Lions Club Shares Success By Giving Back To Community

Lions Club members with donated supplies after a recent food drive.

Darren Doyle, story:
The Edmonson County Lions Club has celebrated the success of the 68th Annual Edmonson County Lions Club Fair, not by bragging, but by sharing it with the local and extended community.

Even though providing the community with the best fair and carnival possible is their priority event, their work doesn't start and end there.

They recently shared some of their work to let local folks know more about what they do.

Lions Club-gathered supplies for North Carolina hurricane victims.

In late September, Hurricane Helene wreaked havoc throughout the southeast and especially in areas of North Carolina. The Lions Club partnered with Greg Vincent of Carroll Ridge Woodworking to raise awareness and collect items needed within those areas of devastation.

"Our community responded by filling a large, enclosed trailer load of supplies and items that were delivered to rural North Carolina along with over $2,500 in monetary donations," Lions Club member Jay Holland told the Edmonson Voice. "Those folks were very thankful and appreciative of our efforts."

Lions Club members load donated supplies for North Carolina hurricane victims.

Edmonson County Head Start students with new coats for the winter.

On November 16th, the Lions Club, along with other local businesses and organizations, coordinated a food drive to benefit the Senior Food Pantry in Edmonson County, which was held at Cee Bee Food Store in Brownsville.

"Generosity was on full display and a truck and trailer load was filled for our senior citizens in need," Holland said. "Over $2,000 was also presented to the pantry to use as needed for our community."
 
Recently, the Lions Club delivered around 30 winter coats to benefit each child enrolled in the Edmonson County Head Start program located in Brownsville.

"The goal of the Winter Coat Drive is that every head start child receives a new coat to stay warm this winter," said Holland. "Leo the Lion inspected every coat for each child and all coats were warm and ready."
 
In addition, the Lions Club as a whole has always worked to provide better vision services for kids. Free vision screenings along with sponsoring eyeglasses for youth & adults will continue to be a main focus entering 2025, the Lions Club said

"If you know of anyone needing eye care or eyeglasses in Edmonson County, please contact a Lions Club member. There is an application process and club approval must be granted to receive this care, but we encourage anyone in need to fill out the application and start the process to better vision."

The Edmonson County Lions Club was the recipient of the Edmonson County Chamber of Commerce's "Servant of the Year" for 2024. They recently announced a $100K state grant that they will use in part to completely remodel the main building at the fairgrounds into a new facility that will used as office space, events, and new restroom facilities.
 
The Lions Club is also accepting new membership for 2025. Contact a Lions Club member for more.