IRMO, S.C. — The Optimist Club of St. Andrews-Irmo continues its support of South Carolina Career Kids (SCCK), a nonprofit organization that introduces students to career possibilities and public safety through interactive programs. At the Club’s May 9 meeting, SCCK representatives Libby Hendley and Matt Southern presented updates on the group’s work and its popular educational tool, Safety Town.
Designed for Pre-K through second graders, Safety Town is a mobile, miniature town set up in a gymnasium-sized space. Children navigate its roads on tricycles while meeting real-life professionals like police officers, firefighters, librarians, and pharmacists, who talk to them about their jobs and answer questions. The goal is to introduce young children to safety rules and various careers in a fun and memorable way.
Optimist Club members are hands-on in supporting the In-School Field Trip portion of SCCK’s programs. Volunteers assist in unpacking, assembling, and breaking down the Safety Town setup, which fits entirely into a single, marked commercial van. Thanks to the Club’s continued involvement, setup and takedown times have improved, making the program even more efficient.
Currently, two Safety Town setups are in use, with growing interest from schools across South Carolina.
SCCK operates five core programs:
- Camps
- After School Sessions
- In-School Field Trips
- Career Workshops
- SCCK “Quest”
Funding for SCCK comes in part from Optimist Club fundraisers, including their annual Christmas tree lot at McGregor Presbyterian Church and the spring golf tournament.
The Optimists’ partnership with SCCK reflects their long-standing commitment to youth development and community education.
