Optimist International's theme for 2006-2007 is Love. This is fitting for an organization that brings hope and spreads optimism to children around the world.

We at the Gilbert Optimist Club are proud to be part of all that Optimist International stands for, but our theme for this year is just a little more bold. Our 2006-2007 theme is Knock Their Socks Off. The Gilbert Optimists like to have fun and we want to have a real impact on our community this year.

We started the year collecting socks for needy kids and collected over over 100 pairs. Our Caps4Kids project has provided hundreds of knit caps for kids at Phoenix Children's Hospital and other local kids organizations. Operation Cookie was a project were we supported both our local Girl Scouts and Gilbert kids who are now on active military duty. The Avenue of Flags Project is our primary fund raiser; through it we provide a patriotic service and raise money for our other projects. There are lots of other activities and ways for us to impact our community.

So, let's knock their socks off, but do it with love!