MONROE — In 2019, it will be the 100th anniversary of the Optimist International organization. 

The Monroe Optimist Clubs are joining other clubs in the Southern Wisconsin District, district no. 9, with special service projects on Jan. 8, the 100th day of the 100th year of Optimist International. All Optimist Clubs have been challenged to perform a special service project on this day to highlight ongoing contributions to their communities. 

The Monroe Morning Optimist Club plans to volunteer 100 hours of service on Jan. 8 to commemorate this day. Members of the club will each volunteer one or more hours of service to local organizations including the Aging & Disability Resource Center, Green County Humane Society, Pleasant View Nursing Home, Monroe High School Costa Rican Exchange, St. Vincent de Paul, Monroe Clinic and more. 

Locally, the Monroe Optimist Clubs include the Monroe Morning Optimists and the Monroe Noon Optimists. The groups sponsor scholarship contests, youth programs, the Monroe Middle School and High School Junior Optimist Clubs and other service projects. 

The Monroe Morning Optimists offer financial support to programs for children. Since October, they have donated to programs for the Green County Family YMCA, Monroe Clinic and Hospital Foundation - Reach Out and Read Program, School District of Monroe - All Access Arts, German Exchange, Costa Rican Exchange, Fine Arts Festival, the Monroe Christmas Stocking Project, Shakespeare on the Edge, Monroe Arts Center, Green County Human Services - Gifts that Foster Hope and St. Victor School - Brunch with Santa. 

This year, the Monroe Morning Optimists will celebrate their own anniversary of 50 years in Monroe. 

The club meets at 6:30 a.m. every Thursday morning at the Swiss Alps. For more information, visit monroeoptimistclubs.com or search Monroe Morning Optimists on Facebook.

All community members are invited to join the optimists on this day of service and volunteer time to help reach their goal. 

Contact monroemorningoptimists@gmail.com for more information. Organizations in need of volunteers on Jan. 8 should contact the Optimist Club as well. Questions should be directed to Val Johnson at 608-329-2071.