The Optimist Club was started at WSU four years ago and aims to “bring out the best in kids” according to Laura Gray, president of the club.
The club goes out and works with children around the Dayton area. Such events include visiting the St. Vincent Homeless Shelter and Dayton Children’s Hospital where they do crafts with the children. They have other activities also planned for the semester.
The college Optimist Club has paired up with an older adult Optimist Club. Gray shares that it is a good networking tool because you meet a lot of adults from around the world who are powerful in their communities and are involved with an International Optimist Club. Both the adult and college club paired up to volunteer to size shoes for children in the Dayton area.
“The kids get so excited over these shoes,” Gray said. “And you can tell a kid is poor by the state of their shoes.”
The club is for anyone who wants to make a difference in the lives of kids.
“You don’t have to be an optimist, you can join if you’re a pessimist,” Gray said.
To become a member sign up through orgsync.com and create an account, search for the club and sign up to receive emails and updates concerning club meeting times and events. There is a $10 fee per semester to join.
For more information about the Optimist Club, attend their meetings which are held every other Wednesday at 4 p.m. in 301 Millet Hall.
