Akron Breakfast Optimist Club - Summit County, OH

09/14/2026

🧦🍂 SOCKTOBER IS HERE! 🍂🧦
Show You Care. Share a Pair! 💛

This October, the Akron Breakfast Optimist Club is warming hearts, warming feet, and spreading kindness throughout our community! 🧦❤️

We are collecting BRAND NEW SOCKS for those in need, and we need YOUR help! Whether you donate one pair or a whole bag, every pair makes a difference.

🧦 Tiny socks
🧦 Tall socks
🧦 Fun socks
🧦 Everyday socks
💛 Yellow socks
💙 Blue socks
➡️ Just make sure they’re NEW socks!

📅 Socktober: September 3 – October 31

📍 Donation Location: New Era Restaurant, 10 Massillon Road, Akron, OH 44312

Every pair donated is a small act of kindness that can make someone’s day a little warmer. 💕 Together, we can continue the Optimist mission of bringing out the best in kids and our communities.

🧦 ONE PAIR. ONE ACT OF KINDNESS. ONE WARMER HEART & FOOT! 🧦

Please share this post and help us spread the word! 📣

Let’s fill Akron with warm socks, warm hearts, and lots of Optimism! 💛💙

08/10/2026

07/23/2026

Congratulations!

June 2026 Officer of the Month

OFFICER AMBER LOWE

On June 30, 2026, Officer Lowe pulled into the parking lot of Ken Stewart’s Grille. An employee from the nearby Take 5 Oil Change flagged her down as she exited her vehicle and advised her that one of their co-workers was actively choking. Recognizing the life-or-death emergency, she administered the Heimlich Maneuver, successfully dislodging the obstruction and clearing their airway prior to the arrival of EMS.

The swift application of aid undoubtedly saved the person’s life. Her quick thinking and the proper application of her training were crucial in resolving the situation with the best possible outcome.

Her commitment and dedication to the city of Akron, its citizens, and the Akron Police Department’s mission and core values, are not without notice as she continues to serve daily; and for this, she is being recognized for outstanding work.

05/28/2026

05/27/2026

Catch the smiling bug😁! Volunteer with the Akron Breakfast Optimist Club! Join us tomorrow evening, May 28, 2026 - 6pm at the New Era Restaurant to learn more about how you can smile more!

05/19/2026

In 1962, President Kennedy proclaimed May 15th as National Peace Officers Memorial Day, and the calendar week in which May 15th falls, as National Police Week. Established by a joint resolution of Congress in 1962, National Police Week pays special recognition to those law enforcement officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty for the safety and protection of others.

05/07/2026

05/07/2026

What an absolutely incredible and inspiring morning at the Akron Breakfast Optimist Club as we proudly honored Officer James Hadbavny with our “Respect for Law” Award! The room was filled with appreciation and admiration as we celebrated someone who is making a truly life-changing impact on the students, staff, and families at NIHF STEM Middle School.

It was especially meaningful to have Officer Hadbavny’s family, fellow officers, and the STEM Middle School Principal there to share in this special recognition. Sgt. White delivered an outstanding and heartfelt speech that gave everyone in attendance a deeper understanding of just how much Officer Hadbavny means to the school community. We learned that his role goes far beyond keeping the school safe—he is a mentor, encourager, role model, and trusted friend to so many students during some of the most important years of their lives.

Every single day, Officer Hadbavny helps guide and support students, participates in school activities, builds meaningful relationships with the kids, and helps create a positive environment where students feel safe, valued, and encouraged to succeed. The love and respect Officer Hadbavny has for the students and them for him, is undeniable and it was clear to everyone in the room that he is an irreplaceable part of their school family.

This morning was such a beautiful reminder of the positive difference law enforcement officers can make in our communities, especially when they invest their hearts into the next generation the way Officer Hadbavny does. We are beyond thankful for his dedication, service, leadership, and compassion. Congratulations again on this very well-deserved honor!

The Akron Breakfast Optimist Club is so proud to recognize individuals like Officer Hadbavny, who embody service, leadership, and optimism in our community!