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: September 02, 2006 .
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