Ephrata Lions Club
'We Serve'
Ephrata, Pennsylvania... Since 1925
History
Club History:
The Ephrata Lions Club was chartered with 28 members on
February 26, 1925
with the help of Lancaster Lions Club as sponsoring club. Ephrata and
the
surrounding area have benefited through individual and combined efforts
of the
club members.
Over the years the community has changed as well as the needs of a
growing
community. Early highlights include erection of flashing lights at
railroad
crossings, organization of community welfare fund, starting a community
chest,
formation of a visiting nurses association, and provisions of hospital
equipment
for community use. A clinic for crippled children and operations for
crippled
children were financed. Minstrel shows were staged for benefit of
crippled
children's fund. Seven and one-half ton's of food were collected and
$3,000 was
contributed for the Friendship Train. 4-H Clubs were organized for both
boys and
girls.
Transportation and expenses have been provided for examinations,
treatment and
operations for those whose sight had been impaired have provided
throughout the
years. Many pairs of glasses and hearing aids have been provided for
adults as
well as children. Eye service and education have been high on the list
of our
priorities. Drives are held for donors to pledge their eyes upon death
for
cornea transplants. Minuteman are standing by to transport those
donated eyes
wherever most urgently needed. Many hours spent in securing pensions
for blind
in the area. Annual ambulance dues have been paid by the club for the
blind, as
well as providing summer camp experiences, fruit baskets at Christmas
and radio
to receive the reading library.
For many years the club was active in securing summer vacation homes
for
children from New York City area. In many cases these children were
provided
with needed clothing.
Almost since the inception of the Ephrata Farmers Fair or Ephrata Fair
as
presently known, the club has been active in this project by sponsoring
bands,
floats, and Miss Lancaster County Pageant contestants. The fair
provides a
source for our fund raising activities.
At the Christmas time the club over the years have been involved in a
variety of
activities. Annually, toys and candy have been distributed as well as
parties
for the blind and underprivileged children of the community. In 1945
the club
sponsored a Christmas Lighting contest until 1973 with the energy
crisis.
On February 9, 1945 the Ephrata Lions Club sponsored the East Cocalico
Lions
Club and on December 11, 1979 the club sponsored the Pen-Elm Area Lions
Club.
Seeing a need for women to be involved in the work of Lions, the
Ephrata Lioness
Club was sponsored on March 25, 1984. The Lioness Club existed for ten
years,
while the Lions Clubs that were sponsored are still going strong.
The Ephrata Hospital has received considerable support over the years.
The club
has donated over $100,000 as well as purchasing equipment as needed.
Our children have received our help in a variety of ways. The School
Patrols of
the schools are hosted and recognized annually. Girls and Boys Scouts
have been
supported. An annual Easter Egg Hunt as well as an annual Halloween
Party is
held. A Marble Tournament was held from 1948 to 1956 with prizes
awarded.
Through the Ephrata Recreation Center, funds are provided by the club
for its
operation and for the baseball program. The club has given over
$100,000.
During the forties and fifties, over $6,000 was contributed to the
Memorial
Athletic Field for the construction of a field house and erection of
fence.
Since 1956 annual contributions have been made to the War Memorial
Association
toward the July 4th celebration. In the 1990's, in cooperation with the
Akron
Lions Club, a new score board was erected and the flag pole that was
damaged in
a wind storm was replaced -- both to the benefit of the War Memorial
Association, the Ephrata Area School District, and the Ephrata
community.
At the start of the 2000-2001 Lions year, the Ephrata Lions Club was 99
members
strong, with 33 activity committees and a budget of $23,000 needed to
support
planned projects. In addition, the Club began sponsoring a Leo Club in
the
Ephrata area in 1999.
The Ephrata Lions Club... WE SERVE... since 1925!
Last Revised: June 9, 2010.
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