Local Kiwanis, PCCS form new Aktion Club

Involved in the newly formed Aktion Club are (seated, from left) members Mary Pryor and Loraine Smith, while in back (from left) are adviser Lisa Wagel, Secretary Anthony Ingram, Vice President Donnie Shillings, adviser Tammy York, Treasurer Jim Langley, President Chris Sanders and member Mary Williams. (Courtesy photo)

Putnam County Comprehensive Services (PCCS) conducted its first Kiwanis Aktion Club of Putnam County meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 19.

The Aktion Club's mission is to provide adults with disabilities an opportunity to develop initiative, leadership skills and to serve their communities.

At each meeting members will have different activities, including community service projects, fundraisers, crafts and guest speakers.

The local Aktion Club was chartered in December 2015. It was provided seed funds from PCCS and the United Way of Putnam County.

The group, while supporting Kiwanis local and international missions, will also seek to assist other local charities, civic and social service organizations.

During its first meeting the club performed a charter ceremony that presented officers with their membership cards and pins. Additionally, three new members were installed in the club.

Currently more than 45 individuals are eligible to be installed as members. Membership is open to residents 18 years and older of Putnam County with a developmental or physical disability.

The Kiwanis Club of Greencastle is the sponsoring Kiwanis Club with members Andrew Ranck and Rebecka Howard as liaisons between the groups.

Interested persons can follow Kiwanis Aktion Club on social media for updates. The website is http://www.aktionclub.org.

Anyone interested in joining or who would like to assist the local club through donations, mentoring or guest speaking or has ideas for service projects, may contact Ranck or Howard at Putnam County Comprehensive Services, 653-9763