Aktion Club: Serving with Heart, Changing Lives

In the heart of Edmond, the Aktion Club meets twice a month, bringing together a remarkable group of individuals with a shared passion for giving back. 

Courtney Harris, the club advisor and president of the Edmond Kiwanis Club, has been guiding the organization for over a year. With two loyal dogs by her side and a heart full of compassion, she helps shape the club into a place where its members—adults with disabilities—find purpose and belonging.

Alan Dean, the club’s proud president, takes his role seriously. His mother, Charlotte, a dedicated volunteer, stands by his side. “This club means the world to Alan,” Charlotte says. “He loves being part of something bigger, something that makes a difference.”

The group has already accomplished so much—from painting with the Edmond Art Institute to delivering handmade cards to nursing homes. Most recently, they gathered to assemble Birthday Cake Kits for Boulevard Academy students.

Boulevard Academy serves students who face challenges that make traditional school difficult. Some are homeless, some are emancipated from their parents, and others just need a few more credits to graduate. The Aktion Club wants each student to feel special on their birthday, so they create kits filled with cake mix, frosting, sprinkles, candles, and a heartfelt card.

“It’s about letting them know they’re loved,” Charlotte says as she and Alan pack kits. “Everyone deserves a special day.” This sentiment highlights the selflessness that is so evident within the group. Although each member faces their own individual battles, the highlight of their month is gathering to look “Who can I serve?”

This commitment to service extends beyond the school. Aktion Club visits senior centers like Tealridge, where they play games, host costume parties, and they even put on a Hawaiian luau at the Providence House in Guthrie. Though each effort is service-focused, they are never short on fun. 

For many members, the group is a sort of lifeline. Club treasurer, Becka Doyle, was once a high-functioning student athlete, who had always lived with cerebral palsy but defied expectations, running track and cheering competitively. Then, during her senior year, everything changed. A medical complication from a brain surgery left her unable to walk or read or communicate as she once had.

Becka’s mother, Pam, shared, “There is not a lot out there for people with disabilities after graduation. This truly gives Becka and the rest of the members something to look forward to. They want to contribute to their world and help people, not always be the ones being helped.”

The club’s impact extends to parents and caregivers as well. “It is wonderful to meet with people who are walking the same road,” Pam shared. “We get to meet regularly with people who understand, or who can share resources – what’s worked for them, what hasn’t – it makes you feel less alone.” 

A more welcoming group can hardly be found, and they invite locals to drop in on a meeting, or better – get involved! The club welcomes more volunteers and community connections. The next opportunity for the public to step into Aktion is an upcoming Indian Taco Night, one of the club’s meaningful – and mouthwatering – fundraising events throughout the year. The club’s Indian Taco Night will be held March 27 from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at 101 E. 5th Street in Edmond.

Follow Aktion Club on Facebook at /EdmondOkAktionClub.