Lions truly do serve others

Lion Betty Gurr and Aaron Doutrich

What an exciting evening at the recent annual Union County Lions Club Christmas party! And the word 'busy' is putting it mildly for all the activity that went on that night!

With the room crowded with Lions and guests, on behalf of the Lions Club, long time Lion Arthur Gurr presented former Lion, Wade Smith, a check to assist with the annual food boxes for the needy, given out by the local Allegheny 114 Masonic Lodge. Union County Lions Club has assisted in this project for about seven years.

Another annual Christmas project for the club is for each Lion attending, to bring an un-wrapped gift for a boy or girl for the children of S.A.F.E. House. Here again, this has been an annual project, in fact the sixth year, for Union County Lions Club. Ms. Hollis, Executive Director of SAFE, accepted the several 'trash liner' bags filled with every kind of gift imaginable. Along with Ms. Hollis was Union County Lions own Lion Kay Crofford, who also works with SAFE.

This next project was a 'first timer', in that the Lions brought non perishable foods for a local 'Desert Storm' veteran, in need of assistance; food that filled several large boxes!

L to R President Ken Castle, Wade Smith, Lion Arthur Gurr

Highlight of the evening was special teenage guest Aaron, who came to thank the Union County Lions in person for providing a special visual devise, 'Bioptic' that is attached to his eye glasses for reading and also that will possibly allow him to receive a driver's license in the future. It is rare, indeed, when Lions get to meet the person they have helped.

Is that all on this very busy evening? No! In addition to the above, again, Lion President Ken Castle was presented a special award. This time a 'Key Award' from Lions International and presented by Lion Lisa Little, first Vice President of Union County Lions Club.

To conclude the evening, the entertainment was the 'Smokey Mountain Melodies', a quartet of ladies who took us back in years with songs from our youth and 'courting' days as well as some Christmas songs. They were, Phyllis Baker, Renee Deivert, Darlene Wallace, and Shirley Evans (wife of Lion Roger Evans).

What a great time was had by all! And remember the Lions Motto: We Serve.