Our History
For the past 36 years, the Jacksonville Exchange Club has been an extremely strong organization. In fact, it was one of only 13 clubs to receive 10 “Big E” Awards 10 years in a row out of over 1200 clubs nationwide.
Because of this, the club received the prestigious National President’s Award Banner.
Although the club has an early beginning, it turned in its national charter in 1929-30 during the Depression years. It was in 1939 before it was reorganized.
One of the most popular projects of the club is its Book of Golden Deeds Award which was first awarded nationally in 1917 and locally in 1968. The purpose of this award is to recognize the good deeds of living heroes and heroines of everyday life.
The Exchange Club sponsors many programs including Child Abuse Prevention, Crime Prevention, Fire Prevention, Community Service, Americanism and Youth Programs. The Exchange club is dedicated to fostering a spirit of patriotism among fellow Americans – pride in country, respect for the nation’s flag and appreciation of the untold sacrifices which others have made that we might have the gift of freedom.
Jacksonville Exchange Club is perhaps more deeply involved in youth projects of various kinds than any activity. The outstanding achievements of high school students are recognized in Youth of the Month and year programs. Also a Good citizenship Award is presented yearly to a 6th grade student. We also award two scholarships to Jacksonville State University to graduating seniors from Jacksonville and Pleasant Valley High School
The Exchange club is the oldest exclusively American service club organization