The Bedford Lions Club (BLC) serves local, regional, and global communities. We are involved in several community and international service projects year-round to address real needs and make a positive difference in the lives of many.
Helping to Feed Bedford
Many folks in town are living without a consistent source of food. Even before the pandemic, there were those who experienced food insecurity on a regular basis in Bedford. We serve the community through sponsorship of the Bedford Community Food Pantry (BCFP) located at the Bedford Presbyterian Church.
Trex Recycling Project
One of our most exciting and impactful ongoing projects is collecting clean and dry plastic bags and film for the Trex recycling project. We found out that the plastic bags that are placed in the barrels next to the recycling bins are then placed in the trash and incinerated by the recycling company AFTER we are charged for the weights. Collaborating with the staff of the Bedford Transfer Station and Hannaford Supermarket, every time we collect and submit 1,000 lb. of film and plastic bags, the Trex Company sends us a beautiful bench to be placed in a public space in town. You can see BLC benches at Camp Allen and the town pool, among other locations. This project saves the town some money, keeps the bags from incineration, reduces air pollution and the town benefits with benches. The main work is collecting the bags at the Transfer Station and bringing them to Hannaford. We are always looking for other organizations to help with our collection efforts – you will be rewarded with your own bench! Schools can register separately or together. Sign up at Trex.com/recycling.
Medical Equipment for The Bedford Community, Those in Disaster Areas and Eyeglass Collection for Those in Need
Through partnership with the Bedford Transfer Station, we have set up a collection area where you can donate medical equipment and supplies including crutches, walkers, wheel chairs, canes, exam gloves, miscellaneous medical equipment, and personal items. We deliver these items to AFYA in Yonkers, NY for shipment to foreign countries and the United States. Most of the donations for this program come from Bedford residents but thanks to the publicity of this program, we also receive donations from other towns and organizations as well. In return, we have set up a medical “loan locker” to loan some of the above items to people in temporary need right here in our community.
We have an ongoing collection and delivery program of eyeglasses for those in need. Another important project is the eye screenings of youngsters in town using a non-contact SPOT screener that immediately screens for 7 problems and identifies if further follow up needed by an eye care provider.
Other BLC News and Updates
Each May, BLC awards $2,500 scholarships to college-bound Bedford seniors. Of this amount, $2,000 was donated by a former scholarship winner, Gary Chartrand. His donation will provide BLC with funds for future scholarships.
If you are interested in joining the Bedford Lions Club or just volunteering for one of our great projects, please call Sophie Cutler at 818.645.6381.
