Sisters of the Holy Cross

Judy Wilson was instrumental in conducting a drive to collect items for the Sisters of the Holy Cross, a worldwide organization. The Holy Cross Center for Women in Fresno provides education classes and programs to help poor and minority women and children improve their lives and face the daily challenges they encounter.

As a result of the drive, members Bill Jamison, Bill Smith, Joan Adams and Judy Wilson (pictured above with the staff member who received the items, some of which are seen in the background) recently delivered 1,190 diapers, 230 wipes and various other small items such as soaps and shampoos.

Toys to Salvation Army

The Exchange Club of Fresno has a history of collecting and giving toys to various charitable organizations that care for kids. The toys collected in 2011 were given to The Salvation Army for distribution in their program.

Member Judy Wilson poses with a member of Channel 47 staff who received the gifts on behalf of The Salvation Army.

Angels of Grace

The mission statement of the Angels of Grace reads...

Lisa Casarez, founder of Angels of Grace, and Exchange members Judy Wilson and
Barbara Thormann overlook the food contribution made in the holiday season of 2010.

September 8, 2011 - Lisa Casarez presents a plaque to the club in recognition of its
contributions to The Anglels of Grace cause.

The Salvation Army

Every year under the supervision of member Frank Cristando, members of the club serve as "bell ringers" for the Salvation Army's Christmas Fund Raising Drive. For years we have manned collecting stations at the Fashion Fair Shopping Center. We have been very successful usually collection over a thousand dollars to be used in the Army's Christmas activities serving those in need.

Marvin Arnold and wife, Nadia, ringing the bell.

Fresno Rescue Mission

Pete Hauck presented several children's books that he authored to Larry Arce, CEO of the Fresno Rescue Mission for use by the staff when working with kids

Comprehensive Youth Services

For more than thirty years, Comprehensive Youth Services (also known as CYS) has worked to eliminate child abuse and neglect and to strengthen families in Fresno County. CYS is one of a very few full-scope child mental health/counseling agencies in the Fresno area providing high quality, low cost , ranging from psycho-educational classes to therapeutic interventions and treatment.

Following a visit to the Comprehensive Youth Services facilities by several members of the Exchange Club of Fresno, it was decided to refurbish some areas which appeared to be in need of refreshment. Funds for this effort were provided by the Exchange Club’s Hamer-Wallace-Wheeler Trust fund which supplies financial assistance to Exchange Club-approved, youth-related activities, and the organizations and individuals mentioned below.

The Exchange members responsible for guiding and implementing this program were Hal Best, Bob Folchi, Karen Griffin, Mary Lynch-Wiens and Kathleen McIntyre.

A volunteer crew of Exchangites and relatives composed of Dick Arnold, Marvin Arnold, Bob Folchi, Bill Greenwood, Kathleen McIntyre, Dave Thompson, his wife, Danette and their daughter, Amanda, spent a Saturday morning applying a new coat of paint in two rooms.

The solicitation and delivery of products and services for this project were coordinated by Bob Folchi. The success of this venture depended on the generosity and cooperation of the following:

Home Depot: Alex Corgiat, Ass’t Mgr., contributed the ceiling fans.

Lowe’s Home Improvement: Brian Baker, Ass’t Mgr., donated carpeting, paint and painting supplies.

W.W. Grainger: Josh Johnson, Ass’t Mgr., gave the wall fans.

LifeStyle Furniture: Katrina Jimenez, Ass’t Mgr., donated the sofas.

Advanced Floor Care: Rick Oaxaca, Pres.,Donated installation and gave huge discount on new carpeting.

Dr. Andrew Maxwell provided chairs.

Club member Judy Jo Wilson donated a Television set.

The Club purchased an entertainment center to accommodate the TV set.

One of the refurbished rooms.

Dr. Whitten's Central America Project

Dr. Richard Whitten and a team of assistants including his wife who is a nurse, do volunteer work in Central America. They take all the eyeglasses we give them and make glasses for the village folks down there. They also perform all variety of eye surgery on all needy who can reach them. . Their trip is "advertised" to the area where they go,which gives folks who have travel involved, time to get to the area where they work. They are there as long as it takes or until everything runs out....and that happens sooner than you would imagine. The Exchange Club of Fresno continues to donate glasses to Dr Whitten, who appreciates them immensly. Member Barbara Thormann is in charge of collecting used glasses.

Since its inception in 1922, the Exchange Club of Fresno has been active in service to the community. Some of the early projects include the following:

• Right after WWII the Army Air Force sold a number of two story barracks that were used at Hammer Field.  Three of our then Exchange members, Ralph G Hamer, Raymond T. Wallace and Dennis B Wheeler bought one of the buildings and had it moved to the corner of G street and Kern for use by the Boys Club. Upon sale of the property to accommodate the City's redevelopment plans, the money received for the building was the basis for establishment of the Hamer-Wallace-Wheeler Trust Fund which has provided funds for many youth projects over the years.

• We had a close working relationship with the Craycroft Center for many years. Our club collected various items needed to provide the children housed there with a clean and healthful environment. We had collections of clothing, Christmas presents and even a "toilet paper" drive.

• The "Search for Talent" was an annual event in which we conducted a show allowing those with special talents in the performing arts to compete for recognition in the various categories.

• We have made contributions to the Marjaree Mason Center that works to provide a safe and supportive environment for individuals exposed to family violence. The latest was a check for $500 along with some useful and needed supplies for the home.

• The Exchange Club has supported the Fresno County Victim / Witness Assistance Program by purchasing teddy bears and an educational coloring book for youngsters who must appear in court or are in temporary custody while parent(s) are testifying. The coloring book helps them understand their roll and what to expect when they appear. The teddy bears give them something to cherish and treasure and help them through a rather traumatic experience.

• Just as its tongue-twisting title suggests, our club has participated in the GiveAKidAFlagToWave program which involves the distribution of small American flags to youngsters at parades, fairs, picnics, school events or other community happenings that generate large crowds. The objective is to cultivate a deeper sense of patriotism and to heighten young American's appreciation and admiration for our country's flag.