Banners on Brand promote child safety

The “Protect Children” campaign has begun in full force this year with our community service clubs taking the lead in the public relations fundraising for the campaign. Two weeks ago the Banners on Brand campaign came to life.

All 115 banner poles on Brand Blvd now have a “Protect Children” banner to raise our awareness of the dangers of leaving children alone in a car. The stories about children being left alone in cars are very depressing. I have heard stories about heat stroke causing brain damage, emotional trauma, carbon monoxide poisoning, runaway cars in accidents and many more depressing stories.

The Glendale Sunrise Rotary Club kicked off the Banners fundraising campaign, and they were soon joined by the Glendale New Generations Rotary Club in the fundraising effort. The New Generations Club went to the streets and offices to call on prospective banner sponsors. The cost of each banner was $250.00. The funds raised by the Clubs all went to charity.

The message I hope gets out is that cars are not babysitters. If you see children alone in any vehicle please call 911.

Glendale New Generations Rotary Club meets at 6 p.m. every Thursday at the Salvation Army, 320 W. Windsor Road, Glendale. For more information call Peggy Riddle at (818) 409-6000, ext.5006.

Kiwanis Club Blood Drive Successful

Thirty two Glendale Kiwanis Club members and friends were waiting for their scheduled appointments to donate blood in the Red Cross Blood Mobile at the Elks Lodge on Friday, Aug 12th. The first scheduled donating members were in line ready to give blood when the mobile arrived. The Club had completely filled up the Blood Mobile’s schedule for the day.

Meanwhile inside at the Club meeting, President Bruce Hinckley announced that the Annual Duck Race will be on October 15.

The Kiwanians also heard about the new non-profit Didi Hirsch Mental Health Services’ outpatient clinic that just opened in Glendale providing mental health and substance abuse services.

Glendale Kiwanis Club meets at Noon every Friday at the Glendale Elks Club, 120 E. Colorado St., Glendale. For information call Vic Legerton at (818) 354-8838.

Community service from our high school students

The Kiwanis Clubs sponsor Key Clubs in our high schools. The Lions sponsor Leo’s Clubs, and the Rotary sponsors Interact Clubs. Our schools get a good mix of student growth and effective community projects from the Clubs.