Spring is turning into summer in Greendale! During this time of renewal (and also despite COVID-19), the Lions Club was able to help out its community on many different levels: to assist in times of crisis, to extend a helping hand, and to re-imagine itself so as to better serve the community and beyond.
Time of Crisis
This March, a suggestion from a community member launched the Lions Club into action. The plea was to assist in replenishing the St. Alphonsus Food Pantry shelves as they were having a difficult time getting enough donations from their parishioners. The COVID-19 pandemic has caused hardship and food insecurities for many more families than this food pantry normally served, and with the Easter holiday coming up, the need was growing. Within one day, the Lions Club President, pitched the idea for a food drive, gained approval from the Greendale Lions Board and rallied local community organizers to advertise. Immediately, club members volunteered to collect donations on Saturday-Sunday, April 4-5. During the weekend food drive, Lions members collected a tremendous amount of food (including hams, children’s Easter candy packages and butcher shop gift cards) along with just over $5,000 in money/gift cards, all while practicing “social distancing” and safe sanitization.
Janet Kloser, spokesperson for the St. Alphonsus Food Pantry, spoke of her gratitude for the effort. “We greatly appreciate each person’s and organization’s participation and generosity. Thanks to everyone!” she says. “The amount of donations – in food, money, boxes, space and promotions – is very humbling. We will be able to serve so many people, and no doubt our numbers will continue to go up over the next months,”Kloser adds.
A second event that showed “club and community” coming together during COVID-19 was the “Passport to 4.” The Lions Club greatly appreciates all the times the local restaurants stepped up to support its festivals, events and other Greendale fundraisers, so they felt it was the time for the Greendale community to return the favor.
For six weeks, the Lions were able to “serve” the community in a different way: urging Village residents to “support local” and patronize these restaurants to help them through this difficult time. The promotion offered a weekly drawing to win a $25 restaurant gift card by visiting four participating Greendale restaurants and entering the contest by providing the receipts. Success for both Village businesses and residents!
Extending a Helping Hand
With one door closing, another opens. This was the case when the Greendale School District discontinued being the Chartered Organization for Pack 505 and Troop 506 in Greendale.
As Lions Clubs and scouting organizations share common goals Greendale Lions Club: A Service Journey and foster the same ideals, it was an easy decision for the Lions Club to become the new Chartered Organization. It will be a great partnership: the scouts will be able to assist at Lions’ events to gain volunteer hours and the Lions will be able to offer opportunities for the scouts to get involved with community service, Eagle Scout projects and career skills.
A Solid Foundation
Service has always been the foundation of the Lions, and the Greendale Lions Club serves well. To further
promote making a real difference that people can see and feel, the Greendale Lions Foundation was created this spring. It’s existence is simple: to support the service, mission and goals of the Greendale Lions Club through
charitable giving to Greendale and the extended community. While the Lions Club will still continue to lend a helping
hand by sponsoring local community events, the Foundation now exists to take these efforts to a whole new level. Solely responsible for providing donations and scholarships to those who need the assistance, the Foundation will
continue to extend the compassionate giving of the Greendale Lions. There are many programs, groups and individuals that have benefited from the generosity of the Greendale Lions Club in the past – and the new Foundation will continue this history of giving. Please consider making a difference alongside the
Greendale Lions Club – donations to the Greendale Lions Foundation are always accepted and greatly appreciated, with 100% of these donations directly assisting those in need. The Greendale Lions Foundation
is a 501(c)(3), not-for-profit corporation, registered with the State of Wisconsin.