You could tell Michelle Law was eager to get the gavel in her hand. As soon as Charlotte Kiwanis Club President Dan Vanderstelt handed it over during a special ceremony Tuesday, March 28, Law gave it a quick swing.
Amid the chuckles generated her eagerness, you could see the absolute pride each member of the Sunshine Crew Aktion Club members felt to be officially recognized as a charter club of the Charlotte Kiwanis Club.
“We appreciate what you’re doing,” Vanderstelt said as he presented the gavel and banner that will hang during each Sunshine Crew meeting to come.
Created in May of 2026, the Sunshine Crew Aktion Club is comprised of adults with disabilities, and big hearts. Their sole purpose is to meet, raise funds and perform community service projects through Eaton County.
The Club meets each Tuesday morning at Transitions — a division of Community Mental Health that serves adults with disabilities throughout the Tri-County area — in Charlotte. Currently, several members help the Charlotte Kiwanis Club with their shoe drive by picking up donations from locations throughout Charlotte. This past summer, the Sunshine Crew Aktion Club members sold ice cream and other refreshments during the Concerts on the Square Series.
Charlotte Kiwanis Club member Pam Huffman, who serves as an advisor to the Sunshine Crew said starting each Tuesday with the Club
“I am so thrilled to be able to be the Kiwanis advisor,” Huffman said. “I love each and everyone of you. I can have a bad week and I come out here and its fantastic by the time I go home. Thank you each and everyone of you for what you do for this club and what you’re going to do for this community.”