Lions Club happenings in COVID restricted environment

DAVENPORT – Your Lions Club has been as active as possible in these restricted times through virtual means, social media activities or small group meetings within the restrictions.

We were unable to have our major fundraiser, Turkey Bingo, which is not only a financial resource for the club, but also a time for the community to get together for a fun filled evening for a chance at prizes, turkeys, hams, potatoes and pies. While the active bingo could not be held, the raffle ticket sales conducted was as successful as possible with the curtailed public contacts. The club made enough money to carry on some of its financial disbursal programs such as scholarships, youth activities and disaster contributions. Over 160 prizes were given out to those who purchased raffle tickets.

Our calendar sales were successful as well, even though we were limited on personal contacts. Hopefully, everyone got the calendars they signed up for. We may have a few calendars left over that can be purchased. You can send us a note (address provided at the end of the article) or contact any Lions Club member to get the process started.

The Boys Scout Charter, which the club sponsored, did not get renewed due to low scout participation. The Boys Scouts were active, but membership reduced to a point it couldn’t be re-chartered. Part of the financial support for the scouts was the aluminum cans collection. The collection was offered to the Ventured scouts but it, too, is disbanding. The Lions Club, through member Bob Guhlke, has been sponsoring the Youth Fishing program in the spring. Kids get to fish in Cottonwood Creek after the creek has been stocked with fish. Guhlke has worked hard at keeping this program on track for our young fishers. The Lions Club Board has given Guhlke the can collection program for Youth Fishing. This will generate some income to offset the expenses of the program. Guhlke has contributed much of his own money and time to this program, which he started. Contributions can also be made to the Club or Guhlke for this program.

The club gave $500 each to four disaster relief programs concerning the Whitney Road Fire that occurred last Labor Day weekend .: Friends of the Fair, Lincoln County Cattlemen’s Association, Lincoln County Farm Bureau and Pioneer Title for Lincoln County Fire Districts. Many of our members spent time fighting the fire and assisting in recovery efforts.

In the near future, the club hopes to utilize our sign by the car wash to advertise coming events for the community. While we have no active events planned due to the pandemic, the club may still advertise anyway. Normally, we would have the Easter Egg hunt and breakfast on Easter Weekend. The Youth Fishing may also be advertised there if the event can take place.

We will continue with highway cleanup and community cleanup with the county, city and chamber, if we are permitted.

Even though we are unable to meet like we normally would, we are always looking for new active members to join our program of fulfilling needs of our community and having fun doing it.

The Lions Club address is P.O. Box 328, Davenport, WA. 99122, in the event you want more information on our club or contribute to our youth programs. Thank you and be safe.

– Jim Reinbold, Lions Club Secretary.