Even in a small town, service can make a big impact, and members of the Eden Lions Club are proving just that through continued community involvement and recent recognition at the district and international levels.
The Eden Lions Club has been named a recipient of both the 5 Star Club Excellence Award and the Mission 1.5 Premier Club Award, honors presented by 5SE District Governor Reid Christopherson. The awards recognize excellence in service, leadership, membership growth and organizational strength.
The 5 Star Club Excellence Award, presented by Lions International, is given to clubs that meet rigorous standards, including recruiting new members, contributing to the Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF), reporting multiple service activities and completing leadership training. The Mission 1.5 Premier Club Award is part of Lions International’s global goal to reach 1.5 million members by 2027 and recognizes clubs that achieve full member retention, growth and active recruitment.
Most recently, the Eden Lions Club earned another park bench through the NexTrex recycling challenge after collecting and reporting 1,000 pounds of plastic. In addition, proceeds from the club’s annual Turkey Shoot fundraiser were donated to area food pantries, with $500 each given to pantries in Sisseton, Britton and Webster.
Throughout the year, the club supports a wide range of service activities, including plastic and aluminum recycling programs, community cleanups, eyeglass collection, calendars for the visually impaired and parade participation. Members also volunteer their time with organizations and events such as Eden Days, Santa Days, the Museum of Science, Wildlife and Industry, a Make-A-Wish Poker Run and by hosting community meals.
Fundraising efforts include a pancake breakfast, turkey shoot, sports boards and Viking football book sales. Donations from those efforts support numerous local and regional causes, including youth sports teams, senior meals, area food pantries, Relay for Life, Toys for Tots, the South Dakota Lions Foundation and LCIF disaster relief and vision programs.
The Eden Lions Club will host its next Pancake Breakfast this Sunday (Feb. 15) from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Sacred Heart Church Parish in Eden. The event is open to the public with a free-will donation.
The club meets on the third Tuesday of each month at Club Eden. Anyone interested in learning more about the Lions Club is encouraged to attend a meeting or contact President Dan Poss at 605-310-4055, email [email protected], or visit the Eden Lions Club Facebook page.
