Our Projects Note: The pictures on this page are only examples of our projects.
The reason Lions do any project is to serve the community, both locally and at times internationally. Projects like the Maytown Rest Stop Coffee is a service to weary travelers and costs them nothing, although we gladly accept donations. And whatever we are doing, the money raised goes right back into the community (examples below); and hopefully, people are a little more aware of the Lions and our contributions. Who wouldn't want to be a part of an organization like this?
In 1925 Hellen Keller (left) asked the Lions Club to be her "Knights of the Blind." Now Lions help thousands of people to restore sight and hearing and imrove their quality of life. At Midday Lions, we help applicants receive cataract surgeries, cornea transplants, magnification equipment, vision therapy, special glasses/contacts, talking computer software, FM systems, hearing aids, sign language instruction, baby monitors for deaf parents, hearing guide dogs, speech therapy for children with hearing loss.
Glasses are collected all over the area and delivered to the Northwest Lions Eyeglass Recycling Center (NWLERC or "Lerc" for short). They are cleaned, sorted, graded and packed for distribution all over the world. If a new law is passed in Washington State, we may soon able to distribute them to local citizens in need.
Look at her face. Children love their new dictionaries, which are more than just word definitions: It is more like an encyclopedia of information. Every year, Midday Lions delivers dictionaries to all 3rd graders in North Thurston County.
For 21 years, Camp Leo has been devoted to serving children with diabetes in a fun, safe, educational, and medically sound environment away from home. Children are supported in learning to live a life of health and acceptance with diabetes. The overnight camping experience is a unique chance to meet others facing the same challenges of living with diabetes. To learn more, visit http://www.CampLeo.org
Combat veterans and their families have special needs, and the Lions will put on at least four family camp retreats each year that includes guest speakers from the VA and counseling services. To learn more, please visit http://www.ProjectNewHopeWA.org
The Midday Lions scholarship program is designed to recognize and assist outstanding seniors graduating from the four high schools in the North Thurston School District by awarding funding assistance for further education. Schools include North Thurston, Timberline, River Ridge, and South Sound High Schools. “Further education” includes college, community college, trade school, or other accredited training institutions. Each school selects two students for the school year, who are then scheduled to visit Midday Lions at a regular meeting to make a presentation. Information is provided the students by the Midday Lions Student of the Month Committee regarding what information is needed by the club for selection, as well as requirements for receiving scholarship funds, should he or she be chosen as a recipient. Scholarship recipients are chosen the following spring with emphasis placed on community service, leadership, and academic success. Shown here Dee McDermott, Past President and Onaleisha Petty.