Pooler Lions Club Fills Trolley with Donations

for Children’s Hospital of Savannah

Pooler, February 15, 2019:  The Pooler Lions Club saw a need and set the course for a Service Project in support of International Childhood Cancer Day, which is celebrated on February 15, 2019.

Kristen King, MS, CCLS, Manager of Child Life at Memorial Health Dwaine & Cynthia Willett Children’s Hospital of Savannah, spoke at the Club’s July 2018 Meet & Greet about the needs of the little patients and families…and from there the Lions formed a plan.

Pooler Lions set out contacting local businesses and churches who would accept the challenge by displaying a bin to collect PJs and toys.  Thirteen businesses and churches accepted the challenge, 12 in Pooler and one in Savannah.  News of the challenge spread and the community came together to collect over 1,000 items, including 100 pairs of pajamas and over 30 cozy blankets and fun pillows.  In addition, Lion Bonnie O’Leary contacted Bombas Socks and, through their Giving Program, the Lions received 1,000 pairs of children’s socks to donate. 

Past District Governor and Global Service Team Chair, Len Cutuli noted, “Our goal was to collect as much as we could in four months with a focus on pajamas, stuffed animals, Play-Doh, colorful Band-Aids, superhero figurines and children’s books.  We received these and so much more! Our Pooler Lions also generously donated some great items.”

Pooler Lions Club President, Linda Saytanides stated, “The overwhelming response from the community was heartwarming.  Whenever I went to pick up a full bin, it was such a surprise to see what people were donating above and beyond what we originally asked for.  We have a doll house, mini basketball game, big fire engines, 5’ tall giraffe and many games and crafts.  We know we have touched many lives – from the people who generously donated, to the children who will receive the donations.  It’s about making a positive difference.  Our thanks also to Old Town Trolley Tours for stepping up and making the delivery extra special.”

Kristen King, Manager of Child Life, commented, “We are so grateful for the time, energy and commitment the Pooler Lion’s Club spent collecting comfort and recreational items for our patients and families. It was a pleasure to learn more about their efforts to support children receiving medical treatment. On behalf of the patients and families, thank you for the generosity and support you are sharing with them today.”

Lions Clubs International is the world’s largest service club organization with 1.4 million members in more than 47,000 clubs in more than 200 countries and geographic areas. In addition to its efforts toward conquering blindness, the organization has made a strong commitment to community service and helping youth throughout the world.

 The Pooler Lions Club is always looking for new members and new service projects to help the community. Contact us at [email protected] or www.poolerlionsclub.org.

Lions Motto:  “We Serve”

The Pooler Lions Club held a very successful Open House on Tuesday, September 25, 2018 at Lovezzola’s Restaurant. A large number of guests attended the dinner and presentation about our history and our service projects.  We were pleased to welcome 13 new members and expect more members to join soon.  Thank you to the businesses and club members who donated door prizes.  We appreciate your support in helping us to make our community a better place to live.

The Pooler Lions Club recently donated 62 new books to the classroom libraries at West Chatham Elementary Pooler School. Lion Rosemary Cutuli presented the books to Lynn Bigsbee, Media Specialist at the West Chatham Learning Center. The Pooler Lions partner with the school and volunteers work with students at different grade levels as part of the Lions Reading Action Program.

Please see the “Conventions” page.

The Pooler Lions Club conducted a free vision screening Saturday, May 20th, at the Kids Day America Festival sponsored by Bright Life Chriopratctic to benefit Greenbriar Children’s Center of Savannah.  We received and award certificate in recognition of our service to improve the lives of Children in our community.  Thank you very much! 

“New Mountains to Climb”