Child abuse prevention is probably the most recognized area of service that Exchange Clubs across the nation are noted for. The Jackson Exchange Club’s main supported non-profit organization is the Exchange Club / Carl Perkins Center for the Prevention of Child Abuse (the Center).

The Club provides much of the manpower for the Annual Blue Suede Dinner and Auction and the Annual Circles of Hope Telethon to raise funds for the Center. We also help with other Center related events, such as the annual Christmas Toy Drive and recognizing sponsors and volunteers for the Center. Many of the club members serve on the Board of Directors of the Center.

Stan Perkins and Cousin Tuny accept a check a the Annual Circles of Hope Telethon.

The Jackson Club presents a 'Big' check to the Carl Perkins Center for the Prevention of Child Abuse.

Youth of the Month/Year:
The Youth of the Month/Year Award recognizes industrious high school students who attain high levels of scholastic achievement community involvement and leadership. This program not only rewards outstanding young people, but also provides an incentive for other students to strive for equally high levels of achievement. Students from local area high schools are invited to a club meeting to be recognized. Also invited are the student’s family, and school counselor.

A.C.E. Award (Accepting the Challenge of Excellence):
This program recognizes high school students who have made a dramatic change in their attitude and performance or overcome some type of adversity during their high school years. These changes have enabled the students to overcome their adversities and prepare for graduation. Students from local area high schools are invited to a club meeting to be recognized. Also invited are the student’s family, and school counselor.

Youth Scholarship:
A local student is awarded a $3,000 scholarship on an annual basis. This student must have performed well in school during the year, as well as have a financial need for the scholarship. As a general rule, the student must be planning on attending a local college.

Youth Baseball Team:
The Jackson Exchange sponsors a Gilliam League Baseball team. The Gilliam League is a baseball league for underprivileged and at-risk kids. The club also treats the team to a picnic and free admission to a Diamond Jaxx game each year.

All the activities that make up the Program of Service have a common goal of serving and benefiting our communities. Why then a separate category called Community Service? Because while the programs listed under Child Abuse Prevention, Youth and Americanism focus on specific areas within the community, the following projects are broader in scope and are designed to benefit every community member.

Crime Prevention:
The Jackson Exchange Club hosts several programs at our weekly meetings on crime prevention. In addition, we host the annual Blue and Gold Wounded in Service Award, which recognizes a law enforcement officer who has died or been wounded in service. We also periodically participate in the Jackson Crime Marches.

Fire Prevention:
The Jackson Exchange Clubs Fire Prevention activities include the presentation of educational talks, the distribution of information and donating Smoke Detectors to needy families. The activities help citizens to recognize and eliminate potential fire hazards, as well as teach them how to protect themselves if a fire does occur.

Jackson’s Man of the Year (Book of Golden Deeds Award):
The Jackson Exchange Club hosts the City of Jackson’s annual Man of the Year Banquet and assists in the selection of the Man of the Year. This event has been held annually since 1946 when Isaac Burton Tigrett was selected as the City of Jackson’s first Man of the Year. To see a listing of all the prior recipients click here.

Service to Seniors:
By the year 2000, it is estimated that some 15 percent of all Americans will be 65 years of age or older. As this segment of society continues to grow, so does the need for programs that assist older Americans, enabling them to continue leading productive lives. The Jackson Exchange Club participates in several Service to Seniors programs including donating smoke detectors to seniors, and assisting with an annual breakfast at the Bennett Senior Service Center.

Promoting pride in country, respect for the flag and appreciation of our freedoms are the primary purposes of Exchange's Americanism programs. These time-tested activities afford every Exchange Club the opportunity to create greater community awareness of the privileges of American citizenship, and all clubs are urged to actively participate in them.

The Freedom Shrine:
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. The objective of the Jackson Exchange Club is to install a Freedom Shrine in as many schools and public buildings as possible.

Project GIVEAKIDAFLAGTOWAVE:
Just as its tongue-twisting title suggests, this popular projects involves the distribution of small American flags to youngsters at parades, fairs, picnics, school events or other community happenings that generate large crowds. The flags are absolutely free to the children and can make a great souvenir of the occasion. This program is designed to cultivate a deeper sense of patriotism and to heighten young Americans' appreciation and admiration for our country's flag.

One Nation Under God:
The powerful program not only aims to increase appreciation of our rich religious heritage, but also seeks to remind Americans that we must always trust in a higher power for guidance, protection and strength. The famous words of the program's title are, of course, taken from the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. One Nation Under God Month is observed by the Jackson Exchange Club by hosting an annual Prayer Breakfast.

Proudly We Hail:
No symbol better signifies our nation's greatness or inspires respect and love of country than our American flag—the Stars and Stripes. That is why The Jackson Exchange Club encourages all Americans to properly fly the flag as an ongoing, highly visible expression of that respect. To accomplish this simple goal, Exchange has an effective program known as Proudly we Hail. It encourages regular display of the flag by individuals, commercial establishments and industries by honoring them through the presentation of a specially designed plaque.