By MOLLY DAVIDSON / Staff Writer

PELHAM—Shelby County may soon have its own branch of the National Exchange Club. The group is holding an information meeting at Nino’s Italian Restaurant at 2698 Pelham Parkway in Pelham on Aug. 21 at 6:30 p.m.

The National Exchange Club was founded in Detroit, Mich., in 1911. Today it is a service organization focused on Americanism and supporting the youth, with more than 22,000 members across the United States and Puerto Rico.

“The main project that we support is the prevention of child abuse,” Exchange Club member Marilyn Eddings explained, noting the club ties to the Exchange Club Child Abuse Prevention Center in Birmingham.

In addition to working with the Child Abuse Prevention Center, the Exchange Club also sponsors Excel Clubs in middle schools, high schools and colleges.

“(Excel Clubs) go out and do service projects in the community,” Eddings said, adding the clubs teach students leadership.

“Their covenant of service is really what got me,” Eddings said of her choice to join the Exchange Club. “That’s something I can really attach myself to.”

The Aug. 21 informational meeting is open to anyone interested in joining the club, even those who are not Shelby County residents, Eddings said.

“We are searching for like-minded individuals who are looking to get involved,” Eddings said.

Twenty charter members are needed in order to start a new club, and Eddings said twelve have already committed.

“Our goal is to charter mid-September,” Eddings said.

More information about the National Exchange Club can be found on Nationalexchangeclub.org.