the world and the community a better place,” she said. “We all are community leaders that are involved and want to make our town or cities a better place.”
The Rotary Club is involved in fundraising for both international and local causes.
“Globally, we are helping to work towards eradicating polio around the world,” said Cherry. “Locally, we fund a lot of great things such as a crime prevention program, helping local schools, scholarship programs, student of the month and so much more.”
She added that they are currently redoing the pathway on Canal Drive in front of the Turlock Unified School District Office, a popular recreation path for runners and walkers.
Cherry encourages those interested to sit in on a meeting. For information on when and where the club meets, visit turlockrotary.org.
Lastly, a well established organization that is very involved in the area is the Kiwanis Club of Greater Turlock, founded in 1973. The group has met at Latif’s Restaurant off of Golden State Boulevard at 6:45 a.m. every Friday for over 40 years.
“We, as a club, give opportunities to so many kids and local children's programs and without the community support it would not be possible,” said Katie Staack, secretary of Kiwanis Club of Greater Turlock. “We live in an awesome community and it’s a chance to meet people while learning about what this area has to offer.”
The non-profit organization is a year-round supporter of local youth sports, agriculture programs, sober grad nights, Stanislaus State and high school students from Turlock, Denair, Hughson, Hilmar and Delhi.
“Kiwanis of Greater Turlock is an outstanding club to get involved in if you’re looking to have fun and give back,” she said. “I hope that more young adults join the club and help make our community that much more amazing.”
New members are encouraged to attend the Greater Club of Kiwanis meetings and those with questions can contact Club President Mike Staack at 604-6884.
These are just a few of the service clubs available in Turlock. For further information on local clubs and organizations, check out future publications of the Turlock Journal.
