Programs of Service Overview
The Fourth of July Celebration and Fireworks
We are well known for providing Needham’s 4th of July celebration from
fireworks to parade and everything in between. It is our signature
activity.
The celebration is planned, coordinated and carried out by the
dedicated members of the Needham Exchange Club. We receive the help
of family and friends and business sponsors! No town governmental funds
are used - the entire 4th of July celebration is 100% funded by private
donations. We thank the people and businesses of Needham that have shown
us through their generosity that they value this hometown tradition.
More about the 4th of July Celebration....
Youth Programs
Supporting Needham's young people - and fostering their sense of the
importance of citizenship and the value of community service - is the
focus of a number of Exchange Club programs.
Learn more about our Youth Recognition and Support programs....
Other Programs
The annual Sunshine Special is an outing for over 250 seniors. We
plan a day for them, which includes a mystery ride out of the area;
lunch at a different location each year, and all entertainment.
Each month the Needham Community Council gives the Club a list of
desired food items for the Council’s Food Pantry. Members are informed
through the Club’s newsletter and voluntarily bring what they can from
the list. The Exchange Club's Food Pantry Committee gathers the donated items and brings them to the
Food Pantry.
Our Fire and Crime Programs focus on sponsorship of events for Crime and Fire Prevention with an
emphasis on local initiatives through collaboration with Needham's Fire and Police departments.
The Book of Golden Deeds Award is given annually to a Needham person who
has quietly provided volunteer services to the community and contributed
to improving the quality of life in our town. We place an emphasis on
recognizing the “unsung heroes and heroines” in our community.
The Exchange Club has a long history of partnership with the Charles River Center. Club members are involved with the staff and clients of the Charles River Center and provide volunteer support for events like the monthly birthday parties and
barbecues.
The National Day of Service is an annual event that involves club
members in hands on public improvements such as painting park benches.
Patriotism plays a large part in some of the club’s programs including
providing Freedom Shrines in all of Needham’s Schools and providing a So
Proudly We Hail Award annually to a town resident who flies our
country’s flag.
Supporting our Community Programs - Fundraising
The Needham Exchange Club funds its projects, events and programs
through a host of fundraisers that also provide a service to our community:
- The Citrus Sale fundraiser sells oranges and grapefruit from mid October
to early December.
- The Charity Golf Tournament is held in the spring. This fundraiser helps
support some of the many local groups we contribute to. The Charles
River Center, the Council on Aging, and the Parent Teachers
Association have benefited from this annual event over the years.
- We have been publishing and distributing the Needham Phone Book for over
35 years. It is a major fundraiser for the Club, and through it, for
Needham. All proceeds benefit the many programs that the Exchange Club and its
members support.
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