The Morning Optimist Club of Marshalltown held their weekly meeting on Tuesday at the Hy-Vee Dining Room. President Sharon McKimpson opened the meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag and an invocation.

McKimpson passed a clipboard of information with the Board of Directors meeting agenda, and sign-up sheets for helping with the Nov. 11 flag delivery and attending the Iowa District meeting on Oct. 25. A hat was passed for sharing of joys and making dollar donations to the club coffers.

October Program Chair Bing McHone introduced Laurie Gowdy from Child Abuse Prevention Services as the guest speaker for the day. Gowdy summarized the many services that the agency provides by relating likely scenarios that occur throughout a typical day. The Building Healthy Families program, the largest one, provides education for parents and families regarding healthy behaviors. Crisis Child Care locates temporary care for children involved in crisis situations. The Sexual Abuse Prevention program provides education to children within the school environments. Through the Stork’s Nest program, pregnant women and new mothers can earn points toward obtaining necessary items for their babies.

Gowdy indicated that community groups can help the agency by donating cash, diapers, baby wipes and other necessities for the Stork’s Nest.

McKimpson closed the meeting by leading the recitation of the Optimist Creed. The Morning Optimist Club of Marshalltown meets Tuesdays at 6:30 a.m. at the Hy-Vee Dining Room. Guests are welcome. The club’s website is at www.morningoptimists.org.