With all of the stress of exams, it can seem like there is no time just to sit back and have a good time with friends. Junior Optimist International Club members, however, had an opportunity to do just that.

On Thursday Dec. 15, the JOOI club held their annual Christmas party in sponsor Teresa Decio’s room 6-202 to discuss upcoming events while eating Christmas treats.

Members brought treats like brownies, cookies and cupcakes to the party as they gathered for their last meeting before winter break.

“This time of the year is always very busy for the club because there is so much going on in the community,” vice president Madilyn Maschoff said. “We thought it would be a fun thing to do in order to relax and enjoy one another’s company.”

To end the meeting club members did the JOOI club creed which speaks about the type leaders that they will be when representing the club.

“I like the Christmas party because it is my favorite holiday,” sophomore Michael Dezego said. “It’s fun to have get together a like this to loosen up before our finals.”

The JOOI Club focuses are on community service and special needs. The last Friday of every month they hold a special needs dance, which is basically like a prom for the special needs community and their families.  They also have helped out with big events like the Riverside Haunted House as well as having clean-up crews after Hurricane Matthew to help people out.

They have an upcoming community outreach event on Jan.21.

“We are always there to help in the community whether or not we offer our services or they ask for them,” president Amanda Heinzman said. “I love giving back to the community that means so much to me.”

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