Handicapped children often benefit from the work of Optimists.  The Help Them Hear program provides aids and services to the hearing impaired. 

The Respect For Law program instills in both young and old a sense of respect and responsibility to the laws of our communities and the enforcers of those laws. 

Youth Appreciation Week has been one of the most popular and enduring Optimist programs.  A week in November is set aside by clubs to acknowledge the contributions of today's youth to their communities. 

The local Optimist Clubs join in Optimist International programs like Just Say No anti-drug clubs for elementary school children, where positive peer pressure discourages drug usage. 

For Sports programs that are both competitive and educational, Optimists sponsor Tri-Star Sports and the Junior World Golf Tournament. 

Bike Safety Week, another long-time Optimist program,  gives Optimists the opportunity to educate youth in safe bicycling habits.  This message is promoted through clinics, rodeos and other events. 

The Optimist Oratorical Contest provides $150,000 in scholarship awards to young people.