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Listed Below are the major programs of the Gratiot County Exchange Club. In addition to these permanent, on going, programs The Exchange club regularly contributes significant resources to many other area worthy causes.

Fund Raising
To provide funds for some of our community service projects we have chosen to sell Bear Claw trash bags. These bags are produced in Central Michigan and are of the highest quality, super heavy and are available in colored or clear varieties. Clear super heavy bags are perfect for leaves in the fall. Kitchen bags are also available that will surprise and please you with their strength and quality. The 30 gallon size, in many colors are only $12.00 for a box of 40. Trash bags may be purchased from any club member.

In addition, we are selling Blue Ribbons for $1.00.  These ribbons signify the color of bruises on a child.  We will sell these at least once per year and possibly twice.  These funds underwrite our child abuse prevention programs.

We also have a major fundraiser called Radio Days.  Local businesses give donations to the Exchange club and we mention their names when we have Radio Days in April on a local radio station.  The proceeds from this fund raiser constitutes the majority of our budget.

Student of the Month and Student of the Year
This program recognizes industrious High School students who attain high levels of scholastic achievement, community involvement and leadership. This proven program rewards outstanding young people for their contributions to their schools and community.

Child abuse Prevention.
The exchange club provides coloring books to elementary students of the Gratiot County schools as a basis for promoting positive self esteem and awareness of their right to physical privacy.

We also promote the prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome.  We have distributed hundreds of flyers to most Physician offices, Gratiot Community Hospital, and psychiatrists.  We are training 7th grade Health Education teachers in the county about Shaken Baby Syndrome.  They will then be able to incorporate this information to their students.  It it imperative that the information is circulated early to youth so that this devastating problem can be stopped.

The Freedom Shrines
The Freedom Shrine is an impressive, permanently mounted collection of 28 of the most important and historic American documents, including the Declaration of Independence, the constitution of the United States and the Gettysburg Address. these shrines are purchased and installed in the County's Middle and High Schools to promote Americanism, an Exchange project designed to instill pride in country, respect for the flag and appreciation of our freedoms.

Annual Gratiot County Spring Fishing Derby
June 2001 brings our Annual fishing Derby held along the Pine River. This activity allows our community's youth to spend an exciting morning with a favorite adult, engaged in the All American pastime of fishing.  Derby participants range in age from 5 to 15 and vie for prizes including fishing equipment and a new bike.  Each participant is guaranteed of going home with some prize for their efforts regardless of their luck at fishing. The Grand Prize, again this year will be a bike from Terry's Cycle and Sports in Alma.

Adopt A Highway
The Exchange Club of Gratiot County is proud of its contribution to the beautification of our community by participating in the Adopt A Highway project. Our two mile piece of the county stretches between Winans Road on the East and Pingree Rd. on the west along Highway M 46.

Give-A-Kid-A-Flag-To-Wave
We distribute flags to promote patriotism at the Highland Festival Parade in May.  We will occasionally distribute flags at other parades when time and resources allow.