Community Service Ideas
by Lion Walt Whitmyre

 
Many Lions Clubs ask the question, “What is the difference between fundraising and community service?  Isn't it the same?”  Well, it can be a very blurry line.  In my mind, fundraising is the volunteering of time to generate money which is then given to another organization to perform a worthy service.  Community service, on the other hand, is the volunteering of time to perform the worthy service yourself.  In other words, you remove the middle man.  In most cases, this requires more volunteer time than most Lions are willing to contribute.  I would advocate that clubs cannot afford not to perform community service (sorry about the double negative).  What are the benefits of community service over fundraising?
 
 1.  Visibility: By performing the service, people in the community actually see what your club believes in and supports.  They see you doing something worthwhile!
 2.  Membership:  People who like what you are doing might get motivated to join.
 3.  Cost effectiveness:  It is more efficient to deliver the service yourself than it is to give money to others who then deliver the service.
  4.  Unity:  Collective activities build club solidarity.
 5.   Recognition:  If other organizations perform the service with your money, your club may never be recognized.
 6.   Reward:  Members may find it more rewarding to help someone directly, than to see other people using your money to help them.  It's more hands-on.
 
 I could go on, but I think the above-cited benefits outweigh any "finding the time" logistical problems.  Your club simply must find the time -- and the right community service project.

 
The best way to select a service project is to go to your local governing body (city council/township trustees/county commissioners), and ask them where you can help.  Ask them for a list of projects which require volunteer hours.  Here are but a few suggestions:
 

Visit senior citizen housing and community centers
Perform recycling activities
Sponsor health fairs (vision testing/blood drives/screening)
Start a Leo Club
Provide disaster relief and assistance
Perform housework for the disabled and elderly
Sponsor civic competitions and contests
Transport non-driving adults
Conduct food or clothing drives
Participate in redemption/rebate programs
Purchase audio-visual devices for the disabled

You get the idea.  Now it is time for your club to call up the Mayor, and find out where he/she needs help.  If you find your club is fundraising more than serving the community serving, try to reallocate your resources to strike a 50/50 balance.  Don't just give your hard raised money to others, get out there and deliver the goods yourself!  You will be glad you did.