The Hermosa Beach Kiwanis Club decided to step up its service to the local developmentally disabled community by forming a subgroup called the Aktion Club, in which Kiwanians meet monthly with developmentally disabled members with the guidance of advisor Greg Ronkainen, former president of the Kiwanis chapter.
Then members of the Aktion Club worked side-by-side with Kiwanis to arrange and carry out a special holiday-season luncheon.
Amber Carey, the director of an Easter Seals program for the developmentally disabled, which is a frequent beneficiary of the Kiwanis’ efforts, spoke glowingly of the luncheon, which took place in previous years, but without the input of the Aktion Club.
“The Kiwanis luncheon is the most generous support the Easter Seals Program receives from any local community. It’s thrilling for the program participants,” Carey said. “They just love it — it’s something they talk about all year.”
The turkey luncheon was followed by holiday singing, a visit from Santa who gave out gifts and posed for photos, and a raffle.
“As I look around the room and see all those bright smiles and happy faces, it reminds me of how it is possible to reach out into the community and make a difference, and makes me especially proud to be a Kiwanian,” said club president Adrienne Slaughter.
The Easter Seals Adult Day Program is a national community-based day program aimed at helping developmentally disabled participants go out in the community and work on independent living skills. The national Easter Seals organization serves children and adults with developmental disabilities. ER
