The Sebastopol Gravenstein Lions help LCI serve over 200 million people in the areas of VISION, YOUTH/EDUCATION, HUNGER, ENVIRONMENT and HEALTH.
EYEGLASS COLLECTION: The Sebastopol Gravenstein Lions usually collect thousands of eyeglasses annually. Last year the Club sorted almost 2000 eyeglasses go to Lions In Sight for distribution to persons in need. As of September 2023, we have collection boxes at the following locations:
In Sebastopol, CA -
Exchange Bank - 720 Gravenstein Highway N. - Box on right by door
Sutter Hospice Thrift Store - 748 Gravenstein Highway N. - Box behind main counter
Sebastopol Specialty Center - 6880 Palm Drive - Box in front lobby
Sebastopol Library - 7140 Bodega Avenue - Box in lobby outside main door
Sebastopol Area Senior Center - 167 High Street - Box in main lobby area
Burbank Heights - 7777 Bodega Avenue - Box in recycle shed
Community Church - 1000 Gravenstein Highway N. - Ask staff
In Forestville, CA -
Forestville Pharmacy - 6652 Front Street - Box at pharmacy desk
VISION Programs: Our club works closely with the West Sonoma County School Nurses to provide vision screening and eye glasses from pre-school through high school. We also provide eyeglasses to adults in need and refer patients to the Lions Eye Foundation in San Francisco.
YOUTH & EDUCATION: Gravenstein Lions have been involved in athletic and academic programs in many West Sonoma County (CA) Schools. We served as the "Chain Gang" at Analy High School football games, offered scholarships at Laguna High School, and have assisted in activities at Forestville, Oak Grove and Guerneville elementary schools. We sponsor local Scout Troops 27 (B) & (G) and Pack 128. For many years we have annually selected two Laguna High School Students for $500 scholarships. We initiated the Aesa Sullivan Memorial Scholarship (named after a past Lion Scholarship winner) in 2022.
HUNGER: We provide financial support to the Redwood Empire Food Bank in Santa Rosa,CA and have packaged foods for distribution.. We also support the Ceres Community Project which provides meals, prepared by Teen Chefs, to cancer patients.
ENVIRONMENT: Our club members worked with Sonoma County Regional Parks building tables and BBQ stations in the Lions Grove at Ragle Park in Sebastopol. We've done fencing of old and young oaks at Ragle Park.. We have done sign painting on Sonoma County Park's Joe Rodota and West County Trails. In 2021 we began a 3 year Adopt-A-Road project cleaning 1 mile on both sides of Occidental Road for Sonoma County.
OTHER PROJECTS: Over the years Gravenstein Lions have built handicap ramps for persons in need and worked on local Habitat for Humanity houses. We've served meals at Canine Companions Inc. graduation ceremonies.
FUNDRAISING: The Gravenstein Lions no longer have a Fireworks Sale fundraiser but are working with others on other fundraising options.
WE SERVE - we invite you to join us in our efforts! We are doing more projects in 2023 - 2024 and beyond..
