[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 35 (Monday, March 27, 2000)]
[Senate]
[Page S1741]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        TRIBUTE TO THE NATIONAL EXCHANGE CLUB'S 89TH ANNIVERSARY

 Mr. GRAMS. Mr. President, I rise today to commend an 
organization that has given consistently to our communities over the 
past 89 years. I am proud to honor the National Exchange Club--an 
organization that can be characterized by the word ``service''--as it 
celebrates the anniversary of its founding.
  The National Exchange Club is a volunteer group of men and women 
dedicated to serving their communities. Founded in 1911 by Charles A. 
Berkey, the organization has grown from a single group in Detroit, 
Michigan to nearly 1,000 clubs and 33,000 members throughout the United 
States and Puerto Rico. in my home state of Minnesota, there are more 
than 20 clubs committed to making our state and nation a better place 
to live.
  In keeping with its rich history of helping others, the Exchange Club 
has established Child Abuse Prevention as its national project. By 
utilizing a wide array of educational programs, local clubs work to 
create public awareness of child abuse and develop relationships with 
parents to counter abuse. This program has helped more than 140,000 
children since 1979.
  Exchange members participate in a variety of other services, such as 
Youth Programs and Americanism. The Exchange Club's variety of youth 
programs encourage and recognize students who display good citizenship, 
community involvement, and scholastic achievement, and serve as 
volunteers. Clearly, its efforts are shaping the citizens of the 
future. Exchange's Americanism efforts spread pride in our nation and 
work to foster an awareness of the wonderful freedoms with which our 
country is blessed.
  The numerous other community service activities the National Exchange 
Club undertakes are focused on helping the largest number of citizens 
as possible in their respective communities. All individuals in a 
community benefit from the club's crime and fire prevention efforts, 
its Book of Golden Deeds Award, and the Service to Seniors program.
  For 89 years, the volunteers of the National Exchange Club have 
dedicated themselves to the betterment of our communities. I applaud 
them on their achievements and wish them a prosperous future.

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