Flood Victim Still “Cries” But Is Staying Strong

Lions are known worldwide for serving their communities through a wide variety of preplanned service projects; for example, sorting glasses at a recycling center or providing food baskets during the holidays for families in need.
But Lions also stand ready to help when disaster strikes, and they can mobilize quickly; thus, the adage, “Where there’s a need, there’s a Lion.” Nowhere has this need been met so well as in the response to the flooding that occurred in San Angelo, Texas, on July 4, 2025. It’s the type of service project that you wish were never necessary, but disasters do occur unexpectedly; and Lions respond.
You typically think of Lions helping strangers in need; but in this case, the San Angelo Downtown Lions Club (SADLC) met the call to help one of its own members, Lion Linda. Lion Linda’s home was flooded, and she was overwhelmed by the devastation. On July 8th, SADLC and LEGACY members worked alongside non-Lions who showed up at Lion Linda’s home to clear the debris. Clearing the debris was a daunting job, but everyone worked together to put the destroyed items at curbside for trash pickup. Salvageable knick-knacks were bubble-wrapped and boxed. Hugs were frequently exchanged as people arrived to help or to drop off Gatorade or water.
But this service project extended beyond the physical aspect of cleanup; it also extended to the emotional support that is so crucial when an unexpected disaster occurs—because the aftermath often leaves the victims in a quandary on how to proceed, what to do. There’s paperwork to prepare for insurance, for FEMA assistance, for local funding. It’s a slow, lengthy process that often creates unneeded stress and anxiety. And for Lion Linda, it was no different; confronting the destruction left in the wake of the flood is emotional. She admitted, “Still cry but I know it’s gonna take time,” she responded to a fellow Lion who had texted to check on her. She continued, “I try to let go but it’s hard to do so but I will make it thru, especially w/ friends like you and others and relatives.”
And that’s exactly what will happen: Lion Linda is getting through this experience all the stronger because she is resilient. She has to be.