Project

Description

Adopt-a-Highway

Quarterly, members pick up litter from Akaka Falls State Park to the highway junction, a distance of approximately 4 miles.

Adopt-a-Park

Akaka Falls State Park was adopted by the club in June 2010. To date, members created a garden near the entrance, painted the pavilion, cleared overgrowth, scrubbed the walkways, and repaired damage done by feral pigs.

Aloha Outreach

The Salvation Army-Family Intervention Services conducts an Aloha Outreach program during the holiday season for disadvantaged families.  Members assist with the serving of a meal to the attendees.

Blood Bank of Hawaii

Members assist the Blood Bank of Hawaii by providing and manning the refreshment tables for blood donors.

Cases for Kids

Small rolling suitcases, backpacks, school supplies, personal toiletry articles, and toys are collected then presented to The Salvation Army-Family Intervention Services for distribution to foster children.

Domestic Violence

Members participate in a march/vigil to bring awareness to domestic violence, support sign waving efforts of recent victims of domestic violence, and assist with serving of meals at the end of the vigil.

Fundraisers

Members assist local organizations with their annual fundraisers:  American Cancer Society Relay for Life; Hospice Light Up a Life; The Salvation Army Kettle Collection; and American Red Cross Hats Off Campaign.

Hearing Screening

Students in elementary schools undergo an otoscopic examination, tympanometric screening, and pure tone screening (except kindergarteners). This screening may possibly be extended to preschoolers.

Memorial Services

Members have been presenting a floral bouquet to honor and remember the Veterans during the Memorial Day Service, the American Japanese Association Memorial Service, and the Veterans’ Day Service.

Neighborhood Place of Puna

Members assist NPP with the distribution of school supplies to disadvantaged youths in the Puna area.  The club makes a monetary donation as well.

Used Eyeglass Recycling

Members collect used eyeglasses which are cleaned, packed then eventually shipped to California for processing and distribution to third world countries.  Members also participate in Lions in Sight, an annual one-day District 50 project that collects used eyeglasses and hearing aids from the public.

Vision Screening

Students in preschool and elementary schools are screened for near visual acuity, distance visual acuity and depth perception.  Recently, plus lens was added.  Also, screening is conducted for the public during Hui Ho’okupono Ohana Fun Day, Celebrate the Family Event, and the Mayor’s Health Fair.  The club also assists whenever the Project: Vision van is brought to East Hawaii.  This van is equipped to take a digital picture of the retina.

Visually Impaired

A luncheon is held for visually impaired clients in Region VII during the holiday season.  Recently, activities suitable for the visually impaired have been added to the program:  tactile bingo and chair zumba.  Also, members participate in the annual White Cane Safety Awareness Walk.  Visually impaired clients are joined by Lions of Region VII in a brief walk around the judiciary building in Hilo.

Weinberg Foundation

Non-profit 501-C (3) organizations can apply for a grant in the amount of $10,000.  A minimum of 25 members donate 100  hours in a project associated with the chosen organization. 

Past recipients were The Children’s Justice Center, Big Island Substance Abuse Council, and The Salvation Army-Family Intervention Services.

Akaka Falls Lions Club also sponsors a Leo Club at Laupahoehoe High School; provides a scholarship to a graduating senior at Laupahoehoe High School; participates in the Peace Poster and the Sight is Beautiful Poster Contests; assists whenever the International Youth campers arrive in East Hawaii; and conducts fundraisers to support both community service projects and club operating expenses. 

In addition, the club has been involved in one-time projects: power washing the River Cottage for Hilo Medical Center Foundation; serving dinner to all attendees of HI-PAL Basketball Challenge; painting playground equipment at Honomu Park; cleaning beach at Laupahoehoe Point, Kolekole State Park and Hakalau Beach; and erecting playground equipment at Panaewa Zoo.