Who We Are

While living by the Optimist Creed . . .

. . . and meeting the needs of young people in communities worldwide, Optimist Clubs have been "Bringing Out the Best In Kids" since 1919.  By believing in young people and empowering them to be the best they can, Optimist volunteers continually make this world a better place to live.  Optimists conduct over 65,000 service projects each year, serve over six million young people and spend over $78 million in their communities annually on projects and programs!

Each local Optimist Club . . .

. . . is chartered as a Member of Optimist International, providing them with support, resources and programs to meet the unique needs of their communities.  Locally, we are also supported at a District level by the Dakotas, Manitoba & Minnesota District - better known as the DMM!  They cover a lot of geography, but they do a wonderful job in motivating the local Clubs and membership!

The Duluth Noon Optimist Club . . ,

. . . chartered in 1947, has always been represented by area citizens dedicated to meeting their civic responsibilities.  Through the years we have met and worked together as a volunteer group for the good of the children of our community; for fellowship and for fun!  We're proud of the good work we've done, and continue to do, but we have no illusions that it will ever be complete.  We will continue to do everything we can to give today's area kids reason to be 'optimistic' about their futures!

What We Do - Community Service

This is but a sample of an ever-expanding list of the community service projects and programs that Duluth Noon Optimist Club members conduct and/or participate in.  Check back often to see what's new and learn more about a particular program by reading the Featured Club Program section below.

Mentor Duluth Picnic

Perhaps our oldest project, this annual summer picnic that we've hosted for over 50 years for Mentors, Mentees and waiting list children of the Mentor Duluth Program, is a favorite of our members!

Feeding America

We pack and distribute food twice each month on behalf of the Second Harvest Northern Lakes Food Bank for their Mothers and Children; and Nutrition Assistance for Seniors programs.

Adopt-A-Park - Park Point Trails & Recreation Area

This park was a natural for us to "adopt" and help keep clean several times a year, because of our Club's history in helping to develop this beautiful trail system at the end of Minnesota Point.

Big Red Bookshelf

We're proud to be the caretakers of the Big Red Bookshelf located in St. Luke's Pediatric Clinic and honored to be part of this wonderful program that puts free books in the hands of very young new readers.

Children's Cancer Campaign

Our local efforts, of this Optimist International program, are directed towards raising funds for childhood cancer research and to purchase Spinoza Bears for donation to children affected by cancer or other serious illnesses.

Other DNOC Programs

Lake Superior Zoo Kids Easter Egg Hunt; Drug-Free High School Grad Party; PBS - Channel 8 Benefactor Fund Raising; Lowell Elementary Music Benefactors; Valley Youth Center Benefactors; Caps for Kids (see below)

Featured Club Program

The Caps for Kids Program

This civic minded knitting group meets twice monthly to knit hats, blankets and booties for Twin Ports area kids!  Even in warm weather, newborns must wear a cap to maintain their body temperature.  Since the group's beginning in 2006, over 1000 knitted hats have been donated to St. Luke's, St. Mary's, the Bethany Crisis Nursery, local mid-wives and area schools!  The need for hats is growing as we find more community groups serving children in need of these important items.

We need knitters!  No experience is necessary to join this fun-loving, laid back group, nor is there any commitment.  We warmly welcome and encourage all newcomers!  For more information, including dates, locations and how you or your existing knitting group can help, even from the comfort of your own living room, visit our Activities Calendar or contact us here.  Donations of yarn or knitted hats can be brought to a Club meeting, Tuesdays at noon, at the Incline Station.