Oktoberfest
The Chester Lions Club's major fundraiser is our annual Oktoberfest and Antique Car Show. The event takes place every year the last weekend of September at Chubb Park in Chester, NJ. All proceeds of this event are donated to worthy causes in the local communities and/or eye sight related project as well as Lions International designated needs.
Lunch with Santa
Each year the Chester Lions Club hosts a free luncheon for children 10 and under, and their families. Children are treated to hotdogs, chips and cookies. After lunch, the children are entertained by a magician before being visited by Santa Clause. Santa and his helpers distribute toys and candy to all of the children in attendance. In 2011, we hosted 120 children and their families for the event.
Eyeglass Recycling
The Chester Lions Club collects used, unwanted eyeglasses through collection boxes located throughout the town. If you have any old, unwanted pairs of eyeglasses please take them to one of our collection boxes so that we can recycle them and get them to a person in need. The Chester Lions Club collects approximately 3,500 pairs of glasses each year. Collection boxes are located at the following locations. Hearing aids are also accepted.
Additional Club Projects
- Free eye and ear screenings to community members.
- Local support for the fire and police departments and first aid squads in the area, boy and girl scout troops, athletic programs, the food pantry, Chester Senior Housing, and the library. Welkind Rehabilitation Center, Matheny School, The Seeing Eye, and Morristown Memorial Hospital are also supported with major donations.
- Scholarships are awarded to deserving seniors at Mendham and West Morris High Schools for many years.
- Financial support for victims of major catastrophes such earthquakes and hurricanes and for victims of 9-11 was sent direct and also through donations to Lions International.
- Donations have been given to organizations that support our troops returning from Iraq and Afghanistan.
