Rollie Heckethorn, right, a member of the Exchange Club of Auburn, peels potatoes next to Auburn PAL Center coordinator Shawn Boyd while prepping for the center’s annual Thanksgiving Dinner. Exchange Club of Auburn members have become a critical network of volunteers for the center. Submitted photo

AUBURN — While the expanded Police Activities League Community Center will feature a new gym, kitchen and programming when it eventually opens, some of the same volunteers will be there to support it.

Among the first in line will likely be several members of the Exchange Club of Auburn, a service organization that has long focused on youth development. Over the past few years, the club has established a close relationship with the center on Chestnut Street, volunteering during community meals and other events.

Rollie Heckethorn, who has been a member for 12 years, said when he was president, the group was invited to check out the PAL Center, an after-school program for teens that has since become an important neighborhood hub.

“When I saw what they had created, I said, ‘Man if we don’t align ourselves with something like this, why do we even exist?'”

Just before Christmas, the PAL Center was informed that it had secured $3 million in federal funding toward a new, 17,000-square-foot center on Chestnut Street. With $3 million already earmarked from Auburn’s share of American Rescue Plan Act funds, construction on the new center is slated to begin this year.

The new building will boast early childhood education and child care programs, a health center, teen center, gym, and commercial kitchen and food pantry.

Officials have said the current building has “far exceeded” its capacity to offer programming. Its capacity is 43 people, but the center serves nearly twice that daily, staff has said.

“The new expansion is going to broaden their whole appeal to the area,” Heckethorn said. “We’re all really excited about it.”

Exchange Club of Auburn members Dave Projansky, left, and Scott Whalen prep food for the Auburn PAL Center’s annual Thanksgiving dinner. Submitted photo

He said the area has “always been looked down on,” but will now have a community center that can be incorporated into the greater community.

Heckethorn estimated that Exchange Club members volunteer there several times a month. The group commits a certain amount of funds each year to the PAL Center, but also volunteers during annual events such as its Thanksgiving dinner and summer barbecues.

“Whenever they call, we try to do whatever we can,” he said.

He said they see kids doing homework, playing foosball, or ping-pong, calling it “a place for them to be themselves.”

“It’s a great feeling seeing the kids have a place where they can be kids,” club President Bill Gladu said.

The National Exchange Club was founded in 1911 in Detroit by a businessmen who wanted to “exchange” ideas on making their community a better place.

Exchange clubs have often focused on youth programs, and Auburn’s chapter is no different. The group sponsors Student of the Month awards and provides scholarships. It sponsors the annual fishing derby in Auburn, along with other events.

Heckethorn said he first got involved with Exchange Club through a friend, who invited him to one of the group’s bimonthly meetings. It happened to be a Student of the Month event, where each of the local high schools sends a senior to talk to the group.

“I was so taken that I just said this is an association that I want to belong to,” he said.

Heckethorn, who is a Navy veteran, said the group also works to support veteran causes. One of its largest annual fundraisers is the Twin City Gun Show. He said Exchange is often not recognized among similar service organizations like Rotary or Lions Club, but that Exchange’s focus on youth development is what makes it important to him. The Auburn club has about 30 active members.

Perhaps its most important relationship, however, has been the club’s ongoing partnership with the PAL Center.

Heckethorn said he expects there to be more of a need for volunteers once the new center is built, not less.

“Just because they’ll have new bricks and mortar, it doesn’t mean the need is going away. If anything, it’s going to expand,” he said, adding that it will allow other kids to take advantage of the center and what it offers.

“I think it’s going to break down some barriers,” he said.

Heckethorn, a real estate agent, has also previously volunteered with Rebuilding Together, building wheelchair ramps, and also served on the board of Maine Rural Development.

Regarding the annual Thanksgiving dinner, he said “it’s a lot of effort, but we relish the opportunity to be of service alongside such dedicated individuals.”

“We are honored to be associated with the center and are looking forward to assisting them as they continue to engage with more and more of our young people,” he said. “The center’s positive influence will pay dividends by being a center for youth development, and that is exactly why this is such an excellent opportunity to join in partnership with them.”

Know someone with a deep well of unlimited public spirit? Someone who gives of their time to make their community a better place? Then nominate them for Kudos. Send their name and the place where they do their good deeds to reporter Andrew Rice at arice@sunjournal.com and we’ll do the rest.