Submitted by the Lions Club
By anyone’s measure a 40th anniversary is impressive! This month the Lopez Island Lions are proud to celebrate their 40th year as a member of Lions Club International. Since a service oriented group of Lopezians established the Lopez Chapter in 1975, Lopez Lions have been serving our community in a variety of ways. Some may see Lions as just ‘those folks wearing yellow vests’ who invade the Lopez Village Market periodically to sell calendars and other paraphernalia, but club members know they are a vital part of our community.
Have you ever wondered: Who puts on the 4 of July Fun Run and organizes the July 4 parade? Who provides a warm fire, hot chocolate and home baked cookies to welcome island children and their families to the annual Christmas Ship at Odlin Park? Who coordinates and staffs the blood drives? Who collects food and other nonperishable items several times a year for the local Food Bank? Who publishes the annual birthday/anniversary calendar? Who helps the Thrift Shop get recyclables and trash to the transfer station? Who moves Thrift Shop treasures to the school for the annual Christmas sale? Who collects and distributes eye glasses and hearing aids, and who would pays for eye and hearing exams? Lopez Lions sponsor these much loved and appreciated events, and many more. In addition, all revenue generated by Lions Club projects goes back to the Lopez community.
Ironically, while Lopez Lions play a key role in our community, they currently face the challenge of maintaining sufficient membership in order to continue to support their long established projects. The efforts of the members of Lions enrich the lives of Lopezians in ways that the government can’t or won’t. As governmental budgets become more strained funding police and fire protection and meeting other needs, service clubs such as Lions have stepped in to fill the void. The Lopez Lions believe the effort is well worth the benefits. Maybe you do too.
Numerous studies have shown that those who give of their time, treasure and talent feel better about themselves and are generally happier than those who don’t. Do you have what it takes to be a Lion? All that is needed is a willingness to participate with other members, have fun and make a real and significant contribution to the community.
Contact Jim Ghiglione at 468-2991 to learn more about the Lopez Island Lions Club and how you can help your community.
