March 5, 2009 in Washington Voices

Clubs perform public services that enhance their communities

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The day before his presidential inauguration, Barack Obama celebrated Martin Luther King Jr. Day by engaging in acts of service.

The president-elect called on all to honor King by following his example. The news reported about celebrities and everyday citizens accepting Obama’s charge to do something to improve our communities and in turn the nation. In his inaugural address, Obama said, “… It is ultimately the faith and determination of the American people upon which this nation relies.”

A day of service when initiated by some one as highly visible as the incoming president can have a significant impact. Even more can be accomplished if the action is repeated every year. But what about the other 364 days of the year?

One can easily find a project to join for a day. Just about any service activity at work in Spokane will welcome extra hands to lighten the load. A homeless shelter, a food bank, Habitat for Humanity or a hospice organization would likely put you to work if you appeared at their door today. The best way for our service to have a lasting impact is when it is ongoing. Service clubs such as Rotary, Kiwanis, Exchange Club and Lions Club offer the opportunity for long-term involvement in service to their community. Most clubs carry out several different projects each year, some that are repeated annually.

The effectiveness of these service clubs is enhanced by the institutional history that has developed within the parent organization and each club. The fellowship and familiarity among the membership leads to the best use of all of the members’ strengths and abilities. Yet these clubs cannot survive without new members who bring energy, fresh ideas and the individuals who will keep a club vital and healthy.

Lions Club International is the largest service organization in the world, with more than 1.3 million members in almost 45,000 clubs in 200 countries and geographic areas. At the 1925 International Convention of Lions, Helen Keller challenged Lions to become “knights for the blind in the crusade against darkness.” Ever since, Lions have been identified by their work to decrease preventable blindness and assist the blind and sight-impaired.

Spokane Central Lions Club was chartered in 1922 and is the second oldest service club in Spokane. Spokane Central Lions have assisted the sight-impaired in addition to many other service projects throughout the past 87 years. Early on, the club supported the Spokane Children’s Home as a primary activity, building a playground and hosting annual Christmas parties.

In 1938 members raised enough money to purchase property on Lake Coeur d’Alene that was used to establish Camp Four Echoes, which is still in use by the Inland Empire Girl Scouts as a summer camp. The club provided most of the labor to build the camp and develop the property. Elementary school student traffic patrol awards were provided by the club for many years, as well as the original purchase of marker cones for the crosswalks.

Current service projects of Spokane Central Lions Club include hearing screening for preschool-age children, first-year college scholarships, team and individual awards for high school debate competition, a holiday party with lunch, gifts and a visit from Santa for a selected second-grade class, holiday meals for families in need, and assistance obtaining glasses and hearing aids for those lacking resources. Club members still open and close Camp Four Echoes every spring and fall and help with maintenance.

Through their activities that enhance the quality of life in Spokane, the 100-plus-member Spokane Central Lions Club, and all the service clubs in the area demonstrate the “faith and determination” President Obama invoked on Inauguration Day.

For more information about the Spokane Central Lions Club, contact cheryljeanroberts@comcast.net or call 328-6900.

Larry Domrese is a member of the Spokane Central Lions Club.

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