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Woodlands Lions Club & Interfaith collaborate on “Back To School” backpack drive

By: Andrea Czobor
| Published 07/23/2014

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THE WOODLANDS, Texas – Ensuring students all over The Woodlands receive supplies to start off the school year strong, Interfaith of The Woodlands and The Woodlands Lions Club have united to make that goal come true for the upcoming school year.

“Each year we ask our members to help every child’s first day of school be a success,” said Service Project Coordinator and Lion, Cathy Bleakley.

The annual “Back To School” backpack drive encourages the local community to support the cause by donating new backpacks, lunchboxes and school supplies through late August to the drop off at Interfaith of The Woodlands, located at 4242 Interfaith Way, The Woodlands, TX 77381. Community members unable to swing by Interfaith may alternatively choose to make a kind, online monetary donation for Interfaith’s School Supply Assistance Program in creating school and grade specific supply kits.

“We are proud to play a small role in Interfaith’s efforts to provide for the children in our community,” said Bleakley.

Lions Club International is the world’s largest service club organization. With over 1.3 million members worldwide stationed in over 192 countries, there is no doubt they run true to their motto, “WE SERVE.” The club is consisted of members from all walks of life here in The Woodlands area who are willing and anxious to give their time, energy and resources for one another whom could not do on one’s own in Montgomery County. With a small membership fee covering meeting lunches and no required time commitment needed, residents lend a hand as they can through plenty of projects without the pressure of meeting a quota.

“We truly are the best kept secret in The Woodlands,” said Bleakley.

For over 30 years, The Woodlands Lion Club members have placed high priority in serving the surrounding community; donating backpacks and providing collection boxes is a tiny fraction of their total. Averaging more than 30 charities a year, they have helped the local community with food drives, pet supply drives for the MC Animal Shelter, Toys for Tots, college scholarships, eyeglass recycling and by providing more than 200 eye exams and eyeglasses for South Montgomery County children in need.

The Lions Club also sponsors young, local, future community service leaders of College Park High Schools’ 60+ member LEO Club. With guidance from adult sponsors, students elect officers, choose service events and projects, as well as total up hundreds of hours of work during the school year.

Along with constant volunteer and support opportunities, their pride and joy, The Texas Lions Camp, a no cost, week-long summer camp in Kerrville, Texas for special needs children, is planned and organized as early as January of every year. Applications are accepted starting in January and are reviewed and processed in hopes that they have the resources for every child to attend. Physical accommodations for children in all stages of life and health are made to provide them a safe and memorable week from home, only requiring parents to find transport to and from with no cost for the camp otherwise. Recently making its debut are specifically created diabetic sections full of volunteers, medical staff, classes and activities tailored to Type 1 diabetes and so far, they have been receiving rave reviews from participating campers. The camp is hoping to grow its other facilities in the coming years as the population of campers increases in size and demand annually; along with the growth they hope to see new and eager team members participate that wish to better and serve the community.

For more information on Interfaith, The Woodlands Lions Club, or the drive, please visit the website links provided below or send an email to The Woodlands Lions Club.

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