Local organizations help kids beat summer heat

By CHARLES W. JOHNSON / News Editor for the Southern Standard

Joshua Stephens cools off in the crystal clear waters of Gilley Pool during the Kids of the Community Swim Party sponsored by the Noon Exchange Club. (Charles W. Johnson photo)

A happy group of around 90 to 100 local kids found a great way to beat the heat this summer with the annual Kids of the Community Swim Party held at Gilley Pool recently. Sponsored by the Noon Exchange Club, the party was a great success, giving the children a chance to frolic and have some fun in the sun in a safe, supervised atmosphere.

And the kids not only got to swim, dive and play in the water, but they got treated to some pretty tasty food and refreshments as well with some traditional kid favorites, including fries and chicken strips with a variety of dipping sauces, and some delicious iced cupcakes for dessert.

According to organizers, the outing is a way to reward the kids for their efforts in Kids of the Community activities during the year.

“We’ve sponsored this for the past few years,” said Noon Exchange Club president Bryan Denton. “We do this because we believe in the mission of Kids of the Community, and we’re proud to do that. We feel like we are contributing to something that will pay off for the community in the long run.”

Denton, who is also a McMinnville City Police captain, says the organization is beginning to make a difference in the lives of local at risk kids.