By: Charlene Adams
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
Mrs. Carolyn Kahl, spokesperson on behalf of The Swanton Lions Club wants to start off by thanking all the people who made this year’s Giving Tree possible. The Swanton American Legion, First Federal Savings & Loan in Swanton, Club Salon, Patty & Company, The Wings Station, members of The Lions Club, Leos, SEED and SACC students and the many volunteers that help to shop sort and wrap gifts. Without these generous folks she would not be able to do even half of what she does. The Christmas program really starts to take shape as early as October when Mrs. Kahl obtains a list of families that possibly have children in need and she personally calls each and every family on the list and takes down information on what the children need and something they would like to have. She then draws up papers made to look like stockings and each stocking lists the child’s age, sex, some things they need and something they like or might be interested in. These are then placed on Christmas trees at the locations listed above. Patrons can then take a stocking off the tree and shop for the items listed then return them unwrapped at the place they picked the stocking up from or give to any Lion’s Club member. Monetary donations are also given in lieu of shopping. All packages are due by the designated date and inventory is taken. The volunteers then shop for whatever else is needed @ Meijer in Maumee because the last 3 years they have given $500.00 towards this project. The National Guard donated toys as well. The gifts are then sorted and wrapped and distributed at the annual Christmas party. The Swanton community was so generous this year that each family received a $25 gift card to Kroger. The estimated cost of this project is over $10,000 and served 148 children and 60 families. Mrs. Kahl states that “there really is an extreme need in the community and those that have really help those in need. That is the most rewarding thing she sees through facilitating this project.” She loves to see people pay it forward.
All proceeds from the fundraisers the Lions Club does go 100% back to the community. Presently, they are raffling off a golf cart decked out in OSU colors. Raffle tickets are on sale now til Cornfest in August. Tickets are $10 each or 6 for $50. Contact any Lions member for details. And if you would like to help with The giving tree next year stop by and patronize one of the wonderful establishments listed above.
Charlene may be reached at
publisher@thevillagereporter.com
