People with disabilities spring into
AKtion ... and learn a little golf too
“What I admire
most about all of
them is that they
get excited about
helping
their
community.”
– Emma Hecker
The Aktion Club is honored
by Keep Hammond Beautiful
Committee at the Hammond
City Council meeting.
“We were cleaning,
and this lady appreciated
us cleaning and was
complimenting us,” said
Joyce, Aktion Club member.
“We want to let people know
we’re here to help out. My
favorite part is cleaning up
the community and being
with other members.”
Joyce attends weekly
activities and every meeting.
She utilizes her creativity in
taking pictures, developing
them and creating scrap
books of their activities.
“I have staff that brings
us there [to the meetings or
activities] and back,” said
Joyce.
This
transportation
is
complimentary
of
OPTIONS, which allows
the group to use their bus to
make it to various functions.
Hecker and King work
with OPTIONS to receive
approval, as some Aktion
Club members are not able
to drive.
“It has been a very
rewarding experience,” said
Hecker. “They’ve enriched
my life and influenced me.”
The generosity of these
helpers even inspires people
who work with them.
“They give without
thought,” said Hecker.
“They have helped me be
more giving, and I want to
help others [in turn].”
Another event that the
group lends a helping
hand to is Hammond
Kiwanis’ Annual Tour
de’ Tangipahoa bicycle
race. About 600 people
participate each year for the
30 or 60 mile ride. Upon
return to their vehicles, the
Aktion Club is ready, with
food in hand, to feed them
by the hundreds.
Though the people in
the club do not volunteer
for recognition, they have
received awards along the
way.
“We got a plaque at the
city hall meeting,” said
Joyce. “The Kiwanis Club
gave it to the president; it
was pretty cool.”
Whether it is receiving
awards or helping out the
community, the Aktion
Club members thoroughly
enjoy themselves.
“When they’re doing
activities, they make it fun
and make it a good time, no
matter what we’re doing,”
said Hecker. “A lot of them
have known each other
for years through their
participation at OPTIONS,
so they look out for each
other.”
Though the group is
tight-knit, they truly practice