The Damascus Lions have been in the Holiday Giving Project since its inception. In fact, it was the Damascus Lions who began the project in the early 1950s. The Lions collected used clothing and toys and gave food to families in the area that Lions were familiar with that needed assistance. It may have been one or two families at that time but it was a well received project.
As time passed by, Damascus Help became involved and provided the nearly new clothing and purchased some clothing. The Lions would collect and purchase the food and deliver to the assigned families, sometimes upward to 60 families. Help started keeping a list of area families that were in need. Our Lion Members, Hilda and Ken Diggs, heralded Help in so many different ways. Upon Hilda’s illness and around 1995, DELIA, Damascus Ecumenical Layman’s Association, along with Help administered the program and at that point, the Lions took 30 families as we then needed to purchase the clothing and the toys ourselves.. And about 6 years ago we added Thanksgiving to our project.
Thus, the plan we follow today went into effect. Today Faith Connections, Inc. administers this up-county project serving upward to 300 families. The families must apply for this assistance through the county. This is where Faith Connections get the names. With their program, families getting multiple deliveries of food and gifts are almost nonexistent. Great Program!
The Lions prefer to deliver our food and gifts to the respective families. It has become a part of experiencing the spirit of the Holidays for us. We encourage signing up to support the project. Should you have any questions, please direct them to Lion Barbara Barry or Lion Mary Frances Gosnell.
