SUBMITTED BY  FVDG DIANE SCHAULE

Lions Clubs International selected the Lago Vista Lions Club in MD 2-S3 as recipients of the Kindness Matters Service Award.   It was presented to them at the MD2-S3 District meeting on January 18, 2025, by District Governor Jeff Kunkel.  During Lions year 2024-2025, only 30 out of more than 49,000 Lions clubs received this prestigious award, which is given annually to Lions and Leo clubs for performing an outstanding service project in one of Lions Clubs International’s global cause areas: diabetes, hunger, vision, environment, and childhood cancer.

“Lions around the globe continue to make their mark by addressing critical needs in communities and inspiring hope where it is needed most”, said Past International President Fabricio Oliveira.  “The recipients of the Kindness Matters Service Award embody the heart of Lions International – selfless service, compassion, and unwavering dedication to making the world a better place.  Through their extraordinary efforts, these Lions remind us all that kindness truly matters.”

Lago Vista was presented with the Kindness Matters Service Award and commemorative pins for “Anita’s Loomers” project dedicated to distributing loom-knotted hats and comfort items for children facing several medical challenges, with a particular emphasis on pediatric cancer patients.  During the award period, Club members had contributed 980 volunteer hours and distributed over 800 hats and comfort items to health care facilities, specifically Dell Children’s Blood and Cancer Center and Texas Children’s North Austin Campus.

This project addressed a critical need in the Lago Vista community by providing tangible support and comfort to children and families navigating challenging medical journeys.

This effort by the Lago Vista Lions coincided perfectly with an MD2-S3 District Spring initiative in progress by First Vice District Governor Dennis Gutierrez.  He challenged our District clubs to donate blankets and hats to local area hospitals who were treating pediatric cancer patients.  The challenge was met with a ton of enthusiasm.  On February 14th, two separate groups of Lions from several different District clubs delivered numerous boxes to two Austin hospitals: Texas Children’s North Austin Campus, one of the largest pediatric cancer and hematology clinics in Texas, and Dell Children’s Blood and Cancer Center.  The donations filled up the beds and back seats of two pick-up trucks.  Both hospitals received well over 700 blankets, knitted hats, gloves and scarves each!  The hospital staff was overwhelmed by the quantity, quality and Lion generosity.  We would not have had that many items had not the Lago Vista Lions supplemented the already-generous donations by Lion members of their own club who donated their time and energy to Anita’s Loomers.

This group within the Lago Vista Club continues to create handmade items all during the year to offer physical and emotional support during difficult times to those who need it.  They truly exemplify the Lions motto “We Serve”.