The Silverdale Sunrise Lions Club has a need for volunteers who want to give back and enrich their community by their efforts. The local Silverdale club is part of the Lions Club International, serving in over 180 countries with more than 1.5 million members.

What do Lions do, you ask? First and foremost, Lions volunteer in humanitarian causes around the world in service activities such as participating in the crusade against blindness and raising diabetes awareness.

The Sunrise Lions coordinate with local schools to get eye exams for disadvantaged children and get them their first pair of glasses.

Participate in the collection of used eyeglasses for recycling to countries around the world. This past year, 1,500 pair were collected from this club alone.

In addition, Lions contribute to local school lunch programs, work with veterans groups such as Project New Hope, support the Sight First program, help with diabetes screening, support the Central Kitsap Food Bank, support St. Vincent De Paul and provide scholarship awards.

The Sunrise Lions are also  part of the Clear Creek Task Force, which is responsible for maintaining the Clear Creek Trail. This is an ongoing task that includes trash removal, trimming, grass cutting and general cleanup of the trail.

One of the most fun projects the Sunrise Lions undertake is a Halloween Run partnered with the Kitsap Roadrunners. This run is designed for runners from toddlers to experts with costumes encouraged and prizes galore. Online entries at DatabarEvents.com.

Another fun project is “Photos with Santa.” We ask for a minimal affordable donation to have a picture taken with Santa at the Bremerton Fred Meyer store.

This year the Sunrise Lions are proud to have a member – Al Hedstrom – elected to serve as district governor, an office responsible for some 40-plus clubs serving communities throughout Washington state.

This year, the Sunrise Lions will be celebrating their 20th year as a chartered Lions Club and we encourage all to come and celebrate with us and volunter for the good of your community. Meetings are every Tuesday morning 7 a.m. at the All Star Bowling restaurant.

Our motto: WE SERVE.

Hal Downes, Silverdale Sunrise Lions Club president