It’s the season for selling candy if you’re one of the young people in the Ironton Progressive Women’s Civic Club (PWCC) youth clubs.

For several years, the youth clubs have sold World’s Finest Candy to raise funds to attend the Central Region Association of Youth Clubs convention. This year it is set for for July 24-27 in Washington, D.C. The convention is a way for young people to gain a deeper appreciation for their country and “to see what’s been done for them,” said Carol Seward, supervisor of the PWCC youth clubs.

Local businesses and organizations have come alongside the youth clubs to help with the fundraisers and have volunteered to help the sell the candy. The money raised will help cover the travel expenses for club members. Without the fundraiser, many of the club members couldn’t go to the convention.

In the past, local schools took students on educational trips to Washington. Seward said the PWCC “felt like it was something (students) were missing,” and wanted to bring the experience back.

Through the trip to the convention, young people will “be going around to educational spots,” and will see “all the places we see as important,” said Seward. While local students are told about the monuments and hear about the events that inspired them in school, they don’t always get to see those things first-hand.

The PWCC clubs teach members ages 9-15 to invest in their community and take pride in it. Club members have been part of efforts to clean up litter, have volunteered at a food pantry, and have sent notes of encouragement to soldiers. The activities the young people are part of “teaches them to be productive citizens,” said Seward.

“They learn club things on a little bit different level,” said Seward.

For more information about PWCC and the youth club fundraiser, contact Carol Seward at 740-532-3522.