Lions Club Projects
We have fun as We Serve...
To see some of the projects we're involved in, see this article in the Deerfield Valley News
COMMUNITY PROJECTS
For a great example of one of our projects, check out a video of Lions and Rotarians joining forces to paint The Gathering Place in West Dover, Vermont.
HOLIDAY GROCERY/GIFT BAG PROGRAM:
One in seven American households struggle to put food on the table – and one in four children in the country are at risk of hunger. This ‘food insecurity’ haunts young and old in Southern Vermont as well.
In an effort to help our neighbors who are living with hunger, the Deerfield Valley Lions created the ‘Holiday Baskets’ program, which has evolved into the "Holiday Gift Bag" program.
 |
The program has become the Club's largest and most important service project. Each year, during the holiday season we deliver gift bags, that include some locally sourced treats and for those in need, grocery gift cards. |
To broaden our reach, after Hurricane Irene in 2011, we joined forces with the Deerfield Valley Rotary Club. And in 2016 the Readsboro Lions also joined in our efforts! All together our service clubs are able to serve the whole Deerfield Valley, from Halifax to Wardsboro. In all we typically serve up to and sometimes more than 150 families, several hundred individuals from infants to invalids, and make a real impact during the most difficult time of year. We are all in this together – and, leveraging all our combined resources, we make a difference locally - all by volunteer power. We're thankful to be a medium for converting community generosity into action.
Learn More about "Food Insecurity" in the Deerfield Valley and Vermont at the Deerfield Valley News - and what local organizations are doing to help.
HUNGRY LION BIKE TOUR:
The Deerfield Valley Lions developed our annual ‘Hungry Lion Bike Tour’ as a key fundraiser for the Holiday Grocery/Gift Bag program.
Riders cycle with old and new friends - as they bicycle through the beautiful fall foliage of Vermont and Massachusetts. There are rides of all levels, plus plenty of rest stops and sag service support. At the end of the tours, everyone gets to chill with a wonderful band and great food at Town Hill in Whitingham, Vermont.
Please join us – as a rider or sponsor – in making this event a success.
The HLBT is held the last Saturday of September every year. Add it to your calendar! Check out our HLBT website at www.hungrylionbiketour.com. Contact us from there.
EYEGLASS/HEARING AID PROGRAMS:
Each year, the Deerfield Valley Lions recycle dozens, if not hundreds, of your used eyeglasses and hearing aids. The project is ongoing, so look for the donation boxes throughout the villages: at town halls, post offices, churches, etc. The Deerfield Valley Lions thank you!!
In addition, our Sight Chairman coordinates the disposition of new eyeglasses to those who cannot afford them – helping those in our community who are in need of something as essential as good eyesight, but lack the means. (Contact our Sight Chairman here for more info.)
The Deerfield Valley Lions have also helped to fund the purchase of hearing assistance technology to a student – and the pupil’s grades improved significantly, giving that youngster the means to become an educated member of our community.
PEACE POSTER:
Lions clubs around the world proudly sponsor the Lions International Peace Poster Contest in local schools and youth groups. This annual contest encourages young people worldwide to artistically express their visions of peace.
WORLD AWARENESS:
Lions help fund overseas educational trips for our local students - the results are inspiring to all.
