Police officers, sheriff’s deputies and firefighters were treated to lunch courtesy of the Meridian First Ladies Civitan Club on Tuesday at Velma Young Community Center as the club looked to recognize first responders.

Kim Houston, president of the Civitan Club, said Meridian’s first responders go to the calls no one else wants to go to and work to keep the community safe. The holiday season is often a busy time for first responders, she said, and the club wanted to make sure Meridian’s police, fire and emergency medical personnel know they are appreciated.

“We’re approaching the holidays, and we know that first responders are very busy during this time of year,” she said. “And so we wanted to take time out to say thank you in advance of the holiday rush and everything, to let them know we appreciate their service to the community, and we have lunch for them today.”

Meridian’s Civitan Club, a chapter of Civitan International, works with people with physical and intellectual disabilities. Earlier this year, the club, working with Meridian Parks and Recreation, installed several pieces of playground equipment at Highland Park specifically designed for people with disabilities.

The club, however, does not stop there, Houston said.

“That’s the heart of our organization, but we take it a step further, just to do good in our community,” she said.

The Civitan Club is also launching a scholarship opportunity, with the first awards coming this year, Houston said, and provides funding to other local nonprofit organizations to help further their community programs as well.

The club’s annual fundraiser, pecan sales, is going on now, Houston said, and residents can help continue the club’s activities by purchasing bags of pecans. Additionally, she said, the club is always looking for new members and welcomes anyone interested in getting involved.

For more information about the Civitan Club or its mission, visit civitan.org.