The Hinckley Lions Club appreciates this opportunity to speak
in the Royal blog about our passion. We
are a group of women and men that are part of an international organization
with over 1.4 million members who have a common aim to work together to
strengthen our communities and make the world better.
Our club formed in 1970 and in the ensuring 54 years has
become a “go to” source of help for the school and nearly every organization in
the community. Our assistance can be
advice, financial support or plenty of hands and feet.
Over the years we have provided labor and finances for a
school fitness trail, playground equipment, tennis court, and park
benches. We find great satisfaction in
providing a Peace Poster Art Contest for Middle School students and celebration
picnic for elementary students at the end of a successful school year. With Easter just around the corner we prepare
an Easter Egg hunt with thousands of plastic eggs filled with candy, money and
a few golden eggs that are redeemed for Easter gift baskets.
Lions have been called “Knights for the deaf and blind”
since they accepted Helen Keller’s call to help treat and prevent vision and
hearing loss. We partner with the Big
Rock Lions Club to fund glasses for needy students who have been identified by
the school district. We also recycle
glasses, hearing aids and other items for people in developing areas of the
world. A collection box for these items
is provided outside of the Hinckley Public Library.
Then there are outdoor experiences and camps supported by
Lions for those with physical disabilities.
The Lions Fishing Derby at the Shabbona Lake State Park each July
provides fishing, boat rides, a petting zoo, and tours of the park for a day
outing. Camp Lions provides a week-long
experience for those with physical limitations to experience nature and
increased self confidence with their disability.
Our biggest investment each year provides scholarships for
HBR students to continue their education.
We manage three scholarships for graduates-- some to attend two years at
a community college or trade school. We
will hold a scholarship pancake breakfast on Sunday, March 3 to raise funds to continue
these monetary awards.
Come to the high school cafeteria this Sunday between 7:30
and 11:30 for pancakes & sausage or biscuits & gravy. The meals can be eaten at the school, taken
home, or delivered to your home if you are elderly or home bound. Call Shar (630-800-0742) to arrange delivery. While at the school, you can get a quick,
free eye exam to alert you to the need for a more detailed exam.
The Hinckley Lions Club also supports Lions International
efforts to reduce childhood cancer, eliminate hunger, treat diabetes, and
restore our environment. Millions of
dollars are invested into research and treatment of these causes each year,
including projects right here in Hinckley.
The Lions Club invites you to join one of our newest members,
Elementary School Principal Deb Hervey (center), in our journey of
service. Participate in just one
activity or more depending on your available time. Together we can have fun as we make our
community a better place to raise a family, work, and enjoy life.
Follow us on Facebook and in the Hinckley Update monthly
newsletter for details about upcoming activities. Contact Secretary Mark.Bernhardy@gmail.com for more
information.
