Group Seeks To Start Orland Hills Lion Clubs Chapter, Needs More Members

ORLAND HILLS, IL — A group of nearly two dozen people is seeking to form its own Lions Club chapter in Orland Hills, and is hoping to attract more members.

The Lions Club is a global volunteer network with the motto "We Serve." Members fundraise and do local work to support vision and eye care, fight hunger, protect the environment, fund diabetes and childhood cancer research, and aid communities after disasters. Lions Club International is made up of 1.4 million members in 50,000 clubs who "bring hands and hearts to the communities we serve in nearly every country on earth," according to its website.

The association's mission is to "empower Lions clubs, volunteers and partners to improve health and wellbeing, strengthen communities, and support those in need through humanitarian service and grants that impact lives globally, and encourage peace and international understanding. And we fulfill it every day, everywhere we serve."

Each group seeking to become a local charter chapter needs at least 20 members, with Orland Hills' current total being 19. They're seeking as many as possible to join.

"The more members we have, the more events we can do to raise donations and then give back to the community and people in need," said Kim Rozen.

Current members of the Orland Hills chapter are still seeking to hone in on the group's specific mission, Rozen said, but have talked about supporting the local food pantries and local veterans.

The group's next meeting will be held Wednesday, Aug. 12 at the Orland Hills Recreation Center at 16553 Haven Ave. Meetings through December will then be held the third Wednesday or each month.

Aspiring members need not live in Orland Hills, but must be at least 18 years of age.

There is an initiation fee, and an annual membership fee. Organizational roles are also still under discussion. A Facebook group has been formed for those interested in the local chapter.

The Aug. 12 meeting will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Orland Hills Recreation Center, 16553 Haven Ave.

Future meetings

• Wednesday, September 16
• Wednesday, October 21
• Wednesday, November 18
• Wednesday, December 16