PROGRESS: Service, community, and the ongoing need for support

The Sandpoint Lions Club is proud of our unwavering commitment to community service and our deep dedication to our neighbors. Despite significant challenges in funding and volunteer numbers, our dedicated members have worked tirelessly to uphold both long-standing traditions and essential programs.

An unprecedented impact: helping hundreds

The core mission of the Sandpoint Lions Club — to serve our community — is seeing extraordinary success:

• Investing in education: We will proudly award three high school scholarships this year, helping local students achieve their educational goals.

• Christmas for hundreds of families: We are incredibly proud to have helped over 1,000 children have a brighter Christmas, supporting approximately 400 families through our annual Toys for Tots program.

• Vision and hearing programs: Following the Lions' international commitment, we provided crucial assistance for sight and hearing. 

— 19 people received essential eye exams and glasses free of charge.

— We gave multiple hearing aids to those in need.

— In a vital investment for the future, we donated a vision screener to the Lake Pend Oreille School District to assist countless children with vision tests.

Events: New leadership and cherished traditions

Our community events continued to be a highlight of the year, bringing families together and supporting our programs.

• A new era for Easter: Our annual Easter event was a massive success, thanks to our new member, Jessica Wickwire, who chaired this event! 

• 4th of July spirit: Despite facing funding shortfalls, our 4th of July celebration is in the planning stage for our country's 250th year celebration! We are excited to announce that we will be hosting a beer garden (ages 21-plus) at Sandpoint City Beach on July 4th. The proceeds will directly support the fireworks display. We will be holding our annual raffle beginning May 1 (online) and in person at the “Lost in the '50s” event! We will be raffling a beautiful wood stove donated by All About Chimneys!

A candid appeal: Our need for community support

While we celebrate these successes, we must be candid with the public about the challenges we currently face. Our ability to continue this level of service is under strain.

• The funding gap: Despite the hard work of our members, our fundraising goals have fallen to an all-time low.

• The volunteer shortage: Our small, dedicated group of volunteers — both new faces and longtime members — is working exceptionally hard to manage all of our activities and programs. We need new members to share the load and bring fresh energy.

The Sandpoint Lions Club is determined to continue helping this community and its people thrive. We are making the best possible use of every dollar we receive, ensuring our traditions endure and new initiatives take root.

If you believe in the work we do — community events, giving sight to those who can't afford it, and bringing holiday cheer to local families — we need your help now more than ever.

How you can help

Join us in our mission! Every donation and every hour of volunteer time makes an immediate, tangible difference.

Donate: Help us close the funding gap!

Online: Visit our website at: sandpointlions.wixsite.com/website

Mail: Send checks to: PO Box 414, Sandpoint, ID 83864

Volunteer/inquire: Reach out to us via email at [email protected]; by phone at 208-263-4118; or stop by the Lions Den, 609 S. Ella Ave., Sandpoint.

    Ellie Mangus, with a helping hand from dad Ethan, reaches out to pat the Easter Bunny on the nose during a past Sandpoint Lions' annual Easter egg hunt.
  

    Myra Poelstra and granddaughters Carla and Eilah search for a number called during a past Sandpoint Lions' Turkey Bingo fundraiser.

Janice Rader is the president of the Sandpoint Lions Club.