Plainfield Lions Reach 145 Families With Christmas Basket Program

PLAINFIELD, IL — Each year, the Plainfield Lions Club hosts its Christmas Basket program to help local families in need.

2022 marked the 72nd year making this effort, and organizers said the club will be able to assist 145 families and 805 people in the Plainfield area using the $31,675 worth of Jewel gift cards. A team of 50 Lions members and friends will deliver the gift certificates to families Saturday.

"I'm incredibly proud of the Plainfield Lions Club and grateful for the extraordinary generosity of our very own members and the 26 community donors who sent donations," Larry Wiers, event chairman, said in a statement.

In the 24 years since Wiers has served as the Basket program's chairman, the Lions Club has impacted the lives of 14,000 people with $372,725 in food gift certificates, officials said.

The organization fuels the Christmas Basket program through fundraisers that take place throughout the year and other outreach efforts, including providing glasses and eye care to those in need.

"The Plainfield Lions Club is committed to helping those most in need in the Plainfield area, especially during this difficult time," Wiers said.