Aktion Club

2016 was a grand year for the Aktion Club. During the year Aktion Club President, Rosalie Hawkins, received an opportunity to speak at the Circle K Convention to Kiwanis’ 56 District. The district encompasses all Kiwanis groups throughout the DC metro area. Kiwanis took the opportunity to celebrate the efforts of all it’s Aktion club members during the convention. It was the first time an Aktion Club member has ever spoken at the event.

At the beginning of the year, the Aktion Club held a Talent Show at the Port Tobacco Players Theater in La Plata, Maryland with thirty acts participating. For an entry fee of $2, guest enjoyed various talents included singing, dancing, comedians, drums, keyboards and book readings. In total, the event raised $217 that will help with vaccinations to eliminate maternal and neonatal tetanus through a joint effort known as the “Eliminate Project” between Kiwanis and Unicef. The project was generated to help eliminate the deadly disease that steals the life of babies and women according to the Kiwanis website.

In December, the Aktion Club made Personal Care Packages for the adults of Wayside Food Bank.  Club members included soap, shampoo, deodorants, toothpaste, razors, shaving cream, and more.  These items were collected, bags were assembled and items were on December 17^th.

November marked the National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week, Food bags were developed for homeless in the local area.  The club collected donations of single-serve food items that were non-perishable, such as crackers, cookies, drinks, any canned item with pull tab lids. Fresh fruits were also purchased for the bags.

The Aktion Club took a small break during the summer but came back strong at the end of September with goals for the next term. During the month of October, the Spring Dell Center Aktion Club collected Onesies for the Children’s National Medical Center in Washington, DC.  On November 24^th a group of Aktion Club members delivered the FIFTY Onesies that were collected to the Foundation.  The onesies were size 24 months which will be big on the babies but will allow the needed space under the garment for necessary medical equipment such as wires and sensors.

In April, the Aktion Club participated in the Kiwanis One Day Event at Point Lookout State Park. Members picked up trash along the Potomac River’s picnic areas and wooded edges. The group collected several large bags of trash recycle materials and car batteries. After the work was done, Aktion Club members received an opportunity to enjoyed a cookout at the park leading to a great time.
Pictured Right: (left to right) Doris Hagens, Teresa Proctor, Monty Proctor

 During March, the Aktion Club completed a quilt square that will be added to a giant quilt in celebration of Kiwanis’ 100 Year Anniversary. Our square symbolizes Spring Dell Center’s Mission of bridging the gap; the members of the Aktion Club; and the children of the world that we strive to serve.

 

In February  the Aktion Club worked to implement its moto, “serving the children of the world,” by assisting the Catherine Foundation in collecting baby items. The club collected new or “gently used” baby clothing sized 0 – 2T, wipes, lotions, and diapers. Deliveries were made at the end of the month.

 

The Aktion Club Quarter Auction was held December 2014 as a benefit for Samariah Rose, a young child suffering from the effects of Kidney Cancer. Approximately 100 people as well as 25 vendors attended the event filling Spring Dell Centers

Multipurpose Room to capacity. The club auctioned off over 100 items raising $2,236.03. During the event volunteers also collected a large box of toys that were delivered by club members to Children National Medical Center. The clubs next project will be a talent show benefiting the Eliminate Project and creating Quilt Squares in recognition of the 100-year celebration of Kiwanis.

 

In April 2014 the club attended the “Kiwanis One Day” project at Point Lookout State Park with other including K-Kids, Builders Clubs, Key Clubs, and CKI clubs.  This is a one-day activity shared with the Potomac River Clean-Up allowed club members to pick up trash along the water’s edge and picnic area to provide for a cleaner community.

In 2013 the club planned several fundraisers, while expanding its efforts by collecting and donating onesies to the Children’s Hospital Nic Unit. Volunteers are welcome to participate in all activities and fundraisers.