Matt Severin, of Eau Claire, is the principal of Dowagiac Middle School and a member of the Dowagiac Optimist Club. Severin will be one of several Optimist volunteers who will be lending a hand during the organization’s annual Halloween parade, which takes place Saturday at Beckwith Park in Dowagiac.

How long have you been a member of the Optimist Club?

I have been a part of the Optimist Club since I started working in Dowagiac, which is eight years.

What drew you to the idea of volunteering with the Optimists?

Our club’s focus is on our kids here in Dowagiac. Everything we do is about our kids, and that is what my passion is here at the school. It is an opportunity outside school to have an impact on the kids in our community. Everyone in the club is pretty passionate about Dowagiac kids.

What are some of the things you and the club volunteer with?

I help out with the Halloween Parade every year. One of my lifestyle classes helps out with packing the candy every year. It gives them a chance for some community service, an opportunity to give back to the community. In fact, just this [Tuesday] morning, Steve [Grinnewald, club president] was over here and we were packing candy with the kids. It takes all of 20 or 25 minutes to get it done when you have so many people helping.

What do you and the other club members do on the day of the parade?

We do the judging for the costume contest. I, over the years, have also led the parade through town. I have also been at the end of the parade when we hand out candy to the kids.

What is the biggest thing you and the other members get out of helping out with the parade?

It is a really fun event. There are always a lot of smiles. The kids are always so excited to show off their costumes and get a chance to be in a parade.

If someone wants to get involved with the Optimists what is the best way for them to do so?

Just reach out to me, and I will make sure to get you in touch with the right people.

Is there anything you want to say to encourage others to join the club?

If you really want to do something that warms your heart, I would say join the Optimists. It is a fun group, and we do a lot of good things for the kids. You get to see a lot of smiles.