Lions Club of Windsor
Founded in 1975, the Windsor Lions Club is celebrating its 48th year of service to the local community. As part of Lions Clubs International with over 46,000 clubs worldwide, these volunteer organizations serve the needs of people all over the world.
One of the club’s first ideas was to have an event for children. Now in its 43rd year, the annual Halloween Costume Parade and Barbecue is an event recognized throughout the community, bringing joy to hundreds of children and their families.
In 1977, the Windsor Lions obtained a $94,000 federal grant to purchase land and construct the first park in this region, Keiser Park. Years later, the club donated $30,000 for the addition of a BMX track in the southwest corner of the park, used many years for recreation and races.
In 1990, the idea of a center to serve the needs of the community developed into a plan for the Windsor Community Center. The Windsor Lions Club was instrumental in the planning and construction of this center, and raised thousands of dollars for its development. Its completion in 1995 was a dream come true.
Lions International has many programs to enhance the lives of individuals. We support these programs by assisting local citizens in obtaining eye care and glasses and helping people with hearing disabilities. Through our Recycle for Sight program, we collect used eye glasses for refurbishing and distribution to the needy in underdeveloped countries. Our financial contributions helped develop the Earle Baum Center for the Blind in Santa Rosa, a regional recreational and educational campus for the blind and visually impaired.
With emphasis on youth, we support various sports leagues for both boys and girls. Soon after the Boys and Girls Club in Windsor opened in 1997, we donated a large screen TV and video and continue to support the club on an on-going basis. Flag Appreciation Day enhances the awareness of loyalty to our nation. On that day, we distribute American flags to the 2nd grade children in Windsor Schools. Each year, with the Windsor Rotary and Kiwanis Clubs and Knights of Columbus, we give each 3rd grade student in Windsor a children’s dictionary. Our annual Peace Poster Contest provides opportunities for middle school students to express their talent through art.
The importance of supporting Windsor schools is evidenced by our annual scholarships to graduating seniors, contributions to the Windsor High School Culinary Arts Program, Booster Club, Odyssey of the Mind, Windsor WE Foundation and the Windsor Performing Arts Programs. Opportunities to develop expression of ideas are enhanced through our annual Student Speaker Contest.
Local families in financial need receive groceries weekly from the Windsor Service Alliance. People spending holidays alone or confined to their homes receive Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners through a Lions countywide program We support. these programs.
Opened in late 2021, the Windsor Veterans Village provides housing and care for homeless and disabled veterans. We support this project.
Through grants, we also help families displaced by fires and floods.
HOW DO WE DO ALL THIS?
Through our annual Crab and Shrimp Feed, St. Patrick’s Day Dinner, beer and wine concession at Summer Nights on the Green, and Mimosa/Bloody Mary booth at the Farmers Market.