What We Do

The Abington Lions Club runs several projects in order to help the community. They include our signature project, the Santa visits, and other projects, such as our eyeglass collections.

WeServeHow This Works

The motto of Lions Club International is “WE SERVE”.  We do this through service projects and events that impact a wide range of people locally, regionally, nationally, and worldwide.  In many cases we donate money to worthwhile causes.  It is our club policy to only donate to organizations that directly impact the cause and we do not donate to generic foundations, or organizations that do not have a direct relationship. The money we donate comes from our club projects and fundraisers.  Club administrative costs are covered 100% by club membership dues and no project/fundraising money is used for club administration or activities.

100 Million People Challenge

In July, 2014, Lions Club International President,  Joe Preston, issued a challenge that clubs worldwide serve 100 million people from July 1, 2014 and January 1, 2017 in recognition of Lions International’s 100th anniversary.

Recent Activities (July 2013 to present)

Service Projects

  • Summer 2013 – Worked several weekends to clear the brush from around the lake at Hillside Park, next to the State Hospital.
  • September 2013 – Encouraged Labor Day weekend travelers to take a safety break by providing free coffee and free baked goods at a rest area on I-81
  • December 2013 – The Lions Club sponsors Santa visiting the homes of local children.  Santa visits nearly 400 children.
  • February 2014 – Conducted an Ice Skating Party at Hillside park.  The club spent hours clearing the ice of blizzard snow and provided free hot cocoa.
  • May-October – Four times each year we clean up litter along Route 6 from Ramada Inn to Wellingtons. Please come help.
  • June 2014 – Was one of the financial sponsors for the Forever Young fishing derby and helped to run the event.  We began sponsoring this event in 2009
  • August 2014 – Helped a local elderly resident, who has very limited income, to obtain a much-needed hearing aid.
  • August 2014 – Encouraged Labor Day weekend travelers to take a safety break by providing free coffee, free baked goods, and free hot dogs at a rest area on I-81.  We estimate that over 1000 people stopped at our tent for a free item.  We reminded all to travel safely.
  • September 2014 – Donated and cooked our famous funnel cakes for the Alzheimer’s Fair conducted by the residents of the Clarks Summit Senior Living Center.  The residents sold the funnel cakes to raise funds to support Alzheimer research.

 Financial Support

  • July 2013 – Purchased a new hot dog cooker for the Abington Little League
  • April 2014 – Sponsored a Little League team and a Farm League team, and supported the Abington Little League through advertisement sponsorship.
  • May 2014 – Awarded two $500 scholarships to two Abington Heights graduates
  • September 2014 – Awarded grants to the following charities:  Lions Eye Bank, etc.

Fundraisers

  • September 2013 – Provided food at the Abington Area Joint Recreation Board Fall Festival at Hillside Park.  We sold our famous funnel cakes, burgers, hot dogs, macaroni & cheese, clam chowder, chips, vegetable couscous, and soda
  • February 2014 – Provided food at the Abington Business and Professional Association’s Ice Festival.  We sold our burgers, hot dogs, pretzels, and soda
  • June & July 2014 – For five consecutive Wednesday evenings, provided a food stand at Hillside Park supporting the Abington Area Joint Recreation Board.  We sold burgers, hot dogs, soda, pretzels and chips and enjoyed some great music.
  • July 2014 – Provided food at the Rotary Club’s 4th of July Fireworks at the Abington Heights Middle School.  We sold our famous funnel cakes, chicken speedies, burgers, hot dogs, and soda.
  • August, 2014 – Provided food at the St. Stanislas Block Party in South Scranton.  We sold our famous funnel cakes, corn on the cob, pulled pork sandwiches, candy, and caramel apples
  • September, 2014 – Provided a concession stand at the Abington Area Fall Festival at Hillside Park.  We served hamburgers, hot dogs, funnel cakes, cous-cous, mac-n-cheese, jambalaya, and potato pancakes from potatoes grated on the spot.  Part of the proceeds supported the Abington Area Joint Recreation Board which sponsors the park