Celebrating 97 Years of Service: The Bossier City Lions Club
Bossier City is buzzing with excitement as the Bossier City Lions Club marks an incredible milestone, celebrating 97 years of service and community support. Since it was chartered on September 2, 1927, this dedicated group of volunteers has made a lasting impact on the lives of residents in Bossier City and beyond.
A Commitment to Community
Throughout its rich history, the Lions Club has seen a diverse array of members, including city officials, state legislators, doctors, judges, business leaders, and educators. Frank Russell, who joined the club in 2016 after retiring, currently serves as the club’s secretary. Russell shared that the members do not earn any money for their service; instead, all fundraising efforts are allocated directly back into the community. “It’s truly rewarding to see how our efforts help those around us,” Russell explained.
Key Events and Fundraisers
One of the Lions Club’s most significant annual events is the Bossier Parish Jamboree, which they have hosted since 1954. “It takes over 500 volunteer hours to pull off the jamboree,” Russell mentioned. This event is not just about fun and games; it plays a critical role in funding many of the club’s community projects. For Russell, one of the most rewarding aspects of the jamboree is its contribution to the Cub Sight program, which focuses on vision screenings for young children.
Helping Kids See Clearly
This program, sponsored by the Louisiana Lions Eye Foundation, provides vision screenings to children in Head Start and daycare programs. Russell explained that they use advanced instruments to check the children’s pupils and identify any vision problems that might need corrective attention. “It’s amazing to see how much of a difference we can make,” he said. If families can’t afford the glasses their children need, the Lions Club is there to step in and help.
Supporting Local Schools
The Lions Club also extends its support to Bossier Parish high schools. Proceeds from the jamboree are used to donate to participating schools’ football programs and award scholarships. Each year, a $1,500 scholarship is given to one student from each high school, showcasing their commitment to educational advancement in the community.
Recycling for Sight
Another fantastic initiative is the Lions Recycle for Sight program, where the club collects used glasses. Russell revealed that they average over 2,000 pairs of glasses each year! These are sent to a processing center, refurbished, and then distributed, helping those in need of eyewear, particularly in Mexico.
A Special Campsite for Special Needs Children
The Bossier City Lions Club also helps fund programs for children with special needs. They send kids to the Lions Camp in Leesville at no cost to their families. “It’s a wonderful summer camp where kids can engage in various activities,” Russell said. “Parents get a break knowing their children are safe and having fun, which is heartwarming.”
Community Partnerships
In addition to their own initiatives, the Bossier Lions Club also supports various other organizations in the area. From Bossier Parish 4-H to Ring the Bell with the Salvation Army and Keep Bossier Beautiful, they are deeply woven into the fabric of the Bossier community.
Join the Lions Club Family
When asked about the biggest benefit of being a member of the Bossier Lions Club, Russell shared, “The biggest benefit is the feeling you get when you go to daycare and screen kids. Hearing the joy when a child comes to you with new glasses is priceless.” If you’re interested in joining this incredible group and giving back to the community, simply reach out via the Bossier Lions Club Facebook page; Russell is eager to welcome anyone ready to roll up their sleeves!
Getting Involved
The Bossier City Lions Club meets every Thursday at Noon and operates out of their Lions Hut located at 716 Bearkat Drive, Bossier City, LA 71111. You can also call them at 318-747-9444 to learn more about their initiatives or how to get involved.
With nearly a century of service under their belt, the Bossier City Lions Club remains a shining example of community spirit, compassion, and outreach. Here’s to many more years of making a difference!
